My Blog: Four Projects From One Washer: Part 1

My clothes washing machine died recently and I was ready to call the local garbage company as they take these types of appliances separately from the normal trash. However, something changed, they no longer accept larger appliances. I don’t have a truck or large SUV to take the washer to the dump so let’s see what I can make from the parts.

I broke down the washer and trashed most of the internal components but kept a few parts to create four projects. I kept the steel drum, the weights, the door, the plastic enclosure to the drum and the outer shell of the appliance.

Fire Pit: 2-cylinder blocks, 2 weights and the drum.
Rotating Planter: A base to a plastic cone, and the plastic enclosure.
Cat Housing: The outer shell.
Fence Window: The door of the washer.

The fire pit was the easiest. I took 2 blocks to create the base. I used concrete glue to secure the weights from the washer to the blocks. This creates a great base for the steel drum to sit on. The drum can be picked up and emptied after a fire. Simple enough.

A planter is a safe bet as I plan to grow some tomatoes as it’s the perfect size. I took a base weight from a tall traffic/safety cone and placed the rotator piece as the bottom. I will find a place for it and can rotate it every few days, so the plant gets sun from all angles. I will rattle can paint the outside to make it look better. A watering system can be added with minimal additional work.

The third project uses the enclosure. I ripped out the rest of the components and added a blanket and cat bed as the base. I accidentally tossed the front base piece of the washer, so I put some boards together and then zip tied it to the washer for base protection as the hole in the washer is the way to access the housing. I may rattle can to another color, so it doesn’t stick out so much.

The last project planned is with the glass door. I have small dogs and might cut a hole in my fence and secure the door so the little ones have a window view to the outside world.

There you have it! Four fun projects from a broken clothes washing machine. Part 2 will highlight the finished projects. What else can you think of?