DIY Smart Laundry Sensor: Automate Drying with ESP32 and Home Assistant

Turning everyday household items into smart devices has become a hallmark of innovation, and Mellow Labs is leading the charge with its ingenious creations. One of their latest projects, the dry laundry smart sensor, offers a simple yet effective solution to the age-old question: Is the laundry dry yet? Designed for DIY enthusiasts, this project combines affordability, functionality, and the convenience of home automation. By leveraging accessible components and intuitive software, the sensor brings smart home capabilities to your laundry routine.

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Watch Ian talk about Mellow Labs' Dry Laundry Smart Sensor in this episode of The Electromaker Show

How the Dry Laundry Smart Sensor Works

Core Technology: At the heart of the dry laundry smart sensor is the ESP32 microcontroller running ESPHome firmware. This combination allows seamless communication with Home Assistant, providing real-time data monitoring and automation capabilities.

Key Components: The sensor features custom 3D-printed clamps equipped with copper tape to act as resistance sensors. These clamps measure the resistance of wet versus dry clothes, with wet clothes showing lower resistance and dry clothes exhibiting higher resistance.

User-Friendly Programming: ESPHome simplifies the setup process with YAML-based configurations, making it accessible for users with minimal programming experience. This ease of use ensures that even beginners can integrate the sensor into their smart home ecosystem effortlessly.

Benefits of the Smart Sensor

Automation Capabilities: By integrating with Home Assistant, the smart sensor enables custom notifications, such as sending an alert to your smartphone when the laundry is dry. This automation helps streamline daily routines, particularly for busy households.

Cost-Effectiveness: The DIY nature of this project keeps costs low, utilizing affordable components like the ESP32 microcontroller and copper tape. This makes it an attractive alternative to commercial solutions.

Customisation Potential: The design is highly adaptable, allowing users to tailor it to their specific laundry setups. For those inclined towards experimentation, there’s even potential to incorporate advanced features, such as AI for enhanced accuracy in moisture detection.

DIY Laundry Smart Sensor

Step-by-Step Build Insights

Setting Up the ESP32: Begin by flashing the ESPHome firmware onto the ESP32. Use YAML configurations to define the device’s functions and establish its integration with Home Assistant for data visualization.

Assembling the Hardware: Print the 3D clamp design and attach copper tape to create resistance sensors. These sensors will be used to measure the moisture levels in the laundry.

Final Integration: Connect the hardware to the ESP32 and sync it with Home Assistant. Test the system by monitoring the resistance levels in wet and dry clothes, ensuring accurate readings and reliable notifications.

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