No matter how big or small our homes are, the laundry room is a place that is often overlooked when it comes to cleaning and organizing. However, it’s a space that deserves some attention just like any other.
A well-maintained laundry room can make a big difference in motivating you to do the laundry. Moreover, it ensures that your clothes stay clean and fresh. So, whether you have an entire room dedicated to doing laundry, or just a corner of your basement, here are 9 helpful ways to clean your laundry room and keep it organized.
Declutter the laundry room
Maintaining a clutter-free laundry area is crucial to keeping things organized and efficient. Often, when we neglect our laundry, items tend to accumulate in places where they don’t belong. Expired cleaning supplies, worn-out sponges, and various other objects may be hiding in drawers and cupboards.
To tackle this issue, start by opening each drawer and cupboard and gather an empty laundry basket or trash bag. Begin the process of sorting your belongings, carefully considering if an item belongs in the laundry room, if it will be useful in the future, or if there’s a suitable alternative for it. This thoughtful evaluation will help you weed out any unnecessary items and create a clutter-free laundry area.
Taking a few moments to perform this simple yet effective task will contribute to a well-organized and functional laundry space. Check out our tips about decluttering your laundry room.
Clean the washer
It is important to regularly clean your washing machine not only for aesthetic purposes but also to remove accumulation in hoses and pipes, ensuring its proper functionality and longevity.
To begin the cleaning process, start by running an empty cycle on hot with two cups of vinegar instead of detergent. This will help break down any buildup or residue inside the machine. Next, create a cleaning solution by combining vinegar and water, and use this solution to thoroughly clean the interior of the machine. Afterward, run one final empty cycle on hot with just water to rinse out any remaining residue.
In addition to cleaning the inside, it is also recommended to clean the top and sides of the machine using an all-purpose cleaning wipe. Furthermore, don’t forget to use the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated beneath the machine.
By following these steps and regularly maintaining your washing machine, you can ensure optimal performance and prolong its lifespan.
Clean the dryer
To ensure the safety and proper functioning of your dryer, it is important to follow a few maintenance steps.
Firstly, even if you clean the dryer’s screen after each load, it is possible to still find some lint accumulating. These small fuzz balls not only pose a significant fire hazard but also hinder the drying efficiency of your clothes.
To address this issue, it is recommended to empty the lint trap at least once a month. Using a dryer lint brush, meticulously clean the aperture of the trap to remove any trapped lint. Once all lint is removed, it is advisable to vacuum the brush thoroughly before repeating the procedure.
Additionally, it is essential to periodically check your dryer for stains that may have been caused by ink, dye, crayons, or other objects. These stains can be challenging to remove and may require different methods depending on the type of stain. It is advised to research the appropriate procedure to effectively tackle each specific stain.
Lastly, don’t forget to clean the exterior of the dryer. Use a cleaning cloth to wipe down the surface and ensure it remains in pristine condition. Additionally, take the opportunity to vacuum behind the dryer to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated.
By following these maintenance steps, you can not only extend the lifespan of your dryer but also promote safety and efficiency during every use.
Sanitize other appliances
To keep your irons, garment steamers, and other small laundry area appliances in good condition, they require regular maintenance. Even though they may not be the main focus, they still need some tender loving care.
For iron maintenance, you can use a solution of salt, dish detergent, baking soda, or vinegar to clean your iron on a monthly basis. After applying the cleaning solution, turn the iron to the highest setting and fill the reservoir with distilled water. This will naturally clean the vents through the steam produced.
As for garment steamers, if there is any grime buildup, vinegar is recommended for cleaning. Be sure to use the high-heat setting and discard the vinegar. Before using the steamer again, preheat it with purified water. Additionally, to ensure cleanliness and eliminate germs, it is advisable to clean other laundry equipment, such as the reservoir or outer surfaces, using sanitizing cloths or all-purpose wipes.
Wipe down countertops and cabinets
To effectively clean your laundry room and prevent bacteria growth, it is recommended to use all-purpose wipes on cabinets, countertops, and hardware. This will also help in removing scratches and stains before they become permanent.
It is advisable to clean your laundry room once or twice a week, depending on its usage and your needs. Regular cleaning ensures a sanitary and functional space for your laundry-related tasks.
Freshen your laundry baskets and hampers
It is important to regularly clean laundry baskets and hampers to maintain cleanliness and prevent unpleasant odors. When cleaning plastic laundry baskets and hampers, use sanitizing rags and an all-purpose cleaner, ensuring that they are completely dry before use.
For wooden hampers, remove the contents, vacuum the interior, and sprinkle baking soda on the surface. If possible, take the wooden hamper outside to air dry for a few hours.
For fabric hampers, refer to the care instructions on the tag and wash them in the machine accordingly. By following these steps, you can ensure that your laundry baskets and hampers remain fresh and free of dirt and odors.
Restock your laundry supplies
It can be extremely stressful when you rush to complete an urgent load of laundry, only to discover that you’ve run out of detergent. Therefore, it is advisable to develop a habit of checking your supply levels whenever you clean your laundry room.
Take the time to create a comprehensive list of all the essential laundry supplies, including detergent, fabric softener, bleach, dryer sheets, and any other items you regularly use.
By doing so, you will be able to identify and add any supplies that are running low to your shopping list, ensuring that you never run out when you need them the most.
Drive dust bunnies away
To effectively minimize dust, consider implementing alternative methods instead of simply sneezing. Commence by meticulously dusting ceilings and crown molding using a vacuum hose attachment. Then, proceed to attend to the remaining areas of the room with a delicate feather duster.
Ensure thorough coverage by paying close attention to open-shelf units, as well as nooks and crevices that may accumulate dust. Additionally, if your laundry room harbors a ceiling fan, employ an old towel to meticulously dust the slats of the fan, thus further enhancing the cleanliness of the space.
Mop the floor
To complete the cleaning of your laundry room, it is advisable to follow a traditional method of mopping the floor. By leaving this step till last, you can ensure that any dirt, dust, or other debris that may have fallen on the floor will be effectively removed.
Before starting the mopping process, it is recommended to move trash cans, hampers, and other easily movable items out of the way. This will facilitate the cleaning process and ensure that every corner of the floor is properly attended to.
To begin mopping, you can divide the floor into smaller portions and start in one area. This approach will allow you to thoroughly clean each section until the entire floor is sparkling clean. Once the mopping is complete, it is important to allow the floor to dry before stepping on it.
By applying these guidelines, you can ensure that your laundry room floor is impeccably cleaned and maintained.
Conclusion
Cleaning your laundry room doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these 9 helpful tips, you can make the process easy and even enjoyable. A well-organized and clean laundry room can be a source of satisfaction each time you do your laundry. So, don’t hesitate to tackle the clutter, scrub the floors, and tidy up. Your clothes will thank you, and you’ll appreciate the fresh and clean space you created.
