Plan the perfect laundry room
The tidier and more organised your laundry room (or area), the quicker and easier you’ll find doing your laundry. With our help you’ll soon whip your laundry room into shape, and break any bad washing habits.
In this page:
Preparing your laundry area
Working with a small space
Even if you’re really stuck for space, a laundry room doesn’t need much organising. Install some shelves or cabinets above the washer and dryer and use them to keep your laundry supplies handy. (Remember to store detergents out of children’s reach.) You could also put up a rack over the dryer to hang clothes out so they can fully dry. Place a drip mat on top of the dryer to catch any water that might fall from the clothes.
Working with a large space
If you’re lucky enough to have a large space or designated room to play with, you’ve plenty of options. As well as the usual storage for your ironing board and other items, you may like to consider
a good sturdy airer. Collapsible, fold away airers will save you space, but if they’re not strong enough they can sag and buckle.
Install a traditional airer
A traditional pulley-airer buys you space and keeps washing out of view – just make sure you screw it into a sturdy joist and not the ceiling plaster!
Leave the ironing board up
If your laundry room is especially spacious, you could leave your ironing board up all the time.
Make the most of shelving
Make use of any space above your washing machine with open shelves for storing liquids, stain removers and a sewing kit for any emergency repairs. Use boxes and baskets to keep everything tidy. You could even make a statement and choose co-ordinated colours!
Sorting out your equipment
Store away your ironing equipment
Tuck your iron tidily away on a small shelf, and fix hooks on the back of a door to hang up your ironing board.
Compartmentalise your laundry
These days we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picking laundry baskets. To save time sorting your washing loads, chose one with separate compartments – one each for delicates, whites, and light and dark colours would be ideal.
Separate wash baskets
Or, if you have the space, try having different laundry hampers to keep loads sorted throughout the week. It’s easier to keep an eye on what needs to be washed – and when.
Get a hanging rail
If you have the room, an airer is ideal for keeping garments on once they've been ironed.
Keep a handy washing caddy
Keep your stain removers in an easy-to-access box so you can grab them if accidents occur. Just make sure they're well out of the reach of little ones.
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