Beyond the washer and dryer in the laundry room, there are practical items that will make your laundry day easier and more efficient.
Drying Bar or Clothesline
Every laundry room needs a drying bar or clothesline to hang dripping or damp garments. Placement should not be over anything that can trap moisture.
Vent Fan
A vent fan is perfect for drawing out excessive moisture in the air and to aid in drying hanging clothes more quickly.Deep Sink or Shower Stall
A sink is handy for hand-washing and ease in clean up. The addition of a shower stall gives a spot to install a drying bar with no worry about dripping clothes. Removable mesh shelves can be installed for drying sweaters, knits and delicate items. And, the shower stall is handy for hosing off large items, washing the dog and cleaning up exceptionally muddy children!Sewing Machine
A sewing machine is quite handy for quick repairs. For a sewing machine to be practical in the laundry room, you must have adequate ventilation to keep humidity from damaging the machine. The sewing machine will need a table or counter space with enough room to include a chair or stool for sitting.Ironing Board
Whether you have a built-in ironing board or use a folding one, you should plan to leave adequate space to move around it when it is open. If using a freestanding board, plan for storage for both the board and the iron.Counter Space
If you're like most people, you'll never have enough counter space in the laundry room. If you have front loading machines, a counter can be installed over the machines. This will not be practical if you have purchased the storage pedestals. A folding table can be used and put away when not needed. However, if the table is not at a comfortable height, you may want to include a stool or chair to prevent back strain.Storage and Organizing Bins
Storage is a must for detergents and cleaning products that should be kept out of reach of young children. Invest in a storage system that will meet that need but still keep products close at hand. Having room for organizing bins under a counter top or on shelves is great for sorting clean clothing for each member of the family. The owner can then take the clean items to the proper room.Rolling Laundry Cart
If your laundry room layout is less than perfect, a rolling laundry cart can be invaluable in transferring wet clothes from the washer to the dryer. You'll save your back and avoid having to rewash clothes when they drop on the floor.