Laundry Storage: What Works and What to Avoid
Laundry Storage: What Works and What to Avoid
Your laundry room is a jumble of detergent bottles, stain removers, and dryer sheets. You can’t find what you need when you need it. The ironing board is leaning against the wall, the dryer sheets are wedged behind the detergent, and the stain remover is on a different shelf than the detergent. Good laundry storage makes laundry faster and less frustrating. Bad storage makes every load a scavenger hunt. Here’s what works and what to avoid with laundry storage.
Laundry storage is the organization of laundry supplies, including detergent, stain removers, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, ironing supplies, and cleaning products. Good laundry storage keeps supplies visible, accessible, and sorted by function. The right storage depends on your space, budget, and laundry routine.
To organize laundry storage, 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. Avoid overcrowding, storing non-laundry items in the laundry area, and keeping supplies in hard-to-reach places.
What Works
Vertical shelving. Install shelves above the washer and dryer for detergent, stain removers, and other supplies. Vertical storage uses wall space efficiently and keeps counters clear.
Grouping by function. Store supplies in groups: washing (detergent, baking soda, vinegar), stain treatment (stain removers, dish soap), drying (dryer sheets, dryer balls), and ironing (iron, spray starch).
Clear bins. Use clear bins for small items so you can see what’s inside without pulling them off the shelf. Label each bin.
Over-door storage. Use the back of the laundry room door for hanging storage. Good for small items like dryer sheets, lint rollers, and cleaning cloths.
Pull-out hampers. Install pull-out hampers in cabinets or under counters to sort dirty clothes by color.
Countertop space. If you have room, add a countertop above the washer and dryer for folding clothes. Even a small counter makes a big difference.
Drying rack. Install a wall-mounted drying rack that folds flat when not in use. Good for air-drying delicates.
Hanging rod. Install a hanging rod above the dryer or on the wall for hanging shirts and delicates to air dry.
Slide-out storage. Use the gap between or beside the machines for slide-out storage carts. Good for detergent and stain removers.
Recommended Products for Your Storage
Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle
Stain removers: Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam, OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
Odor absorber: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
What to Avoid
Storing non-laundry items. Don’t store non-laundry items in the laundry area. Every inch counts.
Overcrowding. Don’t stuff too many items on one shelf. Leave space between items for easy access.
Hard-to-reach storage. Don’t store frequently used items on high shelves. Keep detergent and stain remover at eye level.
No labels. Don’t skip labels. Labeling bins and shelves makes it easy to find and return items.
Storing in original packaging. Detergent bottles and stain remover sprays are different shapes and sizes. Transfer to uniform containers or bins for a neater look.
No sorting system. Don’t throw dirty clothes in one pile. Use separate hampers for whites, darks, and delicates.
Storing chemicals at child level. If you have children, store detergents and cleaning products up high or in locked cabinets.
Cardboard boxes. Don’t store laundry supplies in cardboard boxes, which absorb moisture and attract pests in damp laundry rooms.
Comparison: Storage Solutions
| Solution | Space Used | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical shelving | Wall | Low | Detergent, supplies |
| Clear bins | Shelves | Low | Small items |
| Over-door storage | Door | Low | Dryer sheets, lint rollers |
| Pull-out hampers | Cabinet | Medium | Sorting dirty clothes |
| Countertop | Above machines | Medium | Folding clothes |
| Wall drying rack | Wall | Low | Air-drying delicates |
| Hanging rod | Above dryer | Low | Hanging shirts |
| Slide-out cart | Gap between machines | Medium | Detergent, stain removers |
FAQ
How do you organize laundry storage? Declutter first, then group supplies by function (washing, stain treatment, drying, ironing), place frequently used items at eye level, use clear bins for small items, label each section, and use vertical shelving and over-door storage.
What should you store in a laundry room? Detergent, stain removers, dish soap for stains, baking soda, white vinegar, washing machine cleaner, dryer sheets or dryer balls, ironing supplies, cleaning cloths, and a drying rack. Group by function and keep frequently used items accessible.
How do you store laundry supplies in a small space? Use vertical shelving above the machines, over-door storage, slide-out carts in gaps between machines, wall-mounted drying racks, and clear bins. Keep only laundry items in the space and don’t overcrowd.
How do you keep laundry storage 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. Don’t store non-laundry items in the laundry area.
References
- The Spruce. “Laundry Room Storage Ideas.” thespruce.com.
- HGTV. “Laundry Room Organization.” hgtv.com.
- Better Homes and Gardens. “Laundry Storage Guide.” bhg.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Room Organization.” goodhousekeeping.com.
