Laundry Makeover
Laundry has come a long way since our mother's time. We've rounded up our favorite space and time-saving tips — so you can spend less time tinkering with stains and have more fun.
Dry-Cleaning Drop-Off
Sometimes you have clothes that just can't be handled at home. Hang a canvas bag on the back of the door to store those dry clean-only items, so they're easy to grab and ready to go on your next trip to the cleaners.
Trash It
A wastebasket near the dryer is essential for effortlessly disposing of lint and dryer sheets.
Stain Chart
When you're in a bind and need to get a tough stain out, laminate this handy stain chart. Think of it as a first-aid kit for clothes. Different stains and fabrics call for different methods of attack, and a stain chart within easy view can be the difference between a ruined blouse and a saved one.
Cold Clean
With Tide Original, you can always get a great clean — even in cold water.
Lost and Found
Set aside a basket near the washer to place items found in pockets like change, hairbands and rogue receipts. For those elusive socks, keep another basket near the dryer for strays. Once the mate is found, you can reunite them with their owners. By deciding where things will go (at least temporarily) and remembering to make it logical and accessible, you'll have more success with organization in the long run.
Sorting Hampers
Providing multiple hampers for your family can help make sorting clothes a breeze. Hang a sign on each hamper so everyone knows which basket gets the lights, darks and towels from the get-go — you'll save loads of time once you need to start the wash.
Jazz It Up
While an all-white room does evoke cleanliness, some decorative touches will help it feel less institutional and less like a chore. Just because you are ironing doesn't mean you can't have a pop of color in your life.
Corral Supplies
Something simple like a shower caddy filled with stain remover spray, a scrub brush and a bleach pen is your one-stop for maintenance. It's easy to grab and carry if you need to take it out of the laundry room. Plus it's easy to clean — just rinse out.
Drying Racks
With a lack of space, the laundry room ends up draped in clothes let to dry — over the dryer, cabinets and doors. Don't overlook vertical wall space where you could hang a peg rack or a pull-down drying rack. You could even suspend a hanging rack from the ceiling to hang clothes. And don't forget a retractable clothesline can work well indoors for items that need to line-dry.
Turn It On
Set up an MP3 player speaker so you can groove while you move, and make the laundry a little more fun. You can even set up an iPhone or iPad dock to watch your favorite shows while you fold.
