Laundry Room Essentials For Functionality

A good laundry room should be functional, workable, and efficient. There are five key requirements to consider when designing a laundry room: space, lighting, storage, ventilation, and functionality. Firstly, ensure there is adequate space for laundry equipment and ancillary spaces for laundry storage and organisation. This includes allowing for the dimensions of the washer and dryer, as well as space for sorting, folding, and hanging clothes. Secondly, consider both natural and artificial lighting to brighten the room and facilitate tasks such as stain removal. Thirdly, provide storage solutions such as cabinets or shelves to keep laundry products and supplies within easy reach. Fourthly, address ventilation and air circulation to prevent fires and maintain the condition of appliances. Finally, think about functionality by arranging work surfaces and appliances to facilitate the flow of laundry tasks, from sorting to drying.

Ample space for laundry equipment and ancillary spaces

A good laundry room should have ample space for laundry equipment and ancillary spaces. This means ensuring that there is enough room for the washer and dryer, as well as additional space for tasks such as sorting, folding, and hanging clothes.

The standard width of a laundry room door should be at least 32 inches, with wider doors being even better. Pocket doors are a great option as they don't take up any floor or wall space when open. When planning the layout, it's important to consider the space needed for loading and unloading laundry. Allow for at least 36 inches in front of a washer and 42 inches for a dryer, providing enough room to manoeuvre around the appliances without bumping into them.

For side-by-side washers and dryers, the ideal horizontal space is 60 inches or five feet. This includes the depth of the appliances (typically around 33 inches) plus an additional six inches for hoses and venting. It's also important to leave at least one inch on each side of the appliances to reduce noise from vibrations. If you have a top-loading washer, ensure there is 16 to 18 inches of clearance above to allow for the opening of the door.

Stacked washer and dryer combinations require a vertical clearance of 60 to 76 inches and a horizontal clearance of 24 to 30 inches. Similar to side-by-side setups, measure the depth and allow for six inches of space for hoses, venting, and air circulation.

When designing the laundry room, consider the workflow and tasks involved, such as sorting, washing, drying, and folding clothes. Arrange the work surfaces and appliances to facilitate a smooth process. For example, place the laundry sink and washing machine side by side to streamline plumbing lines and keep wet tasks together. Install a clothing rod next to the dryer for hanging items to air dry, and consider reserving space for an ironing board nearby.

To make the most of the space, utilise wall-mounted shelving for storage. If counter space is limited, install a fold-up folding station or pedestal drawers underneath the washer and dryer. You can also make use of the back of the door for additional storage solutions.

Good lighting and ventilation

Natural Light

Natural light is ideal for brightening up the laundry room and creating a pleasant atmosphere. Large windows or skylights can be considered to maximise natural light and provide a cheerful environment.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is important over work areas. Under-cabinet lighting or LED fixtures can be installed to illuminate countertops for tasks such as stain treatment and sock matching. Ensure lighting is also positioned to allow you to see inside the washer and dryer, so you don't leave anything behind.

Ventilation

Appropriate ventilation is crucial to maintain good airflow and prevent fires. Make sure there is enough air circulation to keep appliances cool and in good condition. Use proper vent materials, such as non-flammable rigid pipes with a smooth interior, to facilitate better airflow and reduce fire and lint build-ups.

Electrical Requirements

Laundry rooms should have electrical outlets with GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection to prevent electrocution and fire. Ensure your washer and dryer are placed close to power outlets to avoid the use of extension cords, which are not recommended and may violate local codes.

A sink, ironing board, storage cabinets, and countertops

A sink in the laundry room is a must-have, used for a variety of tasks such as soaking stained clothes, washing pets, and handling messy clean-up jobs. It is typically deeper than a standard kitchen or bathroom sink, allowing for more versatility. When designing the layout, consider positioning the sink and washing machine side by side to streamline plumbing lines and keep wet tasks together.

Incorporating an ironing board into the laundry room design is also crucial. Depending on the available space, you can opt for a standalone or pull-out ironing board. A pull-out ironing board can be installed in a wall-mounted unit, saving space and making ironing a more convenient chore.

Storage cabinets are essential for keeping laundry products secure and organised. Customised cabinets built around appliances maximise storage space, but freestanding storage cabinets are also a good option if custom options are not feasible. These cabinets can be used to store detergents, cleaning supplies, and small appliances, keeping the laundry room tidy and efficient.

Finally, countertops are a key feature of a functional laundry room. They provide a space for sorting and folding clothes, as well as pre-washing tasks like stain removal. Ideally, aim for 18 to 36 inches of free counter space next to the washer. The height of the countertop is also important—a range of 30 to 34 inches is generally more comfortable for folding laundry, especially larger items.

Proper electrical wiring and plumbing

Electrical Wiring:

The electrical requirements for your laundry room will depend on the types of appliances you plan to use and the specific code requirements in your area. Consult with a licensed electrician to ensure your electrical wiring meets local codes and standards. Here are some general guidelines:

• Electric dryer: An electric dryer will typically require a dedicated 30-amp, 240-volt, 4-prong receptacle to handle the load of the heaters, motor, and fans. This circuit should be dedicated solely to the dryer appliance.
• Gas dryer: A gas dryer requires less electrical power and can run on a 120-volt circuit, similar to a washing machine. Both appliances can be plugged into the same outlet, but it should be on its own designated circuit.
• Washing machine: A washing machine requires a 120-volt, 20-amp circuit. This circuit is designated for laundry room use and can power both the washing machine and a gas dryer. Ensure that the wiring includes a ground wire, hot wire, and neutral wire.
• Lighting: Your laundry room will need adequate lighting, and building codes may require low-energy lighting, such as fluorescent or LED lights. A 15-amp circuit should be sufficient to power the light fixtures.
• Ironing: If you plan to include an ironing area in your laundry room, you will need to install a 20-amp circuit.
• Exhaust fan: If your laundry room does not have a window, you will need to install an exhaust fan along with a switch.
• GFCI protection: Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection is required for the 20-amp designated receptacle serving the washing machine and gas dryer. It is also mandated for any 120-volt outlet within six feet of a laundry or utility sink and outlets in damp areas like basements or garages.

Plumbing:

Laundry rooms require proper plumbing to accommodate the washer, sink, and any other fixtures. Here are some key considerations:

• Water supply: Washers require both hot and cold water lines. Ensure that the water supply lines are properly connected and provide adequate water pressure.
• Drainage: It is essential to have a floor drain in the laundry room to protect against leaks or overflows. The floor should be slightly sloped towards the drain to ensure proper water flow.
• Sink: Consider the placement of your laundry sink to streamline plumbing lines. Placing the sink next to the washing machine keeps wet tasks together.
• Gas supply: If you have a gas dryer, ensure there is an adequate gas supply line.
• Ventilation: Gas dryers require proper ventilation, with more than 50 feet of venting to the outside. The dryer vent pipe should exit directly out of the wall behind the dryer or through the roof.
• Shut-off valves: Easy access to the ball valves that control the hot and cold water supply is crucial for maintenance and emergency shut-off. Place these valves above and behind the washer for convenience.

Easy access and adequate door width

Easy access to the laundry room is crucial, especially when moving appliances in and out. The width of the door should be at least 32 inches, with wider doors being even better for accessibility. A pocket door is a great option as it doesn't take up any floor or wall space when opened. If your laundry room is upstairs, ensure that the stairways are wide enough to accommodate the appliances, ideally with a width of 45 inches to make a 90-degree turn.

When designing the layout of your laundry room, consider the tasks involved, such as sorting clothes, washing, drying, and folding. Arrange the work surfaces and appliances to facilitate a functional workflow. Allow for adequate space in front of the washer and dryer for loading and unloading. For a washer, 36 inches of space is generally sufficient, while a dryer typically requires 42 inches due to its door opening. If you have front-loading machines, provide at least 48 inches of clearance in front of each appliance to allow for comfortable movement around the open doors.

Additionally, consider the placement of other elements in your laundry room. If you plan to include a countertop for folding clothes, installing it above the dryer minimises the steps required. Alternatively, add a table or cart tall enough for standing work if there is insufficient space above the dryer. A laundry sink, also known as a utility sink, is another essential feature. These sinks are typically deeper than standard sinks, allowing for various tasks like soaking clothes. Place the sink next to the washing machine to streamline plumbing lines and keep wet tasks together.

Frequently asked questions