Maintaining a neat and organized laundry room can be a challenge, regardless of its size. From managing dirty and clean laundry to storing household products, the laundry room can quickly become cluttered with items that no longer serve a purpose. To help you declutter effectively, we sought advice from professionals in the field. Here are eight items experts recommend tossing from your laundry room during your next cleaning spree.
Meet the Experts:
– Kathy Turley, Director of Marketing at Home Clean Heroes
– James Joun, Owner of Rinse, laundry experts
1. Broken or Misfit Hangers:
While hangers are essential in the laundry room, broken ones are no longer useful for holding clothes properly. Turley advises discarding bent or broken hangers and donating any extras in good condition.
2. Unused or Outdated Cleaning Products:
Expired cleaning products take up valuable space and can become hazardous. Check the labels and dispose of any products that are expired or no longer needed.
3. Old or Expired Detergents:
Expired detergents lose their cleaning power over time and can cause residue buildup on your clothes and washing machine. Replace any expired detergents that have changed in texture, smell off, or fail to dissolve properly.
4. Lint and Dryer Sheet Build-Up:
Both experts recommend removing lint and dryer sheet build-up after each drying cycle to prevent fire hazards. Regularly clean your dryer’s lint trap and vacuum around the dryer for safety.
5. Non-Laundry-Related Clutter:
If your laundry room also serves as a mudroom, it can easily accumulate non-laundry-related clutter such as tools and decorations. Reorganize and relocate these items to maintain a tidy and functional laundry space.
6. Outdated Stain Removers:
Check all stain remover products for expiration dates and dispose of any expired products. Properly managing stain removers helps maintain an efficient laundry routine.
By following these expert recommendations, you can create a more organized and efficient laundry room free from unnecessary clutter.
“Stain removers can lose their effectiveness over time, particularly if they have been stored in your laundry room for an extended period. Once they expire, they may struggle to effectively tackle tough stains such as grease, oil, or wine, leading to frustration and potentially leaving your clothes stained,” he explains.
Unused Laundry Pods with Damaged Packaging
While laundry pods have gained popularity and remain a practical option for cleaning clothes, Joun highlights the importance of promptly discarding them if the packaging is damaged. “Although laundry pods are a convenient choice, damaged packaging, whether torn, compromised, or improperly sealed, can lead to issues such as drying out, leaking, or attracting moisture. This can significantly impact their performance as the detergent may fail to dissolve adequately or create a messy situation,” he warns. “Furthermore, damaged pods present a safety concern, especially in households with children or pets, since the exposed detergent can be harmful if ingested or come into contact with skin.”
Nearly Empty or Empty Bottles
Lastly, our experts emphasize the benefits of consolidating multiple partially used bottles in your laundry room to optimize space and create a more organized environment. Turley suggests, “Those nearly empty bottles of detergent, fabric softener, or stain remover tend to clutter the space unnecessarily. If possible, combine any remaining product into one container, and discard the rest to free up space for the products you regularly use.”
Related: 6 Things To Immediately Clear Out from Your Linen Closet
This information was originally published in Southern Living.
