Chapter 8

The Laundry Room

GET INTO THE CYCLE OF KEEPING IT ALL NEAT.

THE LAUNDRY ROOM isn’t the most glamorous room in the house, and it’s not like anyone (other than your family) actually sees it, so it’s tempting to treat it like a junk drawer. But dropping random stuff in there like sports equipment or your gift-wrap supply “just for now” quickly clutters it up—and leaves you with a sock drawer full of singles or missing soccer jerseys on game day.

The good news? One big overhaul of your space should be all it takes to set new patterns in motion. The laundry room doesn’t often get that dirty, thankfully. Take the time to spiff up the space for whomever is doing laundry, and it will make the chore less of a pain. Because as soothing as it is to press your face into a fresh stack of clean clothes and take a satisfying sniff (we all do that, right?), you’ve got other things to do than, well, the laundry.

Keeping surface areas clear is crucial to maintaining an efficient laundry room. Otherwise, where will you fold? It also gives you an area to pre-treat stains.

Matching baskets create visual order. Assign each family member one to use as a way to transport clean clothes back to their closets.

BECAUSE THE LAUNDRY ROOM IS SO UTILITARIAN, IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE SYSTEMS IN PLACE SO THAT YOU CAN SPEND EVEN LESS TIME IN THERE. HERE’S HOW TO NEVER LOSE A SOCK AGAIN (FOR REAL) AND GET INTO THE CYCLE OF KEEPING EVERYTHING NEAT.

Clear Everything Out

First things first: You’ve probably got some nonlaundry items hanging out in your laundry room. Working methodically, left to right, pull out anything not wash-related, like soccer cleats and flashlights. Then, go through the pile, discarding or donating what you don’t need and storing the rest in more purposeful spots. To minimize mess, bring in three essentials: a jar to collect coins that fall out of pockets, a trash bin for lint and used dryer sheets, and a hanging mesh bag for stray socks.

Shelve What You Need

Neaten your supplies by designating a few high-up shelves or closed cabinets (out of reach from tiny ones) for detergent, bleach, and other solutions (no more than two of each; move extras to the garage). You can cut down on clothing pileups by setting your phone’s timer to spur you to empty the dryer or put away clean items.

Speed Up the Process

Use baskets, rolling carts or lightweight handled hampers, one for each member of the family. Speaking of the family, do separate loads for each person, or better yet, teach the kiddos how to do their own. Keep things separate, even if you’re the one doing the wash, so that you don’t get bogged down with sorting. At the very least, a hamper should go in each family member’s bedroom, and when it’s full, they bring their dirty clothes to the laundry room and sort into whites, darks, and colors. Laundry that doesn’t make it to the sorter doesn’t get washed.

Set Dry Cleaning Apart

Keep dry cleaning away from the laundry room to avoid confusion. A bag with handles, kept in the closet, works well.

Designate an Ironing Station

Set a small area aside as your designated ironing area, and put an iron caddy there so that all of your goods are in one spot. The folded ironing board goes on a wall, and add a basket above to contain your iron and a bottle of distilled water or lint roller.

Line Up Your Little Helpers

Keep the essentials near the washer on a shelf preferably at eye level. (If you don't have room, try a rolling caddie that slides between the washer and dryer.) Arrange laundry products from left to right in the order you use them. For example, start with stain removers, then bleaches and detergents, then fabric softener, and lastly, spray-on starch and distilled water for ironing. Be sure to keep bleach and ammonia (found in glass cleaners) away from each other. When mixed, they can produce toxic fumes. Corral wardrobe-related items (sewing supplies, shoe polish, spot remover) on another shelf or in a clean plastic bin. If there is room, a rag, paper towels, and household-hint books can find a home here, too.

Keep a Lost-and-Found Box

Lone socks should never leave the laundry room. If a solo sock ends up in the wrong bedroom, it is less likely to be reunited with its mate. Have a collection for such socks in the laundry room, or pin them to a bulletin board.

Toss Lint

Clean the lint filter regularly. Lint buildup can clog your dryer over time and become a fire hazard. If clothes take longer than an hour to dry, lint is likely clogging the venting system. Once a year, detach the vent hose and clean it out.

Mount a Mini Drying Rack

If you have a standard-size drying rack that practically blocks the laundry-room doorway, swap it out for a hanging one, or buy a telescoping closet valet rod that you can install on the underside of an overhead cabinet. It’s there when you need it, and it tucks out of the way when you don’t.

The Tools

STEAMER

A steamer is like having a mini dry cleaners in your home. Just a few swipes along most garments smoothes out wrinkles, disinfects, and removes odors—all without a trip outside the house.

HAMPER

SHELVING

IRON AND IRONING BOARD

ORGANIZING ESSENTIAL

An accordion drying rack is a great way to hang your delicates or things that won’t fit in the dryer. When you’re done, it folds back up and can be stored out of sight.

LINT ROLLER

LOOSE CHANGE JAR

MESH BAG

Toss any delicate items like bras or lace undies in mesh bags to avoid them catching on other items in the washing machine.

Small-Space Solutions

EVEN IF YOUR LAUNDRY ROOM IS MORE OF A LAUNDRY CLOSET, THERE ARE STILL WAYS TO KEEP THE AREA FROM LOOKING LIKE IT WENT THROUGH THE SPIN CYCLE.

Section It Off

If there’s no door separating your washer and dryer from the rest of your apartment, hang a tension rod and curtains to cover it up. You won’t be making a sound barrier, but it’ll hide the appliances and visually declutter your space.

Steam Your Clothes Somewhere Else

Keep a handheld steamer in your bathroom instead of your tiny laundry area. It’s more useful when it’s close to your closet because that’s where you’ll be pulling the items that need steaming anyway.

Look Up

Use vertical space as much as your room allows. Most washing machines and dryers sit on the floor (though pedestals are available on some models), so that means you should have room for shelving above your appliances. Store soap and other laundry-day necessities there.

Set Up a Folding Station

Washer and dryers that are front-loading and placed side by side create an instant shelf with their top surface, or a great place to install a countertop for folding. But if your model is top loading, set up a table against a wall, or better yet, install one that folds down from the wall. In a pinch, use your ironing board to fold clothes, so you can tuck it away once you are finished.

Pro Tip

“If you need to hang clothes to dry, use a retractable stainless steel clothing line. It’s more convenient and looks prettier than a permanent rod. Backs of laundry closet doors are also helpful for hanging an ironing board or additional clothes.”

—JASON URRUTIA, INTERIOR DESIGNER AT URRUTIA DESIGN

The Real Simple Method Checklist

IF YOU HAVE . . .

15 Minutes

◻ DO ONE LOAD. Throwing one color grouping in the washer and hitting “Start” will mean fewer dirty clothes cluttering up your laundry room.

◻ SHELVE THE REST. Put detergent and other laundry items on the top shelf and out of the way. They don’t have to be in any order—we’re just doing basic decluttering here.

1 Hour

◻ ARRANGE YOUR PRODUCTS. Now’s the time to evaluate your inventory and make a list of what you need. Line up all your products in the order you’ll use them while doing the wash.

◻ ROUND UP THE SOLOS. Go through your bag of unpartnered socks and find the pairs. Return them to their happy homes. Keep a bag in your drawer for singletons, so if a missing sock resurfaces, you know where to find its mate.

A Weekend

◻ MAKE SOME CHANGES. As you go through a typical laundry routine, note where you can make changes to be more efficient. Do you need a shelf installed above the washer? A rod for hanging items that can’t go in the dryer? A new hamper system? Now is the time to make those small changes that can make a big difference the next time someone goes to do a load.

The Ultimate Stain-Removal Chart

POST THIS LIST ON A BULLETIN BOARD IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM SO YOU CAN WIPE OUT ANY SPOT, SMUDGE, OR SPLATTER THAT COMES YOUR WAY.

DRINKS

COFFEE

Boil some water and stretch the fabric over a bowl. Carefully pour the water through the stain from about a foot above. If the coffee had milk in it, follow with an oil solvent. If it contained sugar, follow with a pretreatment product and let sit for 30 minutes before washing.

JUICE

Apply a dish-soap solution (1 tablespoon clear soap in 10 ounces water). Blot to remove the stain and soap residue. If the stain remains, use a warm white towel to blot with an ammonia solution (1 part ammonia to 2 parts water).

WINE

For red wine, coat the stain with salt. Boil water and stretch the fabric over a bowl. Carefully pour the water onto the spot from about a foot above. For white wine, run cold water over the stain, then spray with a dish-soap solution (see Juice) and dab with an enzyme detergent. (Most everyday detergents contain enzymes.)

FOOD

BERRIES

Use a spatula or plastic knife to scrape off any excess. Apply a hydrogen peroxide formula (½ teaspoon dish soap and ½ cup hydrogen peroxide). Rinse.

CHOCOLATE

Scrape off any excess. Then, spray with a dish-soap solution (see Juice) and dab with detergent.

GUM

Rub an ice cube over the spot to freeze the gum, then chip away as much as possible using a spatula or a plastic knife. To loosen the remaining residue, apply a lubricant, like glycerin, then scrape it off. Rinse. If any gum remains, dab with dish soap.

ICE CREAM

Rinse thoroughly with cool water, then apply a stain pretreatment, like Shout. Fill a sink with more cool water and a few drops of detergent, and let soak.

SAUCES AND CONDIMENTS

TOMATO SAUCE

Scrape off any excess, then apply a dish-soap solution (see Juice). Blot with a damp towel to remove any residue. If the stain persists, apply a few drops of white vinegar.

MUSTARD

Flush the stain with white vinegar, then apply a dish-soap solution (see Juice), and let sit for 15 minutes.

KETCHUP

Treat with Shout. If any of the stain remains, use an eyedropper or a clean toothbrush to apply white vinegar to lighten it.

SALAD DRESSING

Sprinkle cornstarch on the spot and let sit to soak up the oil. Rinse with cool water. Apply Shout and let sit for another 15 minutes.

SOY SAUCE

Rinse stain with cold running water. Blot with ammonia solution (see Juice), then rinse again. Pretreat with Shout.

OUTDOORS

GRASS

Treat with Shout and let sit for 15 minutes. Rub in solution using a clean toothbrush.

DIRT OR MUD

Scrape off any excess once the stain is dry. Dilute a gentle detergent, like Woolite, with water and rub it on to form suds. Rinse. If any stain remains, apply a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water to lighten it.

AFTER TREATING, WASH FABRICS AS RECOMMENDED. THE SOONER, THE BETTER!

MAKEUP

NAIL POLISH

Place the stain facedown on a clean paper towel. Apply nail-polish remover to the back of the stain. Replace the paper towels frequently to soak up the liquid. Repeat as needed. Rinse in cold water. (Note: If the fabric is acetate or triacetate, take the piece to a dry cleaner.)

FOUNDATION

Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain using a cotton swab, then blot with a cotton ball. Repeat as needed.

LIPSTICK

Spritz the spot with hair spray and let sit for 10 minutes. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residue and remaining stain.

HOUSEHOLD MATERIALS

CANDLE WAX

Rub an ice cube over the spot to freeze the wax, then chip away as much as possible using a plastic knife. Boil some water and stretch the fabric over a bowl. Carefully pour the water onto the spot from about a foot above.

INK

For ballpoint, create a petroleum jelly “dam” around the stain to stop it from spreading. Next, apply rubbing alcohol with a clean toothbrush. Open a window for ventilation, and dab stain with a cotton ball and mineral spirits. Let dry. Rinse with a dish-soap solution (see Juice). For permanent marker, use a clean toothbrush to rub Amodex Ink and Stain Remover into the spot.

PAINT

Use a paper towel to wipe away any dried acrylic paint or water-based paint residue. Sponge on a solution of detergent diluted with warm water. After the paint softens, remove the excess with a spatula or plastic knife. Rinse and repeat as needed.

GROSS STUFF

POOP

Scrape off any excess using a plastic knife. Turn the fabric over and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Pretreat by soaking in warm water with detergent for 30 minutes. (To disinfect completely, add chlorine bleach or color-safe bleach to the wash and launder in warm water.)

BLOOD

For a wet stain, soak in water, then dab on ammonia with a cotton swab. For a dry stain, soak in salt water for a few hours. Rinse. Treat with ammonia solution (see Juice).

VOMIT

Scrape off any excess using a plastic knife. Treat with Shout and let sit for 30 minutes. (To disinfect completely, add chlorine bleach or color-safe bleach to the wash and launder in warm water.)

BABY FORMULA

Dab with detergent. Soak for a few hours.

COLLAR RING

Pretreat with Shout. If the discoloring remains, apply ammonia if the stain is fresh, or white vinegar if the stain is old. Rinse.

PET URINE

Dab with detergent and let sit for 15 minutes.

Pro Tip

“If you don’t have time to run a full load, steam items to freshen them, release wrinkles, and kill most germs and bacteria. Follow with a spritz of fabric refresher spray, like our Fabric Fresh spray. It adds a subtle scent while removing odors.”

—GWEN WHITING AND LINDSEY BOYD, CREATORS OF THE LAUNDRESS

Organize This

IS THERE ANYTHING MORE SATISFYING THAN A LINEN CLOSET WITH NEAT STACKS OF TOWELS AND SHEETS?

BUY BEDDING BINS

Assign a labeled basket to each bedroom in the house, and add a set of sheets or two. You’ll never have to dig through piles of mismatched pillowcases again. Or, repurpose colorful ribbons from gifts by tying them around sheet sets so individual pieces don’t go stray. That way, you won’t waste time hunting for matching pillowcases.

MAKE A TOWEL STASH

Stacks of washcloths and hand towels tend to topple. Instead, corral rolled ones in a wire bin. (Bonus: You can cram more in.)

SUPPLY YOURSELF

You need access to bulk goods (toilet paper rolls, tissue boxes), but who wants to look at that stuff? A tall tote keeps them handy yet hidden.

ROLL YOUR DUVET

That bulky spare comforter doesn’t need to take up prime real estate. Give it a space-saving upper-corner spot after folding it in half lengthwise, then rolling it up like a sleeping bag.

KEEP A TOILETRIES KIT

A little trick with a big impact: Keep a ready-to-go grouping of soap, shampoo, and other overnight essentials so you don’t have to hunt around for them every time you have weekend guests.

Keep It That Way

Sticking to a system in the laundry room is the difference between having order over your wardrobe or never having matching socks again. Here’s how to make your newly organized space work for you and your family.

Stay Put

IF YOU DO ONE THING EVERY DAY

No one wants to spend each day in the laundry room, but if you get the chance, clear off surfaces such as countertops and folding spaces so that you’ll be ready when the next great stain strikes.

It can be tempting to take a laundry basket to the couch to do some folding while catching up on Netflix, but keeping everything contained inside the laundry room means less chance of losing items or failing to keep up with your system. It also keeps laundry from turning into an all-day affair.

Speaking of Folding...

Procrastinators, take note: It really does eliminate creases if you fold clothes when they’re still hot, right out of the dryer. Give each item a quick shake so wrinkles don’t set in. Then improve your efficiency by creating loose piles according to type: for example, T-shirts, shorts, boxers. Fold your way through each pile. By handling one type of garment at a time, you’ll get into a rhythm and work faster. And when you fold like items, your stacks are neater, so they’re ready for dresser drawers. (Make piles by room, of course.) If you don’t have time to fold a load immediately, shake out the pieces and lay them flat in the laundry basket, one on top of another, while they await further attention.

Do A Little Inventory

Every few months or so, go through your product stash to see what needs to be replaced or refilled. Stain sticks can dry up, and almost-empty detergent bottles can be transferred to a new bottle.

Keep It Clean

Doing a deep clean every month can make all the difference in how your laundry turns out. Here’s your step-by-step flow.

THE HACK

Decant your laundry soap into a drink dispenser with a spigot or dry detergent into a canister. It eliminates ugly bottles on your shelf.

1 Run white vinegar through the washer to sanitize the inside and clear away soap scum. Just think, the average household washer and dryer launder about 400 full-size loads a year. That’s a lot of gunk on the washer walls.

2 Empty the dryer’s lint trap by wiping off fuzz with a damp cloth or a used fabric-softener sheet. Or wet your hands and run your fingers over the mesh screen to scoop up the lint. Fabric softener can cause a waxy buildup on the screen, so wash it out in a sink or vacuum it.

3 Wipe the interior walls of the dryer with a cloth dampened with dishwashing liquid and warm water. Scrub any linty residue around the trap opening with a toothbrush, if necessary.

4 Wipe down the outside of each appliance—front, sides, top, and back—with a cloth dampened with a few drops of dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner.

5 Wash out the sink, if you have one, with cleaner and a cloth. Shine the faucet with a microfiber cloth.

6 Clean the countertop surfaces, shelving, and bins with a cloth and cleaner. Wipe down the cabinet fronts with a cloth and cleaner.

7 Vacuum any rugs. Mop the floor, starting from the farthest corner of the room and working toward the door. Run a dust mop underneath the washer and the dryer. Airborne lint can get kicked underneath the appliances and create a fire hazard if it piles up.