Cleaning and Keeping the Laundry Room Clean.

Cleaning the Laundry Room

The laundry room is where clothes pile up for washing, drying, and ironing, yet it’s often overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning – especially during those frantic “company is coming over” cleaning sprees. Since the laundry room is usually hidden away behind a closed door, it tends to collect dust, lint, and grime over time. But a clean laundry room not only looks better but also keeps your appliances running efficiently and your clothes fresher.

Deep Cleaning the Washer and Dryer

The heart of the laundry room is the washer and dryer, which get constant use but are rarely cleaned themselves. Before tackling these appliances, if space allows, move them away from the wall to vacuum and wipe down the dust buildup on the walls, floors, and behind the machines. This also helps prevent potential fire hazards caused by lint accumulation.

Cleaning the Washing Machine

Over time, washing machines accumulate detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and hard water deposits, which can lead to unpleasant odors and less effective washes. To keep your washer in top shape, clean it at least once a month using this method:

1. Run an Empty Cycle: Set your washer to a full-load, regular wash cycle using warm or hot water.
2. Add White Vinegar: Pour 2-3 cups of white vinegar into the drum as the water fills. If your washer hasn’t been cleaned in a while, you can use a bit more.
3. Scrub the Drum: Using a clean, unused toilet brush or a soft sponge, scrub the inside of the washer, focusing on the upper drum and hard-to-reach areas. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
4. Rinse with a Hot Water Cycle: After the vinegar cycle is complete, run another hot water cycle without vinegar to rinse out any remaining residue.
5. Wipe Down the Exterior: Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the outside of the machine. Don’t forget to wipe around buttons, dials, and handles.
6. Vacuum Behind and Around: Clean behind and under the washer to remove accumulated dust and lint.

Cleaning the Dryer

A clean dryer not only helps clothes dry faster but also prevents potential fire hazards. Here’s how to maintain it:

1. Clean the Lint Trap: Remove lint after every use. Every so often, use a lint trap vent cleaner to remove debris stuck deeper in the vent.
2. Deep Clean Under the Lint Trap: Over time, small lint particles and debris accumulate under the lint trap. Use a vacuum attachment or a dryer vent brush to clean out this area.
3. Wipe the Drum: Dampen a cloth with warm, soapy water and wipe down the inside of the dryer. Follow up with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
4. Vacuum Behind the Dryer: Pull the machine away from the wall and vacuum the floor, vents, and back panel.
5. Clean the Exterior: Wipe down the control panel, knobs, and outside of the dryer with a mild cleaning solution.

Tidying Up Counters, Cabinets, and Laundry Bins

Just like kitchen surfaces, the countertops, cabinets, and shelves in your laundry room should be wiped down regularly to prevent dust and grime buildup.

• Weekly Maintenance: Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution to keep bacteria at bay.
• Laundry Baskets: Plastic baskets can be wiped with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water. Hanging cloth bins should be washed regularly.
• Check for Cobwebs: Look up! Laundry rooms often collect cobwebs in ceiling corners. Use a duster or vacuum attachment to clear them away.

Cleaning the Floor and Baseboards

After cleaning everything else, focus on the floors:

1. Remove Items from the Floor: Move hampers, baskets, or small furniture out of the way.
2. Sweep or Vacuum: Pay special attention to lint and dust that gathers between appliances and walls.
3. Mop the Floor: Use a damp mop with a mild floor cleaner to remove dirt and stains.
4. Wipe Down Baseboards: Use a damp cloth to remove dust and prevent buildup.

Safety Tip: Protect Your Lungs

If your laundry room hasn’t been deep cleaned in a while, wear a simple breathing mask or tie a cloth around your nose and mouth to prevent inhaling dust and lint. This can also help reduce any itchiness caused by airborne lint particles.

Keeping Your Laundry Room Clean

To prevent your laundry room from becoming a dust magnet, incorporate small cleaning habits into your routine:

• Vacuum the floor on your regular vacuuming day.
• Clean vents regularly to maintain proper airflow.
• Wipe down the washer and dryer when you do a load of towels—then toss the cloth in with the wash.
• If you have a sink in the laundry room, add it to your weekly cleaning checklist.

By maintaining a cleaner laundry room, you’ll not only create a more pleasant space but also improve the efficiency of your appliances and keep your clothes truly fresh and clean!