Laundry Shelves: How to Organize Them for a Functional Laundry Room
Laundry Shelves: How to Organize Them for a Functional Laundry Room
Your laundry room shelves are a mess. Detergent bottles are mixed with stain removers, fabric softener is wedged behind a box of dryer sheets, and you can’t find anything when you need it. You have enough shelf space, but it’s not organized. Good laundry shelf organization keeps supplies visible, accessible, and sorted by function. It makes laundry faster and less frustrating. Here’s how to organize laundry shelves and keep them organized.
Laundry shelves are storage surfaces in a laundry room used to hold detergent, stain removers, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and other laundry supplies. Well-organized shelves keep supplies visible, accessible, and sorted by function.
To organize laundry shelves, declutter first, then group supplies by function (washing, stain treatment, drying, ironing), place frequently used items at eye level, use bins and baskets for small items, and label each section. Maintain the shelves by putting supplies back after each use and decluttering every few months.
Step 1: Declutter
- Keep: Detergent, stain remover, dryer sheets or dryer balls, baking soda, vinegar
- Discard: Expired products, products you tried and didn’t like, empty bottles
- Relocate: Non-laundry items that have ended up on the laundry shelves
Step 2: Group by Function
- Washing: Detergent, baking soda, vinegar, borax
- Stain treatment: Stain remover spray, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol
- Drying: Dryer sheets or dryer balls, fabric softener (if used)
- Ironing: Iron, spray starch, spray bottle
- Cleaning: Washing machine cleaner, microfiber cloths
Step 3: Place by Frequency of Use
| Shelf Level | What to Store |
|---|---|
| Eye level | Detergent, stain remover |
| Above eye level | Dryer sheets, fabric softener, ironing supplies |
| Below eye level | Baking soda, vinegar, washing machine cleaner |
| Top shelf | Bulk supplies, off-season items |
| Bottom shelf | Heavy items, cleaning supplies |
Step 4: Use Bins and Baskets
- Stain treatment bin: Stain remover spray, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, cotton balls
- Ironing bin: Spray starch, spray bottle, lint roller
- Cleaning bin: Washing machine cleaner, microfiber cloths, sponges
Label each bin so you know what’s inside without pulling it off the shelf.
Step 5: Recommended Products
Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle
Stain remover: Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam and OxiClean Max Force Spray
Odor absorber: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Dish soap for stains: Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
FAQ
How do you organize laundry shelves? Declutter first, then group supplies by function, place frequently used items at eye level, use bins and baskets for small items, and label each section. Put supplies back after each use and declutter every 3 months.
What should you store on laundry shelves? Detergent, stain remover, dryer sheets or dryer balls, baking soda, vinegar, washing machine cleaner, dish soap for stains, ironing supplies, and cleaning cloths. Group by function and place frequently used items at eye level.
How do you keep laundry shelves organized? Put supplies back in their designated spot after each use, declutter every 3 months, wipe shelves monthly, and use labeled bins for small items.
References
- The Spruce. “Laundry Room Organization.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Room Storage Tips.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- HGTV. “Laundry Room Shelving Ideas.” hgtv.com.
