Game Changer! 12 Products That Will Reinvent Your Laundry Routine
If you cringe every time you see an overflowing hamper, we're here to help.
Oh laundry. You old friend (or enemy?) that never, ever goes away. After years of having to lug clothes to a laundry mat during college and my early 20s, I finally have a washer and dryer easily accessible in my house. Therefore, I should probably say with confidence, “Laundry? Yeah no problem, I’m on top of it!”
Not so much. Put simply, my laundry scene is a disaster. When you’re a family of four, the hampers seem to pile up in the blink of an eye. A five-year-old who changes three times a day coupled with the start of spring sports (Read: Muddy, grass-stained soccer, baseball and lacrosse uniforms) results in loads of laundry created in mere minutes. What about those unmatched socks, you say? Let’s not even talk about the socks.
So I recently decided to take hold of the chaos I call my laundry room. Since cutting down the volume of laundry isn't realistic—“Sorry buddy, no sliding into home plate. Mom can’t seem to get your uniform washed by your next game!”—I decided to invest in some products to prevent everyone from running out of clean underwear simultaneously. Some new laundry baskets, a clothes sorter, an organized spot for detergent & stain remover are just a few of the ways I started to take back the insanity. Pretty soon those bed sheets are going to be folding themselves! Well, that may be an exaggeration but here’s to wishing. Happy folding, friends!
Collapsible Laundry Basket
A laundry basket is an obvious choice. The thing is, you realistically need a few and when they aren’t in use they are bulky to store. This basket is the answer to the problem. Large enough to hold 2 loads of laundry, yet once you put away that last shirt in the drawer it collapses flat for easy storage.
BUY FROM: Bed Bath & Beyond, $19.99
Household Essentials 3-Bag Laundry Sorter with Clothes Rack
There are hundreds of these sorters out there to choose from but this 3 canvas bag with a built in clothes rack is the clear winner. The added rack on top is perfect for air drying dress shirts or blouses. It also holds up to six loads of laundry—so when it’s full, you better step start sorting before everyone is wearing inside underwear to school.
BUY FROM: Bed Bath & Beyond, $76.99
4-Tier Rolling Cart
You’ve got your detergent, stain removers, and dryer balls. Then you have your iron and sock clips and fabric softener and the list goes on. Your need them all in one place and within arms-reach. This cart will keep things tidy—without taking up a ton of counter space.
BUY FROM: Bed Bath & Beyond, $24.99
Collapsible Tub
This tub is perfect for the soakers or hand wash delicates you don't want to put through the washing machine. It holds up to 10 quarts of water, so it’s big enough to soak a few items but small enough to tuck away when not in use.
BUY FROM: The Container Store, SALE $11.04 (Regularly $12.99, 15% Off!)
12 oz. Clear Spray Bottle
It’s always a good idea to have a spray bottle (or two!) to pretreat those pesky stains with water or your favorite stain remover. This basic yet handy water bottle will be put to good use and get the job done.
BUY FROM: The Container Store, $1.99
Sock Pro Sock Clips
Stop the mayhem! Say goodbye to your large pile of mismatched socks with these life-changing clips. They will keep your socks paired from the time they come off your feet through the washer, dryer, and right back into your drawer. Saves time—and the aggravation of that phantom missing sock!
BUY FROM: The Container Store, $3.99/Set of 10
Nadine Drying Rack
You need a good drying rack that is large enough to hold all of your items but small enough that it is not considered a semi-permanent piece of furniture in the middle of your living room. This wall mounted rack is the perfect solution, extending out to provide 10 drying racks and it also has 5 convenient hooks.
BUY FROM: Wayfair, SALE $103.99 (Regularly $135.99, 24% Off!)
Laundry Sorter White/Blue Fish Dryer Buddies
If you have ever laundered a puffy jacket you realize this dryer buddies are essential for evening out the stuffing. Otherwise it all seems to collect in a lump which just isn't a good look. This handy two-pack successfully fluffs the fabric while also controlling dryer static and decreasing dryer time—I mean, they are basically the jack of all laundry trades!
Dash 100GH Handheld Garment Steamer
This will be your new favorite gadget. This compact steamer heats up fast and works just as well as the full-size versions you’ve used in hotels. Also handy? You can toss it in your suitcase when traveling!
BUY FROM: Amazon SALE $69.99 (Regularly $99, 30% Off!)
Dirty Laundry Travel Laundry Bag
I have come to find nothing throws off your laundry routine quite like getting back from vacation. Everyone’s suitcase is chock full of dirty clothes mixed in with clean clothes, so you end up washing the whole bag (and doubling your work!) Problem solved with this handy compact, yet expandable laundry bag. Bonus: It’s great to keep in your gym bag as well!
BUY FROM: Bed Bath & Beyond, SALE $6.99 (Regularly $9.99, 30% Off!)
Whitmor Lingerie Bags
This four-piece set which includes a bra bag, a four-compartment hosiery bag, a small wash bag and a large wash bag, is perfect for washing delicates and preventing snags. Made of mesh, these bags are ultra slim and fold up for easy storage.
Room Essentials Round 5 Liter Trash Can
A trash in the laundry room is a must unless you want the ever-growing ball of dryer lint to become a permanent fixture on the top of the washer. In addition to the lint, you are weeding out the contents of everyone’s pockets, which makes for a whole lot of wrappers, receipts and who knows what else to dispose of. This trash can is the perfect size for a laundry room—not taking up too much space but large enough to contain the inevitable mess.
