LAUNDRY GOALS

Words KYLIE JACKES

Plenty of storage, ample bench space, natural light and a harmonious colour scheme make this laundry pleasing and practical

The laundry is one of the busiest zones in the home and, with the onset of cooler winter weather and layered dressing, the size of the washing pile only grows. To help tackle the load, we take you through budget-friendly additions to enhance the functionality of your laundry, with plenty of clothes drying ideas to lessen the need for a tumble dryer – and relieve the hit to your hip pocket.

Whether you have a spacious or compact laundry, James Parkinson from Hills says you can turn it into a handy drying zone with nifty pull-out rails and airers. “Air drying has multiple advantages – it reduces reliance on electricity, which saves money, and is kinder to your clothes,” he says.

It’s important to reduce moisture indoors, so he also suggests positioning airers near an open door or window to maximise airflow.

Another tip is to place clothes on hangers. “This will minimise wrinkles, help your shirts dry quicker and make ironing easier,” says James.

To extend drying capability, other options can include installing a rod to hang clothes above the laundry bench, using an overdoor clothes airer or, as John Harrison from Kaboodle Kitchen suggests, incorporating a sleek built-in drying cupboard, such as the Flatpax wall drying cabinet. “It is designed to sit alongside a run of wall cabinets and features a pull-out drying rack that can be hidden when not in use,” he explains.

Another key inclusion is a deep sink for hand washing and soaking. To maximise benchtop expanse, locate the sink to one end and, when selecting tapware, ensure the sink dimensions and spout position allow for filling buckets.

Well-chosen lighting will make the laundry a functional work zone day and night, notes Brilliant Lighting’s Sharon Breeze. “LED ceiling battens are great for task lighting, as they have a huge light output and their linear shape suits the common galley-style laundry layout,” she says. For compact square-shaped laundries, consider a ceiling-mounted oyster light.

ABOVE Whether you go high or low, there’s always a practical storage solution. BELOW A generous sink is perfect for soaking stubborn stains, washing the dog and even flower arranging!

If you need to use a dryer, try these tricks to make it more efficient. Use the highest spin cycle in the washing machine to thoroughly wring out clothes as much as possible before they go in the dryer. Clean out the lint filter after every use to ensure the air can circulate properly in the tumbler.

To avoid over-drying clothes, set the timer for short intervals to check when they’re done. Some dryers will have an auto sensor that switches off the machine when clothes are dry.

Dry like with like items – towels in one load, shirts in another. When shopping for a new dryer, consider a heat pump model, which uses less energy than a standard electric dryer, and check star rating – more stars means better efficiency.

Consider custom-made or DIY racks and hangers to utilise overhead airing space

You could also illuminate the underside of overhead cabinetry with LED strip lighting. As moisture can be a problem in laundries which double as drying rooms, Sharon suggests adding a panel-style bathroom exhaust heater. “As well as removing damp air, they provide heat and air movement to assist the drying process on cold days,” she says.

Ironing is less of a chore if everything you need is easily accessible. “Adding a 450mm, 600mm or 900mm pantry cabinet into your laundry can create space to store taller items, such as an ironing board or vacuum cleaner and mop,” says John. If space is really tight, you could install an over-door ironing board holder or downsize to a tabletop option.

If looking to revamp your laundry while keeping the budget in check, self-assembled flatpack cabinetry is an economical option. “For safety, include wall cabinets to store your washing detergent and cleaning products up high,” says John. Also consider the best placement of appliances. Front loader washing machines and dryers can sit under a bench, while stacking them provides more base cabinetry space.

871mm x 600mm x 500mm laundry tub in White, $278, I/N: 0337088. 4 Brilliant ‘Salisbury II’ 18W LED ceiling light in White, $58.28, I/N: 4380331. 5 Dissco ‘Elite’ 900mm x 565mm x 560mm twin-drawer laundry tub in Matte Black, $949, I/N: 0322954†. 6 Flatpax ‘Utility’ wall drying cabinet in White, $258.77, I/N: 0243189. 7 IXL ‘Tastic Easy Duct Triumph’ 3 in 1 bathroom heater, $268, I/N: 4449294. 8 LTW 5 rail overdoor clothes airer, $9.49, I/N: 0101303. 9 LTW stainless steel 28 rail A-frame clothes airer, $34, I/N: 0227627. 10 Storex A-frame clothes airer in White, $17.98, I/N: 0930590. 11 Sunfresh 810mm x 330mm x 160mm table top ironing board, $15.98, I/N: 4510995. 12 Hills 3-tier premium clothes airer, $99, I/N: 0227566†. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

For more information visit rustoleum.co.nz