Cleaning & Organizing Laundry Laundry Appliances

10 Essential Laundry Room Equipment and Tools

By
Sarah Aguirre
Sarah Aguirre
Sarah Aguirre is a housekeeping expert with over 20 years of experience cleaning residentially and commercially. Over that time, she has been writing about tips and tricks for housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 07/25/23
Reviewed by
Brandon Pleshek
Brandon Pleshek headshot.
Reviewed by Brandon Pleshek
Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! is a seasoned veteran of the cleaning industry with over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential cleaning. He is a member of The Spruce's Cleaning and Organizing Review Board.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Laundry room with drying rack and white machines near brightly-lit window

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Laundry can seem tiring and never-ending, especially if you don't have the right tools and supplies. When you have what you need, like a washer, dryer, and detergent, even a large load of laundry can feel more manageable.

Once you've got the basics, the other things you add to your laundry room will depend on how much space you have. A fully stocked laundry room includes an iron, laundry boosters, drying rack, and more. All of these tools make laundry time a much easier chore. 

These 10 items are the essential laundry equipment and tools to ease your clothes cleaning routine.

Tip

Set up your supplies in the most convenient manner to accommodate your detergent, cleansers, and anything else you need. Put what you use most within easy reach; for example, your detergent will likely be used every time you use the washer, so put that front and center.

  • 01 of 10

    Washing Machine

    Top-loading washing machine with door open

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    The most essential tool in your laundry room is your washing machine. While many fancy machines are available with multiple settings, you need a machine that will fit in your laundry room and handle your family's needs. Clean your washing machine regularly to remove smelly odors; it will extend its life, and the time it can serve you and your laundry.

  • 02 of 10

    Dryer

    Drying machine with front door open

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    Some people may prefer to hang their laundry to dry, but there is no doubt that an automatic clothes dryer is a modern convenience. Keep the dryer clean; check it often to ensure no debris or crayon stains are on the interior drum. Clean the lint trap regularly.

  • 03 of 10

    Drying Rack

    Drying rack with orange and cream towels hanging

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    A drying rack is a simple tool for draping and drying delicate clothing. Some fabrics or types of clothing can't dry in the dryer due to the high heat or the tumbling action. These items may be listed on the tag as "hang to dry." A drying rack is a convenient item that allows these pieces of clothing to dry safely.

  • 04 of 10

    Iron

    White iron on ironing board in front of white washer & dryer machines

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    If your laundry room has space, storing your iron there is a natural fit. Many like to iron their clothes directly when they come out of the dryer. It is an efficient practice since clothes will have fewer wrinkles straight from the dryer and take less time to iron. One of the significant ironing mistakes that people make is trying to iron overly dry clothes; slightly damp garments are easier to iron.

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  • 05 of 10

    Ironing Board

    Ironing board in front of washing and drying machines

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    One of the best ironing board options for a laundry room is a fold-out ironing board that can be tucked away when not in use. There are also some people who prefer to lay an ironing board across a countertop in their laundry room. A good ironing board is one that has plenty of mesh or metal holes to allow air to penetrate through it, reduce your ironing time and give you better results.

  • 06 of 10

    Sink

    Laundry room sink surrounded by brown marble

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    A sink in the laundry room isn't a luxury most people have, but it is a wonderful one to consider when you are remodeling or building a laundry room. A sink in the laundry room allows you to treat stains, hand-wash clothes, and keep the laundry room neat and tidy.

  • 07 of 10

    Laundry Detergent

    Laundry detergent in glass container and white bottle

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    Good laundry detergent is a must for your laundry room. There are many types of laundry detergent—powder, liquid, and pods. No matter which you prefer, liquid laundry detergent is great to have around since it does double duty as an effective spot pre-treater for stains.

  • 08 of 10

    Stain Removers

    White powdered stain remover scooped in wooden spoon on pink shirt

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    Stains happen; when they do, you'll want your laundry room prepared. From grass, red wine, and other dried-up, set-in stains, it's helpful to have a few different types of stain removers on hand to deal with them. Stain removers come as sprays, gels, or sticks.

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  • 09 of 10

    Baking Soda

    Baking soda in glass container behind wooden spoon with scoop

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    Keep a box of baking soda in the laundry room to remove odors and stains.  Baking soda also brightens and cleans your laundry.  It's an amazing little cleaner. Help yourself out by having a box or two of baking soda stored in your laundry room.

  • 10 of 10

    Laundry Additives

    Vinegar, bleach and clothes pins in glass containers next to dryer balls in woven basket

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    In addition to stain removers and baking soda, other laundry additives can help make washing and drying all those loads a breeze. Add bleach, fabric softener, scent boosters, vinegar, and other products to your shelves as needed.