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12 Gifts for the Laundry

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Some gift recipients might be offended to receive laundry room appliances or extras as a gift. Others will be thrilled! If you're looking for a practical and most often welcome gift, consider these:

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1. Clothes Washer

Today's clothes washers offer much more variety than ever before. You'll find new colors, cycles and styles. Before you buy, make a decision on front-load or top-load, colors and accessories and the measurements of the appliance and your space. Take time to look for Energy Star recommendations before you buy.
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2. Clothes Dryer

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Today's clothes dryers offer much more variety than ever before. You'll find noise reduction packages, wrinkle reduction options, moisture-sensing cycles and steam cycles as well as new colors and styles. Before you buy, be sure you know the measurements of the appliance and your space. Check the placement of the dryer vent outlet to insure that your dryer vent hose can remain as straight as possible.
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3. Clothes Steamer

A clothes steamer is a wonderful addition to the laundry. It removes wrinkles and freshens clothing between washings or dry-cleanings. Steamers are also great for upholstery and drapes. A travel steamer is a perfect gift for a frequent traveler.
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4. Sweater Dryer

I remember visiting a friend in college and her entire floor was covered with sweaters on towels waiting to dry. I think you'll find these sweater dryer racks much more convenient. You can find dryers with multiple racks and even those with a blower to distribute air for quicker drying. It's a great gift for someone who hand-launders to save money at the dry-cleaners.
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5. Iron

Irons have come a long way from those heavy metal models our grandmothers used. Today's irons are lightweight, have a multitude of settings and some are cordless. A travel iron is a perfect size for a college student who might need to look nice for a job interview!
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6. Clothesline

Drying clothes outside or on an interior clothesline is eco-friendly, good exercise and protects your clothing. Choose a clothesline that has a protective coating so that nothing will rust or stain your clothing. Since clotheslines are often too large to wrap, wrap up some clothespins or clips instead with a note to look outside!
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7. Laundry Sorters and Hampers

The gift of organization is a wonderful gift. A good place to start is with laundry hampers with sorting bins. Hampers are not very exciting but I would be delighted to find a new set of matching ones in my laundry room - especially if they have wheels!

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8. Wooden and Padded Hangers

If you've ever hung a heavy coat on a wire hanger and had the hanger collapse, you'll understand why wooden or padded hangers make a great gift. Wooden hangers are perfect for coats and suits, especially men's wear. Padded hangers are perfect for delicate garments and prevent indentations from hanger edges. Padded hangers may be filled with sachet or even cedar to keep your closet smelling great.
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9. Clothes Brush

A clothes brush or lint brush is a great gift for anyone. They come in travel sizes as well as full size. It's a laundry accessory that will keep your garments looking their best.
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10. Stain Removal Guide

A stain removal guide is a great gift for a college student, new homeowner or even seasoned laundry-doers. Having a reference on hand can save money and clothing!
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11. Art for the Laundry Room

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Art may not seem like a neccesity in the laundry room; but it is a great addition. A poster, print or cartoon that makes the laundry area more pleasant will make the task more pleasant.

12. Coupon Book for Free Laundry

It costs about 60 cents to one dollar do a load of laundry at home. The biggest investment is time. The gift of a coupon book for free laundry will be a cherished gift. I can assure you that the chief laundry-doer in your home will be thrilled.

The coupon book is also a great gift for shut-ins or senior citizens. You can make the coupons so that you will pick up and return laundry to their home. Or, you can come in and help them do their laundry. You will be helping them with their work and I know they will appreciate your company.

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