Tips to Renovate and Better Your Laundry Room

The old days of scrubbing your dirty laundry on a washboard along the riverbed are long gone.

Today, many homeowners are lucky to have their laundry rooms indoors and many are state-of-the-art. For example, when creating an updated laundry room, homeowners might want to think about adding frontload washers and dryers.

Frontload models make up a generous portion of the washing machine market, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

Popular choices are frontloaded washers and dryers offered by many appliances manufacturers. In addition, lots of consumers are choosing to move their washer and dryer to prominent locations within their homes into spaces adjacent to kitchens, bedrooms, or bathrooms for easier access.

Installation options on many models include stacking the machines for an integrated look, or consumers may choose custom under–the–counter, custom built-in, or side-by-side installations. Optional storage drawer pedestals with dividers are available to provide convenience and extra storage space for detergent, dryer sheets, and other cleaning supplies on some models.

Other elements to consider when updating the laundry room include making sure there is adequate storage space, and extra space beside the washer for a laundry sink to rinse stains or presoak clothes before washing. Constructing the room larger than what you need allows for expansion later; for instance, the addition of a crafts or sewing area.

Let There Be Light (In Your Laundry Room)

Make sure the room is bright, too. Not only does adequate light create a more cheery, safer work environment, but it provides proper light for important tasks such as ironing, identifying stained areas on clothing, and better performing the task of properly matching socks. Experts suggest non-glaring, uniform incandescent lighting and besides overhead lighting, a separate wall fixture located near appliances and the laundry room work table is also convenient.

Like the kitchen work triangle of the stove, refrigerator, and sink; appliance, work table, and sink placement in the laundry room layout is important for ease of use.

Regardless of whether you have a small laundry room or large, utilizing wall space over and around work areas for supplies and storage will save steps and time. No-fuss flooring that can handle occasional spills will save time and maintenance; vinyl or ceramic tile are good choices.

Other Elements

It’s all about space and being able to multi-task when it comes to laundry duty. For example, a fold-down table or shelf on the wall beside the washer, for instance, provides a surface for sorting clothes or applying pre-treat before washing. A work table off the side of the dryer is handy for removing clothing from the dryer and folding it. A corner for an ironing board and to hang pressed clothing is also handy since many of today’s specialty fabrics require at least light pressing after laundering.

If you have a stationary table by the dryer for folding clothes, place color-coded plastic bins for each family member under the table; ready to receive clean, folded laundry. This frees up table space while separating laundry for easier distribution.

A nearby wastebasket is handy for cleaning the dryer filter. And 1-inch PVC pipe makes great hanging rods for permanent press clothing as it comes out of the dryer, placed at a convenient height over the dryer or folding table for ease of use.

A second fold-down table provides an additional work area without taking up extra space; great for heavy laundry days such as when bed linens are changed, or for visiting friends and relatives.

‍
Adding shelves and artwork to plan walls in the laundry area also updates the room making it more homeowner friendly.

Besides the kitchen, the next most popular room most homeowners spend their time in is the laundry room. Why not make it as comfortable and spectacular as possible?

Some homeowners have even installed wall TVs, stereo systems, and added exercise equipment like a stationary exercise bike, treadmill, or elliptical to work out while waiting for their laundry to finish.

Upgrade Detergent

Try swapping out regular detergent for one that’s 100 percent free of perfumes and dyes, like All® Free Clear Clean & Care. It’s recommended by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians for sensitive skin, with a keratin-enriched formula that smooths fibers to promote elasticity.

Go Green

Laundry rooms can feel sterile, so add some greenery to make them feel homey. Carve out a little space for a leafy plant that doesn’t need much light — or Ficus if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t need to be watered often.

Have Fun with Stencils

Instead of tiling floors, a more affordable project is to get some porch and floor paint, painter’s tape, brushes, and a stencil, and DIY your design. This project will take time, but the new change will make the room feel like a new space.

Streamline Storage

Exchange a bulky plastic hamper for an upgrade. Woven baskets add neutral color and a  texture, making the room feel more inviting.

Cabinets

Change out drawer pulls and knobs for something fun or give them a paint-over in a soothing shade, like pale blue, or a green with yellow undertones. Or this small space can also be a fantastic way to try something dramatic, like a sunshine yellow for a real pop.

Take a Risk When Designing and Building

The bottom line? Take a risk and go for whatever makes you smile—those little pops of personality can go a long way in creating a space you love.

Isn’t it time to say so long to your boring laundry room, and welcome a cool place to wash your clothes, do some yoga when you’re not folding laundry?

A laundry room doesn't have to be a boring room that makes you want to run for the hills rather than spend time doing what most of us must do several times a week.

Don’t hesitate and get busy updating and renovating your ugly laundry room inro something happy and a place where you can enjoy spending time.

‍