The laundry room is one of the most forgotten areas to get in shape. Machines are often dusty, detergent dripping down the sides and lint and old socks on the floor. Yet it doesn’t take much to make a real difference:
Add energy-efficient appliances: The U.S. Department of Energy claims that machines with the ENERGY STAR label can decrease water costs by up to 50%. There are machines that adjust water temperature and amount for each load to prevent excess and waste.
Add a touch of pizazz: Consider designer colors, pedestals or sleek designs that can make a bold statement.
Choose the best type appliance for you: Top loaders require enough water to cover all the clothes in its drum. Front loaders can reduce that by two-thirds—less water for larger loads. While they look great, they can be more expensive and can develop mold because they don’t empty as efficiently.
Don’t forget the dryer: Moisture sensors recognize when laundry is dry more quickly than traditional machines and shut down sooner. This saves energy, cash and wear-and-tear on clothing.
Consider steam: The use of steam washers and dryers for greater energy and water efficiency is also a growing trend. They offer enhanced clothing-care options such as short, steam-only cycles that help to reduce wrinkles and remove odors without using water and detergent.
Laundry rooms used to be relegated to the basement. Today, people are finding space in more convenient areas of the house—like the kitchen, upstairs or near bedrooms. Experts agree that a laundry nook will raise the value of a home, making it more convenient as hauling baskets of clothing up and down flights of stairs become a thing of the past.