For many, doing laundry is not something we look forward to. But this necessary chore can be made easier given the right space and the right amenities. Here are 6 laundry room essentials to keep in mind if you’re considering a remodel.
1. Spaces to fold laundry
When it comes to your laundry room, functionality is key. Not only do you need adequate space for your washing machine and dryer, but you also need room to fold clothes.
If space is tight, you can do this by creating a platform that floats above your washer and dryer (for front loading machines). This lets you easily remove your clothes from the dryer and fold them right away.
If you have a bit more room to work with, you can add some counters to your laundry room to provide folding surfaces.
2. Storage
Adequate storage is another of our laundry room essentials. You don’t want to have to lug your detergent from another room every time you do a load of laundry, so consider adding a few simple storage cabinets.
If space doesn’t allow for cabinets, a floating shelf or two, or even a niche built into the laundry room wall can also be great ways to solve your storage needs. A literal folding table that rests against the wall and can be raised and lowered when needed is another space-saving option.
3. Utility sink
Sometimes dirty clothes need a bit of pre-cleaning before they go into the washer, or maybe you just need an extra sink for home clean ups. These are just two reasons a utility sink should be on your laundry room essentials list.
Having quick access to this amenity lets you easily pre-wash or pre-treat extra dirty clothing then toss it right into the machine. Need to wash off some paint brushes or clean yourself up after working on the car and don’t want to mess up the kitchen or bathroom sinks? The laundry utility sink is the perfect option.
Since the laundry room already has a water supply running to it, installing this type of sink should be relatively easy to add as part of a remodel or upgrade project.
4. Right type of flooring
Since water exposure is likely in this room, you want to make sure you have flooring that’s water resistant. Good quality laminate or luxury vinyl plank, as well as tile are great options. All should be able to withstand water pooling for up to several hours. More porous flooring materials like cork, marmoleum, bamboo, or hardwoods should be avoided.
5. Floor drain or automatic shutoff valve
You never know when your washing machine may spring a leak, so it’s a good idea to plan for it, just in case. A simple floor drain can limit any water damage to the space in the event that a leak occurs. If you want to go one step further, you can install an automatic water shutoff valve to your washing machine. It works by sensing when the machine is in use, allowing water to flow to it, and closes the water supply to the washer when it’s not.
6. Good Lighting
Brighten up your laundry space, and make your folding and other tasks in there easier by adding either natural light or sufficient artificial lighting. Forgo the single light bulb or fluorescent lighting and opt for something like recessed lights or track lighting. You can even install lights under floating shelves or within cabinets to add some extra warmth and improve visibility.
Bonus tips
Space planning
If you’re thinking about a laundry room remodel, be sure to plan the space accordingly. Side-by-side washers and dryers generally require about four to five feet of horizontal space, and about three feet of depth space (including room for hoses and other attachments).
If you have top loading appliances or ones that stack, be sure to measure heights and clearances so you can plan for enough room.
And you want to make sure the doorway to your laundry room is wide enough to accommodate your washer and dryer. The average width of washing machines is 27 inches, so plan for a door opening that’s a few inches wider than yours to make sure it will fit.
If extra space for a separate laundry room isn’t available in your home, consider combining it with a bathroom. Your bathroom will already have plumbing lines running to it to help ease installation. And you likely will have some storage room for your laundry items.
Are you thinking about adding or upgrading a laundry room, or doing another type of home remodel? We’re happy to discuss your project. Simply schedule a conversation with us!