Handling Small Laundry Room Makeover Without Damaging the Fabric

You want to makeover your small laundry room. Maybe your laundry room is cramped, cluttered, or inefficient. A small laundry room makeover can maximize space, improve efficiency, and make laundry day easier. Here’s how to handle a small laundry room makeover.

A small laundry room makeover is the process of redesigning and organizing a compact laundry space to maximize storage, efficiency, and functionality. The key elements are vertical storage, folding surfaces, proper lighting, and durable materials. A well-designed small laundry room can be as functional as a large one. The key is using every inch of space wisely.

To handle a small laundry room makeover, measure the space, plan the layout, install vertical storage, add a folding surface, improve lighting, use durable flooring, add a drying rack, organize supplies, and maintain the space. Don’t overcrowd the room, don’t use non-durable materials, and don’t block access to the machines.

Planning the Makeover

Step 1: Measure the Space

Measure the room dimensions, including the height, width, and depth. Note the location of the washer, dryer, sink, doors, windows, and outlets.

Step 2: Plan the Layout

Plan the layout based on the measurements. Consider the work flow: sort, wash, dry, fold, iron. Place the washer and dryer side by side or stacked.

Step 3: Set a Budget

Set a budget for the makeover. Small laundry room makeovers can range from $100 (organizers and paint) to $5,000+ (new cabinets and countertops).

Step 4: Choose a Style

Choose a style that matches your home. Popular styles include modern, farmhouse, minimalist, and industrial.

Maximizing Space

Install Vertical Storage

Install shelves or cabinets above the washer and dryer. Use the full height of the room for storage. Vertical storage is the most important element in a small laundry room.

Add a Folding Surface

Add a folding surface above the washer and dryer or on a side wall. A countertop or fold-down table provides a surface for folding clothes.

Use the Back of the Door

Install hooks or a rack on the back of the door for hanging items, ironing boards, or cleaning supplies.

Use Slim Storage

Use slim storage carts or pull-out organizers between the machines or in narrow spaces. Slim carts on wheels can hold detergent, stain removers, and other supplies.

Add a Drying Rack

Install a wall-mounted drying rack that folds flat when not in use. A drying rack is essential for delicates and air-drying.

Use Stackable Bins

Use stackable bins or baskets on shelves to organize items by category. Label each bin for easy identification.

Install a Hanging Rod

Install a hanging rod above the folding surface for hanging shirts and dresses straight from the dryer.

Choosing Materials

Flooring

Choose durable, water-resistant flooring. Good options include tile, vinyl plank, and laminate. Don’t use carpet, which absorbs water and stains.

Countertops

Choose a durable countertop for the folding surface. Good options include laminate, butcher block, and stainless steel.

Cabinets

Choose cabinets that fit the space. Wall cabinets are better than floor cabinets in small rooms because they don’t take up floor space.

Lighting

Install bright lighting. Good options include LED recessed lights, under-cabinet lights, and a ceiling light. Bright lighting helps you see stains and sort colors.

Paint

Paint the walls a light color to make the room feel larger. White, light gray, and pale blue are good choices.

Organizing Supplies

Detergent and Cleaners

Store detergent and cleaners in slim carts or on shelves. Keep Tide Free and Gentle, OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam, Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Amodex Ink and Stain Remover, and Arm and Hammer Baking Soda organized and within reach.

Baskets and Bins

Use baskets and bins to sort clothes by color (whites, lights, darks, delicates). Label each basket.

Ironing Board

Install a wall-mounted ironing board that folds flat when not in use. A full-size ironing board takes too much floor space in a small room.

Trash and Recycling

Add a small trash can for lint and used dryer sheets. Add a recycling bin for empty detergent bottles.

Maintaining the Space

Keep It Clean

Wipe the folding surface, machines, and shelves regularly. Clean the lint filter after every load.

Clean the Machine Monthly

Clean the washer monthly with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner.

Leave the Door Open

Leave the washer door open between loads to prevent mold.

Declutter Regularly

Declutter the room regularly. Remove items that don’t belong and reorganize supplies as needed.

What Not to Do

Don’t overcrowd the room. Leave enough space to move and work. Overcrowding makes the room feel smaller and less functional.

Don’t use non-durable materials. Laundry rooms have water, heat, and chemicals. Use water-resistant flooring and durable countertops.

Don’t block access to the machines. Make sure you can fully open the washer and dryer doors and reach the controls.

Don’t use carpet. Carpet absorbs water, stains, and harbors mold. Use tile, vinyl, or laminate instead.

Don’t forget ventilation. Proper ventilation prevents mold and mildew. Install a fan or open a window.

Don’t ignore lighting. Poor lighting makes it hard to see stains and sort colors. Install bright lighting.

FAQ

How do you makeover a small laundry room? Measure the space, plan the layout, install vertical storage, add a folding surface, improve lighting, use durable flooring, add a drying rack, organize supplies, and maintain the space.

How do you maximize space in a small laundry room? Install vertical storage above the machines, add a folding surface, use the back of the door, use slim storage carts, add a wall-mounted drying rack, use stackable bins, and install a hanging rod.

What flooring is best for a laundry room? Tile, vinyl plank, and laminate are the best flooring options for laundry rooms. They’re water-resistant and durable. Don’t use carpet, which absorbs water and stains.

How much does a small laundry room makeover cost? A small laundry room makeover can range from $100 (organizers and paint) to $5,000+ (new cabinets and countertops). Set a budget based on your needs and goals.

What should you store in a laundry room? Store detergent (Tide Free and Gentle), stain removers (OxiClean, Dawn, Shout), laundry sanitizer (Lysol), machine cleaner (affresh), baking soda, ink remover (Amodex), baskets for sorting, ironing board, and cleaning supplies.

References

1. The Spruce. “Small Laundry Room Ideas.” thespruce.com.
2. Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Room Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
3. HGTV. “Laundry Room Makeover Guide.” hgtv.com.
4. Real Simple. “Laundry Room Organization.” realsimple.com.