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The laundry is one of the most important rooms in the house, although it is often overlooked. Having a laundry that is functional, practical and a pleasure to spend time in can make a huge difference to your day-to-day life.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
The starting point for planning your laundry will be to consider what appliances and features you’ll want in there. For example, you might have a washer and dryer, but will you also want an iron and ironing board? How about a wash basin? Once you have those locked in, you can begin to plan around them.
Here are six key considerations for planning your laundry.
Storage is key. You might need space for cleaning supplies, larger cleaning tools like vacuums and mops, bed linens and towels, drying racks, clothing hampers and more.
Make sure to include ample storage space and to consider the size of your cupboards to maximise functionality. Think about adding smaller cupboards for cleaning supplies, medium-sized cupboards for bed linens and towels, and tall cupboards for vacuums, brooms, mops and ironing boards.
Having a dedicated working space can make a huge difference in the productivity and feel of your laundry. A big bench will allow you to work more easily and efficiently – for example, giving you space to sort clothes, address stains or fold clothes quickly.
Elevated hanging rails are a practical addition to any laundry. They provide more space for clothing to dry, you can easily hang hand-washed clothes, dry cleaning rags or prop up freshly cleaned shoes, allowing them to drip freely into the sink.
Many laundries have dim lighting, which isn’t ideal. Not only is it important to see what you’re doing (especially while handling chemicals and cleaning supplies), but proper lighting can also help brighten the mood of the entire area.
Strip lighting is good for darker spaces, such as under cabinets or inside cupboards or corners. Adding motion sensor lights can be extremely helpful when walking into the laundry with a basket full of clothing.
A large sink is a must-have in a laundry room. This is where you will be able to soak or handwash clothes, rinse out dirty garments, or wash bigger items like doonas, blankets and curtains. The laundry sink also comes in handy for washing pets and watering indoor plants.
Creating a pet friendly area in the laundry keeps mess from feeding and litter boxes contained. You can also incorporate cleverly designed cupboards that convert into pet beds and off-the-ground food bowl storage.
For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 5: Laundry renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
