
I've always wanted a smart washer and dryer combo for my home. Like it or not, we spend a decent amount of time dealing with laundry and it can be a bear to keep track of each wash. Unlike the best smart lights and security cameras which are affordable and easy to setup, an internet-connected laundry room costs upwards of $2,000, if you want to get one of the best washing machines and best clothes dryers with a built-in smarts. Since I just wanted these machines to talk to my other smart devices like my phone and lighting, I hacked my existing setup for just one percent of that figure.
Below you'll find five different sensor options I came across ranging from free (provided you already have an Alexa device in your home) to $25. These devices can be added to your existing washer and dryer and then integrated into your smart home to send notifications to your phone, make an announcement on your smart speakers, and even flash your lights to let you know when a load is clean or dry. Here's how to get started.