Long ago, laundry tasks simply required a tub, washboard, clothesline and backbreaking labor. Not so today. A properly planned utility room can be a complete housekeeping area that simplifies everything you do.
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), planning a laundry area requires as much careful thought and knowledge as does the bathroom. Size and location are very important when deciding on this newly remodeled or constructed area. In the West, many laundry areas are placed in the garage. The East uses the basement. Neither is ideal. Inefficient lighting, uncomfortable temperatures and unpleasant surroundings typify these locations. A separate room in the home is more desirable.
At best, a 12-foot square space will provide plenty of room for sorting, ironing, folding and drying, but a smaller space, if properly planned, can give you the room you need for most of these activities.
In order for you to plan for your new area, think about what kinds of activities will take place these besides laundry. Sewing and mending, perhaps? Gift wrapping? Gardening ? All of these answers will help design the perfect room for you.
But first, let''s talk clothes. Soiled clothing storage, sorting area and folding facilities all are basic requirements of the utility room. Ideally, more than one large hamper should be planned. To avoid sorting before washing, several small containers are a better design approach.
Soiled clothes should be sorted according to color, type and degree of soil, and type of fabric. General sorting categories are whites, light colors, bright or deep-colored materials, permanent press, delicates, and clothes for the dry cleaners.
Once the clothes have been sorted, you''ll need an area for mending and stain removal. A sewing box should be included in the laundry area, as should a countertop for pre-treating spots and other clothing blemishes.
A countertop surface also is needed for folding. When possible, ensure that this work area is near or next to the dryer. For permanent press clothing, hanging space should also be close to the dryer. A portable garment rack, short clothes pole or extension rod will provide an immediate hanging area.
Don''t forget?your utility room can be transformed into a complete housekeeping center if the floor space is available!
Take ironing, for example. It is, at best, a tolerable task. Storage for the board, an iron, water and starch is needed. Although considered old-fashioned by many, a built-in ironing board is a very good space-saving arrangement. Make sure you tell your designer on which side of the board you''ll work on for complete handiness.
A cleaning closet is a great advantage for household management. The size depends on what is kept inside. A wide range of shapes and sizes will be stored ¾ brooms, mops, vacuums, dust pans, window washing equipment, waxes and soaps, buckets, etc.
In addition to cleaning supplies, planning on space for household tools, show polish equipment, gift wrapping items, linen storage, indoor planning items and other special needs will add to the center.
Reprinted with permission by the National Kitchen and Bath Association
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