When it comes to doing laundry, you’ll need more than just a washing machine and detergent. There are plenty of laundry tools and equipment that can make the process easier, more efficient, and more effective.
Whether you’re a laundry pro or just looking to streamline your routine, there’s no shortage of options available. In this article, we’ll explore the 16 must-have laundry tools and equipment that every home should have.
Washing Machine
A washing machine is an appliance that uses water and a detergent to clean clothes, linens, and other types of fabric. It has a drum which rotates and agitates the water and detergent mixture with the clothes, effectively cleaning and removing dirt, grime, and stains.
Having a washing machine in your laundry area can provide several benefits. Firstly, it saves time and effort since you no longer have to wash clothes manually. Secondly, using a washing machine ensures that clothes are thoroughly cleaned.
It agitates the water and detergent mixture much more efficiently than washing clothes by hand. Thirdly, washing machines are energy-efficient. Modern washing machines are designed to use less water, less detergent, and consume less electricity.
Dryer
A dryer is a household appliance that uses heat to remove moisture from wet clothes and fabrics. It’s designed to complement the washing machine, as it allows you to dry your clothes quickly and effectively.
The process of using the dryer is straightforward, and it usually involves loading the clothes in the drum, setting the temperature and time, and turning the machine on. The heat generated by the dryer evaporates the moisture, and the airflow carries the water out.
There are two main types of dryers in the market: electric and gas dryers. Electric dryers use electricity to heat the air, while gas dryers use natural gas to generate heat. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, but the choice ultimately depends on what’s available in your area, your budget, and personal preference.
The benefits of having a dryer go beyond just convenience and speed. Hanging clothes may seem like the traditional approach, but it has its downsides. Outdoor drying exposes the clothes to environmental factors such as rain, wind, and UV rays, which could damage the fabric and cause discoloration.
Besides, hanging clothes could take up a significant amount of space in your laundry area and ruin the aesthetics of your home interior. A dryer eliminates these issues, allowing you to dry your clothes indoors, regardless of the weather, while taking up minimal space.
Drying Rack
A drying rack is a simple equipment that is used to dry clothes indoors without the need for a dryer. It is usually made of wood, metal, or plastic and has a frame with multiple bars that hang horizontally. These bars create enough space to hang numerous clothes and allow proper air circulation and drying.
The benefits of using a drying rack are numerous, and they include energy savings, cost-effectiveness, and garment care. By air-drying your clothes, you reduce the amount of energy required and, in turn, save on electricity bills.
Moreover, using a drying rack is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a dryer. Lastly, drying racks are perfect for delicate fabrics that may shrink or get damaged in the dryer.
Iron
First, let’s talk about what iron is. Iron, also known as a steam iron, is a household appliance used to press and straighten clothing. It’s heated, and once steam is generated, it’s applied to clothing to remove wrinkles and create a smooth, crisp appearance.
But why do you need iron in your laundry area? For one, it’s essential if you want your clothes to look good. There’s something about wearing fresh, ironed clothing that makes anyone look and feel more put together. It’s the perfect finishing touch to your laundry duty.
Iron is a money-saver. When you wear clothing that is wrinkled and unkempt, it looks old and worn. As a result, you may end up buying new clothes more often because the old ones just don’t look presentable. However, with the help of iron, you can keep your clothes looking new, requiring fewer shopping trips, which equals a cost-saving measure.
Another benefit for having iron in your laundry area is its versatility. While it’s commonly used on clothing, you can also use iron to remove wrinkles from linens, curtains, and other household textiles. It’s the perfect multitasking tool for anyone who wants their home and wardrobe to look polished and put together.
Ironing Board
An ironing board is a flat surface that is covered with a heat-resistant fabric and is suspended on adjustable legs for easy adjustment of height. It is used to provide an even surface for ironing clothes and eliminate wrinkles.
Most ironing boards come with a built-in iron rest that is placed on one end of the board for holding the iron when not in use. Some ironing boards come with a sleeve board, a narrow board that is designed to fit inside shirt sleeves, and pant legs.
Ironing boards come in various sizes and shapes, with some being designed for specific tasks. A standard ironing board measures around 15 to 18 inches in width and 4 feet in length. However, compact models are also available for those with limited space. Wall-mounted ironing boards are also popular options that can save valuable floor space.
So, why do you need an ironing board in your laundry area? For one, ironing boards ensure that you can iron clothes comfortably without straining your back. Ironing on a flat surface also allows for even distribution of heat across the fabric, ensuring you get the best ironing results. An ironing board also provides a safe and sturdy surface to place your hot iron when not in use and reduces the risk of burns and accidents.
Ironing boards can also help save time and energy. By using an ironing board, you can iron clothes faster and more efficiently, compared to if you were ironing on an uneven surface or without an ironing board. They also help you sort and organize your laundry, making ironing a more manageable and less overwhelming task.
Sink
In simple terms, a sink is a basin used for washing hands, dishes, or clothes. It consists of a basin, a tap, and a drain. Sinks come in various sizes and shapes, and you can find one to fit almost any space.
While a sink is commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens, it’s equally important for a laundry room. A sink is a functional part of your laundry room as it provides a simple way to rinse or hand-wash clothes.
A sink in your laundry area offers several benefits. Firstly, it’s a convenient place to rinse or pre-soak clothes before putting them in the washing machine. Secondly, it’s a handy spot for cleaning up any spills or messes that may occur during the washing process.
Additionally, having a sink in your laundry room can help you save time by avoiding trips to the kitchen or bathroom to fetch water. Lastly, if your laundry room is far from your kitchen or bathroom, having a sink can save you the hassle of carrying heavy items back and forth.
Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent is a product made up of a combination of chemicals, enzymes, and surfactants designed to break down and remove dirt, stains, and grime from clothes. These cleaning agents work together to make sure that clothes come out of the wash looking and smelling fresh.
Laundry detergent works by loosening dirt and stains from fabric fibers and suspending them in the water. The surfactant molecules in the detergent lower the surface tension of the water, allowing it to penetrate the fabric more easily. Once the dirt is lifted from the fibers, it is held in suspension in the water until it is rinsed away.
Using laundry detergent in your laundry area is essential because it helps to remove dirt, stains, and odors from your clothes. Detergents are designed to penetrate fabric fibers and lift dirt and stains to the surface. Without laundry detergent, your clothes wouldn’t come out of the wash clean and fresh.
Stain Removers
Stain removers are cleaning solutions or products designed specifically to target and remove stubborn stains from fabrics. They come in different forms like sprays, gels, powders, and liquids that you can apply to the stain before washing.
Most stain removers contain enzymes that break down protein-based stains like blood, grass, and wine. Some also use solvents to remove oil-based stains like grease, paint, and lipstick. There are many laundry stain removers available in the market today, and some of the most popular ones include shout, OxiClean, stain-X, and Zout.
Laundry stains are inevitable, and without a good stain remover, some of your clothes can be ruined permanently. Food stains, sweat, oils, dirt, and makeup can be tough to remove without the right product, and you don’t want to end up throwing away clothes because you weren’t able to get rid of the stain. A good stain remover simplifies the laundry process, saves you money and helps you take care of your clothes.
It’s essential to note that stain removers are not laundry detergents, and they shouldn’t be used interchangeably. Laundry detergents clean clothes and remove dirt, but they’re not always effective at removing stubborn stains. Stain removers target specific stains, penetrate fabrics and break down stains so that they can be removed easily.
For example, if you want to get rid of a chocolate stain on a white shirt, you’ll need to use a good laundry detergent to clean the shirt, then apply a stain remover to the chocolate stain to ensure it’s completely gone.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a white crystalline powder that is commonly used in baking as a leavening agent. It is also a base substance, which makes it ideal to use in cleaning and laundry. Baking soda works by neutralizing the acids in stains, which makes them easier to remove.
There are many reasons why you need baking soda in your laundry area. Firstly, baking soda is excellent for removing tough stains and odors from clothes. It works by neutralizing the acids and chemicals that cause stains, making them much easier to remove without causing damage to fabrics.
Secondly, baking soda is an excellent natural fabric softener. It helps to break down the minerals in hard water, which tends to make clothes stiff and scratchy. Softening clothes with baking soda will make them comfortable to wear and easier to iron.
Thirdly, baking soda can help to brighten whites. Adding half a cup of baking soda to your laundry will help to keep your whites bright without the need for bleach, which can be harsh on fabrics.
Hanger
Hangers are a simple yet essential tool in the laundry area that allows you to hang freshly laundered clothes to dry or keep them wrinkle-free. Hangers come in different shapes, sizes, and materials depending on your needs and preferences.
For example, if you are hanging delicate clothes such as silk, it is best to use velvet hangers or padded hangers to prevent them from slipping or getting stretched out. Wooden hangers, on the other hand, are ideal for heavy coats and jackets as they can support the weight of the garment.
Moreover, hangers are an excellent tool for organizing your clothes in the laundry area. You can sort your clothes per category such as shirts, pants, and dresses to make it easier to hang them and find them right away when you need them. This sorting system will also save you time in the long run as you will not have to look through piles of clothes to find the one you need.
Hangers are also great in keeping your clothes in good condition. By hanging them, you prevent them from getting wrinkles and creases that can form when clothes are folded or stacked on top of each other. This also saves you time and effort in ironing your clothes, making sure that they are always ready for you to wear.
Lastly, using hangers can help you maximize your laundry area space. Instead of letting your clothes pile up or taking up space on your laundry basket, hanging them on hangers free up space, allowing you to use your laundry area more efficiently. Hanging clothes can also reduce clutter, making your laundry area look neater and more organized.
Sewing Kit
A sewing kit is a collection of basic supplies that you need to fix small tears or holes in clothing. This includes needles, thread, scissors, and maybe some buttons or snaps. Some sewing kits come in pre-packaged containers, while others you may need to assemble yourself. Regardless of how you get it, a sewing kit is an essential tool for any laundry area.
Not only can a sewing kit help save you money on repairs, but it can also help extend the life of your clothing. When you take the time to fix a small tear, you’re preventing it from getting worse and ultimately becoming a bigger issue. Plus, you’ll be able to wear your favorite clothes for longer, rather than having to replace them sooner because of small damages.
A sewing kit can also save you time and hassle. Rather than having to pack up your clothes and take them to a tailor or seamstress, you can quickly and easily fix the issue yourself. This not only saves you time on trips to and from the tailor, but it also gives you more control over the repairs you make to your clothes.
Having a sewing kit in your laundry area is also a great idea if you have kids. Children are notorious for ripping and tearing their clothes while playing or being active. With a sewing kit nearby, you can quickly fix any tears so that your child can continue wearing their clothes without interruption.
This can save you from having to replace their clothes as frequently, as well as save you from the frustration of constantly having to buy new items.
Waste Bin
First of all, what is a waste bin? A waste bin is simply a container that is used to collect waste. There are many different types and sizes of waste bins, but the most common ones are typically made of plastic and have a lid. The purpose of a waste bin is to keep your space clean by providing a designated area to dispose of trash.
So, why do you need a waste bin in your laundry area? For starters, doing laundry generates a lot of waste. From dryer sheets to lint to empty laundry detergent bottles, there’s a lot of trash that can accumulate in this area. Having a waste bin in your laundry room provides a convenient place to dispose of that waste and keeps it from piling up on your countertops or floors.
Another reason to have a waste bin in your laundry area is that it can help with organization. By having a designated place for trash, you can keep your laundry area neat and tidy. This is especially important in smaller spaces where clutter can accumulate quickly. Plus, having a waste bin makes it easier to spot when it’s getting full and needs to be emptied, preventing overflow and mess.
Not only does a waste bin help with organization and cleanliness, but it can also be beneficial for the environment. By having a designated place to dispose of recyclables, you can make sure that they don’t end up in the landfill.
This is important because many laundry products, such as detergent bottles, can be recycled. Make sure to check the labeling to see if the product is recyclable before tossing it in your waste bin.
Finally, having a waste bin in your laundry area can simply make life easier. Instead of having to run back and forth to the kitchen or bathroom to dispose of trash, everything is conveniently located in one spot. This can save time and energy, making laundry day a little less of a chore.
Storage Basket
A storage basket is a container made of various materials such as plastic, fabric, or wicker. It is designed to hold and organize items, such as clothes, shoes, and other accessories.
A storage basket in your laundry area can help you in several ways. For one, if you have limited space, a storage basket can help keep your laundry area organized and tidy. Additionally, when you have a dedicated place for dirty clothes, they won’t pile up and take over your laundry area or the rest of your home.
When choosing a storage basket, there are several factors to consider. First, consider the size and capacity of the basket. You’ll want to make sure it’s big enough to hold all of your laundry, but not too big to fit in your laundry area.
Second, consider the material of the basket. Plastic baskets can be durable and waterproof, while fabric baskets can be more stylish but may not hold up as well over time. Finally, consider the style and color of the basket. Choose a basket that complements your decor and personal taste.
Fabric Softener
Fabric softener is a liquid product added to the washing machine or dryer, which helps reduce static, soften clothes, and make them smell fresh. It contains conditioning agents that bond to the fabric fibers easily, making them soft, fluffy and easy to handle.
The most common conditioning agents used in fabric conditioners are quaternary ammonium compounds, silicones, and natural fats like tallow.
The benefits of using fabric softener are numerous. Firstly, it makes your clothes soft and smooth, thereby reducing wrinkles and making it easier to iron. Additionally, fabric softener removes any static electricity in your clothes, which can be uncomfortable to deal with.
It also helps to reduce drying time because it makes the fabric more porous. Finally, using fabric softener makes your clothes smell nice and fresh, giving you that added confidence boost of stepping out in clean and pleasant-smelling clothes.
Laundry Brush
A laundry brush is a tool used to remove stubborn stains and dirt from clothes before tossing them into the washing machine. It comes in various shapes, sizes, and materials, but most commonly, it’s made of plastic or wooden bristles with a handle for easy grip.
Having a laundry brush in your laundry area can help you tackle common laundry problems such as grass stains, food stains, mud stains, and more.
The laundry brush is not just for removing stains; it can also extend the life of your clothes. By using a laundry brush to remove dirt and buildup from your clothes before washing, you can prevent wear and tear on your clothes caused by repeated washing with harsh detergents.
Additionally, using a laundry brush can help you save money by reducing the need to replace clothes frequently due to damage caused by over-washing.
When it comes to selecting a laundry brush, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the type of bristles you want. Soft bristles are suitable for delicate fabrics, while stiff bristles are more effective for tough stains.
Second, think about the size of the brush. A larger brush may be more effective in removing stains on larger garments, while a smaller brush may be more suitable for small and delicate items like baby clothes.
Using a laundry brush is easy, and the process is quite simple. Wet the brush with water and soap, then gently scrub the stained area in a circular motion until the stain is gone. Rinse the brush with water and soap after use, and let it dry thoroughly before storing it. Make sure to avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals with your brush, as these can damage the bristles.
Clothespins
Firstly, let’s define what clothespins are. Clothespins are small tools used to hold clothes onto a clothesline or drying rack. They are usually made of wood or plastic, and they have two prongs that can be opened and closed with a spring mechanism.
There are many different types of clothespins, including classic spring-style clothespins, peg-style clothespins, and more. When shopping for clothespins, look for ones that are sturdy, durable, and will hold up in all types of weather.
The most obvious reason to use clothespins in your laundry area is to hang up wet clothes to dry. Clotheslines and drying racks are the most sustainable way to dry clothes, and they help to reduce energy consumption.
Clothespins make it easy to hang clothes up so they dry efficiently, without holding moisture and becoming musty. With clothespins, you can easily hang up all types of clothing, from tiny baby clothes to larger sheets and towels.
Clothespins can also be used for other tasks in the laundry area. For example, you can use a clothespin to attach a lost sock to its match, so they don’t get separated in the wash.
Additionally, clothespins can be used to hang up fabric swatches for color comparison, and they can even be used to attach a dryer sheet to a garment so it stays fresh during storage. There are countless creative ways to use clothespins to improve your laundry routine!
One thing to keep in mind when using clothespins is that they can leave marks on delicate fabrics, so it is important to use them carefully. For example, clothespins should not be used on silk or lace garments, as they can cause damage.
Additionally, clothespins should be kept away from items that could be stained by rust or wood stain. However, if you use clothespins correctly, they can be a valuable tool in your laundry area.
Final Thoughts
Doing laundry can be a chore, but with the right tools and equipment, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking to streamline your laundry routine or make it more efficient, the 16 must-have laundry tools and equipment in this article are sure to help.