In the United States, having a dedicated laundry room space can be a privilege. Many homes do not have a separate room for laundry, and instead, people do this job in the kitchen or bathroom. A separate laundry room can make your job much easier and more efficient, as there is enough space to work and fewer distractions. It can also be a pleasant experience, as you decorate and design this nook to your taste, so you never get bored while doing the mundane and probably unwanted house chores. If you are fortunate to have a laundry room in your home, make the most of it.
It brings up an interesting point – what you can do to make this room perfect in every sense. Although some people boast how much they enjoy doing laundry, not everyone can be on the same page as them and may require additional motivation. Generally, a lot of your experience with this corner of the house depends on how you organize and equip it. One wrong choice of equipment can make the already demanding task more terrible. That’s why you have to select all your tools and appliances carefully. Here are insights to help you with your decision.
Buy a good washing machine and dryer
You may purchase a front-loading washing machine because you think that they wash your clothes gently and consume less energy and water. Because the right appliances can save you a lot of time, this may seem like an obvious statement. They work well in any given space because they easily slide under a bench, giving you additional working space even in a packed room. The available area plays a critical role in the laundry room organization. For example, some people prefer to keep the washing machine and dryer next to each other. They can achieve this design goal only if the available space allows this. However, it is better to invest in matching dryer and washing machine models from an aesthetic point of view in this format. The look will be more streamlined.
If that is unfavorable, you can always switch to a racking system where the dryer sits on the washing machine. Both these features require further consideration to serve your purpose well.
Washing machine
- Choose a drum size that suits your daily or weekly laundry needs. Larger loads demand large drum sizes, and small amounts can be manageable with a smaller unit.
- Look for an energy-efficient model to reduce your carbon footprint and monthly utility bills. Anything that consumes less water and power can be preferable.
- Explore the wash functions available on your unit. Something that offers quick wash and steam programs can be beneficial.
Dryer
According to CTN News, the choice includes a condenser and vented dryer, which will be easy to pick if you are familiar with the ventilation capacity of your room. A clothes dryer with a venting system lets the moisture out of the machine by sending it through the wall, so you must have good ventilation if you have this type of machine. A condenser model will collect that moisture and either clean it away through the pipe or store it, requiring manual intervention. This machine costs more than vented models. After all, it doesn’t allow the excess moisture to affect the walls. Other areas to look into with this model include choices of programs, moisture sensor function that prevents over-drying the clothes, and the drum size.
Things to consider
A small or limited space may not be too forgiving and fail to accommodate two features. In that scene, you can go with models that combine the job of the washing machine and drying machine into one. While the dryer may not take the entire load at once, it can still be an intelligent investment considering your position. So, essentially, you have to be thorough with your research because these laundry room appliances are a significant investment.
Get a suitable laundry room sink
Deep laundry sinks are a great space saver because they can make room for other items that you may not wash in the machine. For example, think about pets or small kids who enjoy running around and are pretty fond of finger painting and art classes during their days off from school now and then. These types of activities can often leave your kitchen sink full at first needing to be cleaned later down the road. With an excellent deep sink in the laundry room, this shouldn’t happen. A heavy-duty laundry sink can become the perfect spot for all types of habitual pursuits, whether they are yours or your children’s. Some people, for instance, like to dye clothes at home. For them, this addition can only mean more encouragement and freedom.
Use the correct lighting
It is essential to install proper lighting in the laundry room to wash clothes correctly. Poor lighting can result in missed stains and spots, causing clothing damage. In addition, it can help prevent accidents, such as tripping over laundry left on the floor. While a well-organized space will have lesser risk, you still cannot take any chance. So make sure there’s plenty of light. You don’t want to squint to see what you’re doing. You also want to make sure that the light floods the whole area equally. There shouldn’t be any dark corners. Harsh light color may not be favorable in this space. A warm, soft light will help you see better and won’t be uncomfortable for your eyes. Some people vouch for LED downlights and LED strip lighting.
These are only a few areas, but a complete laundry room consists of many features that come together to help you tackle your loads much more efficiently and without a sweat. As with any part of the house, the laundry room also deserves thorough planning and research with layout, choices of equipment, add-ons, etc. If you already have a laundry area, you may need to change a few things to upgrade it. But renovation or new construction will be an intense job that should happen under the supervision of professional designers. If you worry about budget, remember that a DIY attempt can prove costlier than hiring a contractor unless you are also skilled in this.