Laundry Room Essentials You Need for Clean Living

Natural Laundry Detergent

First things first — all laundry detergents contain chemicals. The difference between regular and natural laundry detergent is that most detergent is formulated with toxic chemicals that can cause or exacerbate asthma or allergies or even lead to hormonal disbalance.

Natural laundry detergent is usually biodegradable, which means it does not accumulate in water. This is important, because when water is recycled and re-used, certain chemicals found in regular detergents may remain in it.

Natural detergents are formulated without synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens and formaldehyde (this is a carcinogen). That also makes them suitable for babies and children whose skin is very sensitive. But make no mistake, natural detergents may be gentle on fabrics, but they’re just as tough on stains as regular detergents.

Have more questions about natural detergent? Check out this post: Why Use a Natural Laundry Detergent? Your Questions Answered.

Baking Soda

What makes baking soda a laundry room essential? Actually, many things. First, it’s a natural stain remover that won’t damage even the most delicate of fabrics. And it’s safe to use on baby bedding and clothes, too. Baking soda also neutralizes unpleasant odors, softens textiles and is the perfect alternative to bleach. If your bedsheets need some extra care, add about half a cup of baking soda to your natural laundry detergent to boost its powers, and your bedding will look like new.

Linen Mist

Who doesn’t like the smell of fresh flowers? That’s what linen sprays are for. Some brands infuse laundry and home textiles with the sweet fragrance of essential oils. Unfortunately, not all linen mist products are created equal. Look for offerings that aren’t made with synthetic fragrances or toxins.

Natural linen mist usually contains a blend of oils that fight foul odors and can positively affect your mood and overall well being. And you can use it on pretty much anything — laundry, rugs, decorative pillows, curtains, and bath mats to add a fresh, clean smell to your laundry room and home. It’s also been proven that essential oils help you sleep better.

Laundry Hamper

This laundry item will keep your house uncluttered and mess-free. Instead of having a dirty clothes pile in your closet or, worse, in the middle of your bedroom, place an oversized laundry hamper in your laundry room.

A bigger hamper will keep all your laundry in one place, so no more going from room to room to look for items to wash at the end of the week. A laundry hamper will also keep your floors neat and clean. 

Choose one crafted from natural jute to add an organic touch to your laundry room. Make sure it comes with a machine-washable cotton bag or lining so you can throw the bag into the washer together with your laundry.

Storage Baskets

With so many items to keep in such a small space, adequate laundry room accessory storage is essential. The best (and chicest) option is adding baskets to your laundry room decor. They are the hardest multi-taskers in any home.

Available in various shapes, materials and sizes, storage baskets are perfect for organizing all your laundry essentials. You can use them to keep bigger and bulkier items such as detergent bottles or a steam iron, or smaller accessories like dryer balls, bottles of linen spray or stain removers. You can even designate one for lost all of those single socks that always pop up in random corners of your laundry room and dryer.

For more storage tips, learn more in our Linen Closet Organization and Bedroom Organization Tips & Inspiration guides.

Drying Rack

Alas, not all clothing items and bedding can be thrown into the dryer after washing. Delicate items made from fabrics such as silk, spandex, or wool will look better if you hang them to dry.

Sometimes, even cotton apparel (such as baby clothes) dries better on the line, keeping it from shrinking.

That’s why a drying rack is an excellent addition to your laundry room. Fortunately, there are so many types nowadays that it’s really easy to find one that fits your laundry room’s decor and size.

If you lack floor space, you can mount a rack on the wall, hang it from the ceiling, or install it over the door. Having a clothes drying rack will also make your household more environmentally friendly, as dryers contribute massively to your carbon footprint.

A Steam Iron and Ironing Board

You probably already have an ironing board, but is it handy and do you use it often? An iron and ironing board are must-have laundry room accessories. People have been ironing their clothes since at least 1 century BC, and with good reason. The simple task of smoothing the creases and wrinkles from apparel and bedsheets has many benefits, and some may even surprise you.

Obviously, clothes look better after pressing them with a steam iron. They go back to their original, just-bought shape and structure. But the steam also kills germs and mold, making textiles more hygienic. Bad odor is caused by bacteria that can be removed by steam ironing, too.

Laundry Folder

While some people find folding laundry therapeutic, others see it as annoying and time-consuming. Regardless of which side of the argument you’re on, a laundry folder will come in handy when it’s time to fold that fresh pile of clean laundry.

A folder is essentially a flat plastic board that can help you fold everything from t-shirts to pants and sweaters super-fast. Your closet drawers will look like a high-end fashion boutique with stacks of neatly-folded garments, and without the drudgery. Having your bedding, apparel, and towels properly folded will also save you plenty of drawer space.

Washer and Dryer

Finding the perfect washer/dryer combination will largely depend on the size of your usual laundry load and laundry room dimensions. For smaller spaces, opt for a top-loading washer and dryer. 

Capacity is another factor. A washer with a bigger drum will not only fit more clothes, but also provide more space for more efficient, deeper cleaning. Spin speeds and the number of wash and dry programs should also influence your decision.