Better Homes And Gardens Laundry Drying Rack Cart

Sure, your laundry room needs to work hard. But just because you need to store lots of cleaning supplies and laundry there doesn't mean it can't look good while doing it. Here are some ideas to help make that happen.

Make a laundry center with storage

This laundry center has plenty of storage takeaways. Here, wire baskets stand alone inside the shelf and keep rags, dryer sheets and other laundry necessities in plain view. Solid canvas totes hide unsightly items—such as bold and bulky detergent containers—from view. A repurposed dresser drawer perched on top of the unit holds mason jars filled with tiny supplies, such as buttons.

Tuck away your storage

Get dirty clothes off the floor by sorting them in bags tucked next to the washer and dryer. Multiple bins allow you to sort clothing, and wheels on the bottom of the basket makes it oh-so-easy to toss in a load. For added organization, consider making or printing a set of labels so you never forget which basket is which.

Use clothes carriers

Canvas bags, tucked neatly in a stand-alone shelving unit, make it convenient for family members to haul clean clothes back to their rooms. The same system aids with dirty clothes. Provide a labeled hamper for each member of the household.

Collect pocket treasures

Always make sure to check the pockets of clothes before you wash to avoid damage that crayons or coins might do to the washer, dryer or garments. Keep glass jars within reach and use them as a catchall for any pocket finds, detergent pods or clothespins.

Build a folding table

Mount a tabletop or slab of laminate countertop atop your washer and dryer to create a full-service laundry center in minutes. A table skirt hides the setup in seconds, making it possible to integrate a laundry center into any room of your home.

Get hooked on storage

If your laundry room lacks enough depth for a traditional clothing rack, consider a wall-mount version. This accordion-style garment rack is perfect for hanging sportswear and delicates. When not in use, the rack can be folded nearly flush against the wall.

Recruit a spare wall

Make space on the wall for your bulky ironing supplies. A mounted rack holds the board, while a catch-all wire basket keeps the iron, starch and other supplies within reach. A colorful ironing board cover brings some bold style to the space.

Engage a handy rolling cart

With so much to do in a laundry area, there's no room for wasted space. Here, a small cart holding laundry supplies puts the area near the dryer and wall to good use. The cart has wheels so it can easily be moved.

Find attractive storage boxes

Enhance the decor of your laundry room while establishing additional storage. Here, matching wicker baskets keep clutter at a minimum and reinforce the modern-farmhouse theme of the room. Cabinet doors keep dirty clothes organized and out of sight.

Install a pull-down ironing board

Clear up floor space by installing a pull-down ironing board that's built into a cabinet or wall. Shelves inside the cabinet hold ironing supplies, while a hook mounted on the cabinet door holds a queue of items waiting to be ironed.

Use a soap dispenser for detergent

Store detergent—lots of it—in a soap dispenser attached to a cabinet door. This smart secret banishes bulky detergent containers and makes it a cinch to measure the needed amount of product. Look for a dual soap dispenser to keep detergent and softener in the same spot.

Easy access is just over the door

Display an array of laundry supplies with an over-the-door shoe organizer. The small pockets are ideal for holding brushes, clothespins, sponges and other easy-to-lose items.

Lock down storage with a locker

Consider a metal locker for stylish storage. The divided compartments make it easy to set up different laundry "zones." Use one locker each for dirty clothes, clean clothes, clothes waiting to be ironed, and supplies.

Use a bar in the laundry room

A bar cart isn't just for mixing up a nightcap. This stylish storage piece holds baskets and buckets for corralling lost socks, towels and ironing supplies. Its thin metal handle is perfect for balancing spray bottles.