'Wick away the ick' – 6 things people with clean laundry rooms always do to make this hardworking space shine

Laundry rooms are often one of the most neglected spaces in the home, despite being used so frequently to clean things. Learning how to clean your laundry room well will help turn unpleasant chores to a more enjoyable process.

These are the six things that people with clean laundry rooms always do to stop the space in their home, which contains all the dirty clothes and stain treating stations, from feeling unsanitary and, for want of a better word, icky.

These cleaning tips from our experts, and a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly laundry room cleaning schedule will make sure your laundry room does not become a breeding ground for dirt and grime.

How to clean a laundry room like a pro and keep it that way

Laundry room cleaning schedule

To clean your laundry room, content editor at Solved, Chiana Dickson advises, 'You don't need to overdo the cleaning, but a regular schedule of this very functional room will stop it smelling, and curb the risk of mold and bacteria. Laundry rooms experience high humidity and heat, making it prime for overgrowth if you're not on top of it.'

Chiana recommends taking steps to keep your laundry room clean at the following intervals.

Daily:

• Wipe down detergent spills using your favorite cleaning spray such as plant-based Method Cleaning spray and a microfiber cloth, both available at Walmart.
• Ventilate well to avoid mold. Keeping a hygrometer, available from Amazon, in the room will help you keep an eye on humidity in the room and allow you to know at a glance if the room could do with airing out. The ideal humidity in a home is between 30-50%. This curbs the risk of mold.

Weekly:

• Clean high-traffic laundry room surfaces, including open shelving and any dust on top of your appliances.
• Clean inside your washer and dryer doors
• Vacuum and mop the floors. Leave the doors open between uses.
• Much like cleaning the kitchen sink, the one in your laundry room needs weekly TLC to banish gnats and drain flies, and stop any odors making your laundry room smell bad. This is especially important if your washer shares a water outlet with your sink as those smells can rise. Soap scum and constant moisture make those pipes and outlets a common culprit for sink smells.

Monthly:

• Clean inside laundry room cabinets and run a cleaning cycle on your washer More detail on this below. This will make sure to help you catch any spills, or spot an indoor pest problem before it escalates.
• Clean any windows and doors in your laundry room.
• Clean your washer detergent drawer as this is another hot-spot for bacteria and mold.

Bi-yearly, or annually:

• Clean laundry room dryer vents to avoid fire risks and clean out dust and dander.
• Clean your washer filter.
• Clean the window tracks in your laundry room. This is an often-forgotten spot across the home and spring and fall are the perfect time for a spruce-up. Chiana recommends a scrubbing brush to get into the crevices and awkward angles. A multi-pack of angled scrubbing brushes from Amazon is just the ticket.

In addition to this laundry room cleaning schedule, these are the things people with clean laundry rooms always do.

1. Deep clean appliances

It’s so ironic that we use our washing machines to clean our clothes, yet it's so easy to forget to clean the machine itself. People with truly clean laundry rooms know that cleaning their washing machines and dryers is a must-do cleaning job monthly.

‘Run a cleaning cycle with white vinegar or a specialized cleaner to remove detergent buildup, mildew, and odors,’ says Haven Polich, product manager at ASKO Appliances. ‘Check and clean dryer vents and hoses to ensure proper airflow and prevent fire hazards. Taking the time to maintain appliances not only extends their lifespan but also keeps laundry smelling fresh and clean.’

One simple method is to pour a cup of distilled white vinegar into your detergent tray and put your washer on a hot cycle, but you can also use Walmart's Affresh Washer Machine Cleaner, which is highly rated by people as one of the best products.

If you're wondering how often to clean dryer vents, once a year is enough for most households, but busier ones with a high turnover or volume laundry, say in a family of six or more, should do it more often.

Making sure to clean your laundry room appliances will prevent a build-up of bacteria forming in the drums and seals, and is also necessary to ensure the longevity of your appliance. Failing to sanitize yours is a washer mistake that shortens its lifespan and can lead to your clothes smelling sour.

Those who prioritize laundry room cleanliness will always empty the lint trap after every load. Not only does this practice improve dryer efficiency, but it also reduces the risk of fire in the home caused by lint buildup.

2. They sort laundry as they go

Instead of letting dirty clothes pile up in a chaotic heap, people with clean laundry rooms will have a system in place. They use divided hampers, such as the Joseph Joseph Tota 90 liter hamper, available from Walmart in three colors, with removable bags for easy sorting.

If you need the hamper to move around, try a rolling wicker laundry basket from Wayfair to help you pre-sort laundry by color, fabric type, or washing requirements wherever you need it.

This time-saving organizing habit means you wont end up with mountains of dirty laundry on the floor during the week, and prevent unnecessary mess and chaos come laundry day.

Sorting laundry ahead of time also ensures that delicate fabrics are handled properly and colors don’t bleed onto lighter items.

Some people even go a step further when doing laundry by labeling their hampers using a DYMO Label Manager from Amazon or using separate baskets for different family members. This can help with keeping things hygienic in your laundry room.

3. They utilize smart storage solutions

People who always have clean laundry rooms use smart storage solutions that keep debris and clutter off the ground and counters, such as stackable bins, retractable drying racks, or pegboards for hanging small items like clothespins and mesh laundry bags.

This allows you to properly clean high-touch surfaces and spot any common household leaks, pests or stains that needs cleaning.

Cabinet specialist Moe Soloff adds, ‘Clear containers and labeled baskets ensure that all laundry essentials are easily accessible.’

This helps prevent accidental spills from awkward cabinets or hard-to-reach shelves making a mess that is hard to clean up because of the slippery and foaming nature of many laundry room detergents.

4. They wipe down surfaces regularly

Maintaining cleanliness in your laundry room requires regular upkeep. According to Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, those with clean laundry rooms take a few minutes each day to wipe down countertops, appliances, and other surfaces.

Laundry detergent spills, dust, and lint can accumulate quickly, making the room look messy. By using disinfectant wipes or a damp cloth, they prevent buildup and keep everything looking fresh.

‘Pay attention to often-overlooked areas, such as the tops of machines, inside detergent drawers, and around faucet handles, ensuring no grime or residue lingers,’ says Karina. ‘Some even keep a small handheld vacuum or microfiber cloth nearby for quick touch-ups, making it easier to stay on top of daily messes.’

This laundry room cleaning routine not only enhances the appearance of the laundry room but also helps maintain a hygienic and pleasant-smelling space.

5. They keep the floor clear and clean

A cluttered floor makes any space feel messy, and the laundry room is no exception. People with spotless laundry areas ensure that baskets, cleaning supplies, and stray clothing items don’t pile up on the floor.

‘Regular sweeping and mopping help remove dust, lint, and detergent residue, keeping the space fresh and preventing slip hazards,’ continues Karina. ‘You can also invest in easy-to-clean, non-slip floor mats that trap dirt and moisture while adding a layer of protection.’

Additionally, frequently check under appliances and in corners where dust and lint tend to accumulate. By keeping the floor clear and incorporating routine deep cleaning, you will create an inviting and clean-smelling laundry room environment to make the associated chores more manageable, hygienic and enjoyable.

Chiana Dickson, content editor at Solved adds, 'There is nothing worse than trying to complete tiresome chores in a room that is dirty and unsanitary. Wick away the ick to make your laundry room clean and pleasant to be in.'

Laundry room essentials

Meet the experts

Chiana Dickson

Chiana has interviewed hundreds of industry experts for years of in-depth articles about cleaning, decluttering and organization for Solved at Homes & Gardens, and is our resident non-toxic cleaning expert. A pro at breaking down expert home maintenance, organizing and cleaning information to useful, actionable tips for readers, Chiana was named one of Fixr's top home improvement journalists in 2024.

Haven Polich

Haven has worked in the luxury appliance industry for the past eight years and has a passion for emerging technologies and products for the Smart Home.

Karina Toner

Karina Toner is a professional cleaner and operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, a house cleaning service based in Arlington or Washington D.C.

Moe Soloff

Moe Soloff is a cabinet specialist at Fabuwood, one of the leading cabinet manufacturers in the US. His company believes that the perfect cabinets are key to developing a sanctuary that offers a perfect balance of functionality and ambiance.

There you have it – a clean schedule to help you clean your laundry room, and keep it that way, as well as the top habits of people with clean laundry rooms.

By incorporating these laundry room cleaning habits and expert advice, you can transform your space into an organized, fresh, and functional area that makes household chores a little more enjoyable.

Next, learn how to how to clean a laundry basket to keep yours in tip-top shape.