Laundry Room – Mastering Organization, Cleaning, and Decluttering
Welcome to week 8 of my 52-week cleaning, organizing, and decluttering challenge! This week, we’re tackling the laundry room—a space that tends to become a catch-all for cleaning supplies, mismatched laundry baskets, and forgotten items.
- Week 8: Laundry Room – Organize Supplies
- Clean out the laundry detergent, fabric softener, and other cleaning supplies.
- Wipe down the washer and dryer.
- Organize laundry baskets or hampers.
- Clean lint trap and dryer vents.
If you’ve been letting your laundry area get out of control like I did, you’re not alone. But trust me, with the right strategies, you can transform this often-overlooked room into a functional, efficient space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to organizing, cleaning, and decluttering your laundry room, complete with expert tips and product recommendations!
Step 1: Clear Out the Clutter
Start by decluttering your laundry supplies. Take a look at your detergent bottles, fabric softeners, stain removers, and other products. Experts recommend regularly evaluating your products and tossing anything that’s expired or no longer useful. Over time, products like detergents and cleaners can lose their effectiveness, so it’s best to keep only what you actually use.
Pro Tip: Make it a habit to go through your laundry supplies every few months. To streamline this process, group items by type (e.g., detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers) and arrange them on your shelves so that the items you use most often are front and center.
Product Suggestion: If you’re looking to store your supplies more efficiently, consider investing in stackable storage bins like these [a d] Large Laundry Detergent Powder Storage Containers with Wooden Lids & Labels. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4lgvsrD They make it easier to see your products and access them without digging through clutter.
Step 2: Clean Your Washer and Dryer
Even though washers and dryers seem like they get clean with every load, they need a deep cleaning too! Dust, detergent residue, and even soap scum can accumulate over time. Start by wiping down both the exterior and the drum. Pay close attention to the washer door seals, which can trap moisture and mildew.
Pro Tip: Run an empty cycle with white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to sanitize the drum and eliminate odors. For the dryer, clean the edges and knobs thoroughly—grime tends to build up in these areas unnoticed.
Product Suggestion: For tackling stubborn grime on your washer and dryer, try a [a d] Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, Lint Free, Absorbent, Streak Free, Non-Abrasive, Reusable and Washable, Pack of 24, Multicolor, 16″ x 12″. I appreciate the towels for their washability, value for the money, and quality. I find the towels useful for cleaning tasks like wiping spills on hardwood floors and car windows. The towels are durable and long-lasting, with a non-raveling edge. Many customers find them soft and reliable, saving money on paper towels. However, some dislike the thickness and have mixed opinions on the size.
Amazon creator ad link to this specific Amazon Basics product https://amzn.to/43mqDqe.
These cloths are gentle yet effective, and they work wonders on both surfaces without leaving streaks.
Step 3: Sort and Organize Laundry Baskets
Do your laundry baskets always seem to overflow, or do you often find yourself hunting for the right one when you need it? Time to change that. Start by evaluating the condition of your laundry baskets. Broken handles or small tears can make sorting laundry more difficult, so replace them if necessary.
Pro Tip: Get baskets that are not only durable but also labeled—either with tags or permanent markers—to help you stay organized. Try to designate a basket for each category of laundry, such as lights, darks, delicates, and towels. This will save you time and energy when sorting laundry.
Product Suggestion: I highly recommend these [a d] SAMMART 42L (11 gallon) Collapsible Plastic Laundry Basket – Foldable Pop Up Storage Container/Organizer – Space Saving Hamper/Basket. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4i0Xxk2
They’re great for saving space and are easy to move around. Plus, you can label each one for ultimate organization!
Step 4: Clean Your Lint Trap and Dryer Vents
The lint trap and dryer vents are two places we often overlook when it comes to regular maintenance. A clogged lint trap not only decreases your dryer’s efficiency, but it’s also a major fire hazard. Cleaning the lint trap after every load is key, but don’t forget to check the dryer vents too.
Pro Tip: At least once a year, check the dryer vent hose for buildup. You can do this by disconnecting the hose and vacuuming it out. For a more thorough clean, invest in a vent cleaning kit to get into hard-to-reach areas. Cleaning the vent will help your dryer run more efficiently, potentially saving you money on energy bills!
Product Suggestion: For deep vent cleaning, try this [a d] Sealegend 37-Piece Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit Omnidirectional Include 33Feet Dryer Vent Brush Blue Dryer Vacuum Attachment Lint Brush Vacuum&Dryer Adapter. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/41XY9C7 which includes a long reach brush and attachments for cleaning even the trickiest spots.
Step 5: Add Functional Organization Solutions
Now that the space is clean, it’s time to think about organization. A well-organized laundry room can make doing laundry a less overwhelming task.
Pro Tip: Install shelves or hooks for hanging items like drying racks, ironing boards, or cleaning cloths. Use wall-mounted organizers to keep bottles off the countertops and create more usable space. If you have the room, a rolling cart with various compartments can be a lifesaver for storing small items like stain removers, dryer sheets, or lint rollers.
Product Suggestion: These [a d] Laundry Room Shelves Wall Mounted with Wire Baskets, Over the Washer and Dryer Shelf with Clothes Drying Rack, Wire Shelves Baskets for Laundry Closet Organization and Storage, Wood+Metal, Black Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3Ek3lHj are a game changer for creating vertical storage space.
You can also add a small folding station or a countertop if space allows, which will make folding clothes a breeze!
[a d] Hoctieon 3-Section Laundry Sorter Cart with Ironing Board, Laundry Hamper with Shelf and Rolling Wheels with removable laundry bags. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3DWNdLX
[a d] Sunbeam 1700W Steam Iron, 8′ Retractable Cord, Variable Temperature Select, Non-Stick Soleplate, Dual Spray Mist, Horizontal or Vertical Shot of Steam Feature, 3-Way Auto-Off, Blue and White. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4i6mOcq
[a d] Lint Rollers for Pet Hair Extra Sticky – Includes 450 Sheets/5 Lint Roller Refills with 2 Durable Handles – Pet Hair Roller for Clothes – Lint Remover for Clothes, Furniture, Carpet by Fox Trot. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/42uSELk
Final Touches: Set Up a Routine
The best way to keep your laundry room in top shape is to set up a maintenance routine. Here are some quick tasks to keep in mind:
- Weekly: Wipe down countertops, shelves, and laundry baskets to maintain cleanliness.
- Monthly: Clean the washing machine drum and dryer vents.
- Quarterly: Reassess the organization of your laundry supplies and replace broken or worn-out items.
By following these expert tips, you’ll not only create an organized and functional laundry space but also streamline the entire laundry process. With everything in its place, laundry won’t feel like such a burden, and you’ll actually look forward to a quick and easy wash day!
Thanks for following along with my 52-week challenge! Check back next week for Week 9: Living Room – Organize Entertainment Center, more tips and tricks to keep your home clutter-free and organized.
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NOTE: Almost a year ago, in March 2024, I posted a Laundry Room challenge and used photos from the laundry space in my basement. The expert tips and advice shared then still applies! Here’s last year’s blog post with pictures of my dad cleaning the dryer: https://livingwithdana.com/2024/03/challenge-organize-clean-declutter-the-laundry-room/
My earlier blog post has the 52-week challenge checklist and some more links!
Download the list here (click image):
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