Let’s face it—laundry isn’t exactly the most exciting chore, but having the right tools can make it so much easier (and maybe even a little enjoyable!).
Whether you’re setting up a new laundry room or just looking to streamline your current setup, this guide will walk you through the 20 absolute must-haves.
From practical essentials to clever organizers, these tips will help turn your laundry room into a space that works for you, not against you.
1. Laundry Baskets and Hampers
Without laundry baskets and hampers, your pile of dirty clothes can turn your daily routine into a mess, especially on laundry day. To keep your laundry room organized, grab a few baskets and hampers. They’ll help you sort your dirty laundry by category (whites, colors, and delicates) and keep your clean clothes separate after drying.
2. Laundry Sinks
Sometimes, it’s not as easy as just tossing all your dirty clothes into the washing machine. Before you load it up, you might need a laundry sink to soak clothes with tough stains, rinse swimsuits to get rid of chlorine or salt water, and hand wash those delicate items.
3. Laundry Room Lighting
Good lighting is often overlooked, but it’s essential for spotting stains, sorting clothes, and reading labels. Bright, overhead lights or task lighting near the folding area will do the trick.
4. Clothes Folding Table or Countertop
Having a clothes folding table, flat surface, or counter makes it super easy to fold laundry right after it’s dry. If you place your washer and dryer side by side, you can build a cabinet around them and add a countertop on top to create a handy folding area.
5. Measuring cups or spoons
Using measuring cups and spoons is a smart way to make sure you’re adding just the right amount of detergent for each load. This not only keeps your clothes free from residue but also helps you save money by avoiding waste.
6. Iron and Steamer
Irons and steamers can help you get rid of wrinkles in your clothes and household linens. If you don’t want to invest in both, just pick the one that suits your needs. For example, steamers are safer on delicate fabrics while irons are more effective on unwrinkling heavier fabrics.
7. Ironing Board
Although an ironing board is essential, it can be a bit of a hassle in a small laundry room when not in use. Instead of letting it take up precious space, think about tucking it away inside or behind a closet.
8. Ironing Board Cover
The ironing board cover acts as a shield between your iron and the board, keeping it safe from burn marks and water damage. Plus, it offers a smooth, padded surface that helps your clothes lie flat, making it a breeze to iron out those pesky wrinkles and creases.
9. Iron Holder
An iron holder is a great way to safely and conveniently store your iron when you’re not using it. If you’re looking to free up some floor space, why not try a wall-mounted shelf for your iron instead?
10. Garbage Can
I love gathering lint from the dryer and clothes after each load to use as a fire starter because of its highly flammable feature. Therefore, I just need to prepare a small wall-mounted garbage can without using a trash bag inside.
11. Lint Brush
Using a lint brush for your dryer is an easy and affordable way to keep things running smoothly. It helps your dryer work better, lasts longer, and keeps your clothes in good shape. Plus, it can prevent lint from clogging things up and improve the air quality in your home.
12. Lint Roller
Just like a lint brush, a lint roller can help you remove lint and pet hair from your clothes. It is even better at picking up fine debris. Plus, it is super easy to use - no cleaning required afterward. Just roll the sticky tape over your fabric, tear off the used sheet and toss it away.
13. Clothespins
Clothespins are handy for securing small laundry items such as socks, underwear, or baby clothes, preventing them from getting lost or tangled in the wash or drying process. Plus, when you’re drying laundry outside, they do a great job of holding clothes securely on the line, stopping them from blowing away in the wind or falling to the ground.
14. Laundry detergent
Depending on your needs and skin type, you can choose between two types of laundry detergents. Enzyme-based detergents are great for tackling tough stains on fabrics like cotton, polyester, rayon, bamboo, and blends.
On the other hand, enzyme-free detergents are safer, so they are perfect for washing clothes made from natural materials such as wool, silk, and linen without damaging the fibers. Plus, their gentle wash makes them ideal for sensitive and young skin.
15. Stain remover like oxygen bleach
This product is a must-have for tackling stubborn stains on clothing. Before washing, pre-treat the stains with a stain remover like oxygen bleach to ensure they come out completely. Avoid using chlorine bleach as its harsh chemicals can fade colors.
16. Fine mesh laundry bags
Using fine mesh laundry bags is a great way to protect your delicate fabrics during the wash. They’re perfect for items like baby clothes, bathing suits, bras and lingerie, hosiery, lace, satin, silk clothes, silk sheets and pillowcases, socks, and sweaters.
17. Wool dryer balls
Looking for a budget-friendly and eco-conscious way to dry your clothes? Wool dryer balls are a fantastic option! They help separate your clothes in the dryer, cutting down on drying time and soaking up moisture. This can save you up to 25%-30% on energy costs while ensuring your clothes come out perfectly dry every time.
Plus, unlike traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets, wool dryer balls are free from harsh chemicals, making them a great eco-friendly alternative.
18. Washing Machine Cleaner
If you don’t clean your washing machine regularly, it can start to smell bad and even grow bacteria. To keep your clothes smelling fresh and prevent mold on the rubber seals, it’s important to use a suitable cleaner.
It’s a good idea to run a cleaning cycle every 30 washes or about once a month. Just pour the cleaner into the machine and start a self-clean cycle. In case your machine doesn’t have that option, you can use a heavy cycle with hot water instead.
19. Washing Machines and Dryer
Don’t you want to spend your time hand-washing clothes? If so, a washing machine is an absolute must for your laundry room. Think about getting a high-efficiency model—it’ll save you money on energy and detergent. Plus, its gentle motion helps keep your fabrics looking new for longer.
For a small laundry room, consider a stackable washer and dryer. By stacking the dryer on the top of the washer, you create a vertical unit that saves a lot of space. It’s perfect for tight spots. Just keep in mind that not all washers and dryers are made to be stacked, so it’s a good idea to get specific stacking kits to keep everything stable and safe.
20. Drying Racks
In a small laundry room, traditional standing racks can be a bit of hassle. Even if they fold away neatly, they still take up a lot of space when in use.
Instead, try maximizing your hanging space with double hanging rods or a rod that hangs from a high shelf above your washer and dryer. Don’t be afraid to use wall and door space too—an accordion drying rack mounted on the wall can be a great solution!
