Storage Above Washer and Dryer: A Repeatable Care Routine
Storage Above Washer and Dryer: A Repeatable Care Routine
You have space above your washer and dryer and want to use it for storage. Maybe your laundry room is small and you need every inch of space. Storage above your washer and dryer keeps laundry supplies organized, accessible, and out of the way. Here’s how to set up and maintain storage above your washer and dryer.
Storage above a washer and dryer is the space on the wall or cabinetry above the appliances. This space is ideal for storing laundry supplies like detergent, stain removers, and cleaning products. The key to good storage above your washer and dryer is choosing the right storage type (cabinets, shelves, or organizers), keeping products organized, and maintaining the space regularly.
To set up storage above your washer and dryer, choose wall-mounted cabinets or floating shelves, measure the space, install securely, organize products by frequency of use, and maintain monthly. Don’t store heavy items high, don’t store products that leak, and don’t block ventilation.
Types of Storage Above Washer and Dryer
Wall-Mounted Cabinets
Wall-mounted cabinets are the best option for storage above a washer and dryer. They keep products dust-free, organized, and out of sight. Look for cabinets that are 12 to 15 inches deep and 24 to 30 inches wide.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a budget-friendly option. They’re easy to install and provide open storage. Look for shelves that are at least 10 inches deep to hold standard laundry product bottles.
Over-the-Washer Shelves
Over-the-washer shelves are designed to fit above standard washers and dryers. They typically span the width of both appliances and provide 2 to 3 shelves of storage.
Hanging Organizers
Hanging organizers attach to the wall or the back of the door. They’re good for small items like stain removers, measuring cups, and dryer sheets.
How to Set Up Storage Above Your Washer and Dryer
Step 1: Measure the Space
Measure the width, height, and depth of the space above your washer and dryer. Leave at least 2 inches of clearance above the appliances for ventilation.
Step 2: Choose the Storage Type
Choose wall-mounted cabinets, floating shelves, or over-the-washer shelves based on your space, budget, and needs.
Step 3: Install Securely
Install shelves or cabinets securely into wall studs. Use a level to ensure they’re straight. Don’t install shelves directly on drywall without anchors.
Step 4: Organize Products
Organize products by frequency of use. Keep everyday items (detergent, stain removers) at eye level and less frequent items (machine cleaner, extra supplies) on higher shelves.
Step 5: Label Everything
Label shelves or bins to keep products organized and easy to find.
What to Store Above Your Washer and Dryer
| Product | Storage Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Detergent | Eye level | Keep sealed, avoid leaking |
| Stain removers | Eye level | Keep upright to prevent leaks |
| Baking soda | Any shelf | Store in sealed container |
| White vinegar | Lower shelf | Heavy, store low |
| Machine cleaner | Higher shelf | Used monthly |
| Dryer sheets | Any shelf | Lightweight |
| Measuring cups | Hanging organizer | Small items |
| Spare rags | Any shelf | Fold neatly |
Recommended Products
Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle
Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Baking soda: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
The Repeatable Care Routine
Monthly: Reorganize and Clean
Step 1: Remove all products from shelves or cabinets.
Step 2: Wipe shelves with a damp cloth and Dawn Ultra Dish Soap.
Step 3: Check product expiration dates and discard expired items.
Step 4: Wipe product bottles and containers.
Step 5: Reorganize products by frequency of use.
Weekly: Quick Tidy
Step 1: Return products to their designated spots.
Step 2: Wipe any spills or drips.
Step 3: Check stock of essential products.
Daily: Habits
Step 1: Return products to their spots after each load.
Step 2: Wipe any spills immediately.
Step 3: Keep the area clutter-free.
What Not to Do
Don’t store heavy items high. Heavy items can fall and cause injury. Store heavy items on lower shelves.
Don’t store products that can leak. Leaking products can damage the washer and dryer. Keep bottles upright and sealed.
Don’t block ventilation. Leave at least 2 inches of clearance above the appliances for ventilation. Blocking ventilation can cause overheating.
Don’t install shelves without anchors. Shelves installed without wall anchors can fall. Install into wall studs or use heavy-duty anchors.
Don’t store food near laundry products. Keep food separate from laundry products to avoid contamination.
Don’t overload shelves. Overloaded shelves can sag or fall. Follow the weight limit for your shelves.
FAQ
What can you store above your washer and dryer? Store laundry supplies like detergent, stain removers, baking soda, vinegar, machine cleaner, dryer sheets, and cleaning cloths. Keep heavy items on lower shelves.
How do you install storage above a washer and dryer? Measure the space, choose cabinets or shelves, install securely into wall studs with a level, and organize products by frequency of use. Leave 2 inches of clearance for ventilation.
How high should shelves be above a washer and dryer? Install shelves at least 12 to 18 inches above the appliances. Leave 2 inches of clearance for ventilation. Keep everyday items at eye level.
How do you maintain storage above a washer and dryer? Wipe shelves monthly, check expiration dates, wipe product bottles, return products to their spots after each load, and keep the area clutter-free.
What is the best storage type for above a washer and dryer? Wall-mounted cabinets are the best option. They keep products dust-free, organized, and out of sight. Floating shelves are a budget-friendly alternative.
References
- The Spruce. “Laundry Room Storage Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Organization Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Better Homes and Gardens. “Laundry Room Ideas.” bhg.com.
- HGTV. “Laundry Room Storage Guide.” hgtv.com.
