THE REALIST
Organize This J U L I E C A R L S O N A N D M A RG OT G U R A L N I C K, AU T H O R S O F R E M O D E L I S TA : T H E O R G A N I Z E D H O M E , S H A R E T H E I R I N S I D E R T I P S O N H O W T O S O R T T H R O U G H L A U N D RY R O O M C H A O S .
1 K E E P I T N AT U R A L
Wherever possible, avoid plastic. Woven or cloth baskets allow air to flow through, preventing moisture and odors from becoming trapped. Place one basket per family member (or bedroom) in the laundry room to transport clean clothes come laundry day.
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2 C O N T RO L OV E R F LO W
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Store laundry soap and stain removers on a tray or jelly-roll pan to contain drips and spills. For a uniform look that will instantly elevate this work space, decant dry detergent into a metal canister. TO BUY: Brimfield & May metal galvanized canisters, $35 for 3; houzz.com. 3 A I R- D RY
Take advantage of unused overhead space with a drying rack—either a hanging rod (shown) or a rack on a pulley. Wall-mounted retractable clotheslines work well in smaller laundry rooms. TO BUY: Hanging Drying Rack, $255; georgeandwilly.com. 4 C R E AT E A C ATC H A L L
Keep a jar near the dryer to collect small items left in pockets or buttons that come loose during cleaning.
For a stepby-step guide to cleaning the laundry room, visit realsimple .com/laundry.
44 R E A L S I M P L E JA N UA RY 2018
5 HANG IT UP
Install a peg rail (not shown) to stash useful tools, such as scissors, a clothes brush, rags, and a stepladder, within easy reach. TO BUY: Maple Shaker Peg Rack, from $10; containerstore.com.
P h o t o g r a p h b y B j ö r n Wa l l a n d e r
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