Let’s be honest, the laundry room is often a catch-all for items we don’t quite know where to put. It might be a convenient place to stash things away, but certain items can make your laundry room cluttered, inefficient, and even hazardous. That’s why it’s important to declutter and organize this space. Here are the top 11 things I wish I’d never stored in my laundry room, and why you shouldn’t either.
1. Pet Food
Your furry friends might enjoy the convenience of having their meals in the laundry room, but this can create a messy and unsanitary environment. Pet food, especially the wet kind, can leave stains and smells on your clothing. If left unattended, it could also attract pests.
Moreover, the noise and movement from your washing machine may scare your pets and make them less likely to eat their food. It’s better to find a quiet, clean space for your pet’s food and water bowls.
2. Cleaning Supplies
Yes, the laundry room is technically a ‘cleaning’ room, but storing other cleaning supplies like bathroom cleaners, bleach, and drain unblocker can be hazardous. These items often contain harsh chemicals that could potentially damage your clothes if accidentally spilled.
Furthermore, mixing certain cleaning chemicals can lead to harmful fumes. It’s better to store these items in a separate, well-ventilated area, away from clothing and textiles.
3. Extra Fridge or Freezer
It might seem like a good idea to have an extra fridge or freezer in the laundry room, but the heat and humidity generated by your dryer can make these appliances work harder, consuming more energy and shortening their lifespan.
On top of that, the extra noise can make your laundry room an unpleasant place to be. If you need additional cold storage, it’s better to place these appliances in a cool, dry place like your basement or garage.
4. Important paperwork
The laundry room might seem like a great place to hide important documents from prying eyes, but it’s actually one of the worst places. The humidity and potential for water damage from leaks can ruin such paperwork.
Instead, keep your important documents in a dry, safe place such as a filing cabinet or a dedicated folder in your home office. You might also consider scanning them and storing digital copies for added safety.
5. Electronics and gadgets
Storing electronics in the laundry room is a no-no. The humidity and heat can damage these items, and the vibrations from your washer or dryer can knock them off shelves or counters, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.
Find a cool, dry place for your electronics, preferably a shelf or drawer that is out of reach of children and pets. A dedicated charging station in your living room or bedroom might be a good solution.
6. Paint and solvents
Paint and solvents should never be stored in the laundry room. The heat and humidity can degrade these substances, making them less effective. Moreover, the fumes from these products can be harmful and even explosive when exposed to heat.
If you need to store paint and solvents, do so in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. A locked cabinet in your garage or shed is a good option, especially if you have children or pets.
7. Wine
Storing wine in the laundry room is a bad idea. The temperature and humidity fluctuations can ruin its flavor and degrade the cork, allowing air to seep in and spoil the wine.
Wine should be stored in a cool, dark, and slightly humid environment, like a basement or a dedicated wine fridge. The ideal storage temperature for most wines is between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Extra linens and clothes
It might seem logical to store extra linens and clothes in the laundry room, but the humidity and potential for spills or leaks can damage these items.
Instead, store your extra linens and clothes in a closet, under-bed storage, or vacuum-sealed bags. These options will help protect your items from damage and keep them fresh until you’re ready to use them.
9. Holiday decorations
Holiday decorations can be bulky and difficult to store, but the laundry room is not the place for them. The heat, humidity, and potential for damage from moving laundry around make this a poor storage choice.
Instead, consider storing your holiday decorations in your attic, basement, or a dedicated storage unit. Be sure to pack them carefully to prevent damage, and label each box so you can easily find what you need when the next holiday season rolls around.
10. Sports equipment
Stowing sports equipment in the laundry room might seem convenient, but the heat and humidity can damage these items. Leather items like baseball gloves or soccer balls can dry out and crack, while metal items can rust.
Store sports equipment in a cool, dry place, like a garage or a basement. Make sure to clean and dry each item thoroughly before storing it to prevent mold and mildew.
11. Candles
Finally, never store candles in the laundry room. The heat can cause them to melt, creating a mess and potentially causing a fire hazard.
Instead, store candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If you have scented candles, consider storing them in a closed container or a zip-top bag to preserve the scent.
