What do I need in a utility room?
I have been compiling all the hints and tips I’ve accumulated over the years and here are my thoughts on what to include in a utility room…
Tumble dryer, yay or nay? - I don’t like to use the tumble dryer much. It’s expensive to run. However, using it for 20 minutes before hanging the clothes out to dry knocks out most of the creases and removes that ‘crunchy’ air-dried feeling you get with certain fabrics (not a big fan of crispy towels!) It’s also so handy when you need something dried quickly or you have absolutely loads of washing and it’s bad weather so you know you’ll be stuck for space to hang it all. I wouldn’t be without one. Maybe you use yours for all your washing - then of course you won’t be wondering. But even if you’re thinking you wouldn’t need it all the time, I’d still say it’s worth having one. If you’re limited for space, a washer-dryer is a handy option. The dryer isn’t as efficient as a dedicated tumble dryer as the drum is smaller but still handy to have in my opinion.
A clothes airer that can rise - Heat rises so if you can, get a clothes horse that is on a pulley and can be raised up to the ceiling. It’s even better if you can situate it above the radiator. There are plenty of options like the Sheila Maid country-cottage style or more modern ones (like Foxydry) you can fix to the wall or to the ceiling. Just be careful if you’re fixing it DIY that you use the right fixings for the wall or ceiling and it is adequately supported to carry a heavy load of washing on it.
Ventilation - As this room is going to have a lot of excess moisture in it from doing the laundry in there, it must be well ventilated or you’ll end up with dampness issues. Talk to an expert when fitting out your utility room on the best ventilation solution for your space.
TOP TIP!!!
Drawers for each individual - If there are multiple people in the home, having individual drawers for each member of the household is an organisational game changer. Each person’s washing can go in their dedicated drawer and if they’re old enough, they can take their own drawer to their rooms to be emptied. It’s therefore a good idea to get drawers that can easily be removed. It’s tidy and organised in the utility room and makes clothes-sorting a breeze. Jonaxel drawers from Ikea are a great option, as well as many, many others. If you’ve come across the Marie Kondo folding technique as well, moving clothes from utility drawer to bedroom drawer is a doddle for younger (and older!) folks and helps keep clothes well-organised in their drawers/wardrobes.
Hanging space for items you don’t want folded - You also want to have hanging space for clothes that you wouldn’t want in a drawer, like dresses, shirts, smart clothes and so on. I think the Jonaxel range in Ikea are fab for this too by adding a wardrobe rail to the drawers but there are loads of similar options and even hooks on the walls for a few coathangers are a great alternative option.
Sink - If you have the space, including a sink is a must – as big a one as is practical for the space. If stains need to be washed out of clothes, things need to be left to soak, if clothes are especially muddy, all of this is ideally done in a utility room rather than in your kitchen or bathroom sink.
Cleaning products/appliances storage - Don’t forget storage space! Your washing liquid/powder, cleaning products, dishcloths, clothes pegs, hoover, mop etc etc will find a happy home in your utility room.
Happy organising!