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Have you always wanted a laundry room, but there isn’t enough room in your home? Then, this might be the time to bring your vision to life using a garden shed. Sheds are versatile and can serve as washing areas with proper planning. Here are some tips to get you started:
Pick the Right Washers and Dryer Combo
A washer and a dryer are essential to any laundry room. Choose a brand that meets your specific needs, ideally one that is energy-efficient. We also recommend models designed for smaller spaces to maximise flexibility. Front-loading machines, for instance, can be placed side-by-side, giving you extra workspace on top.
You can stack the dryers on top of each other (or vice versa) to save floor space and make the most of the garden room’s height. This setup is beneficial if you have a small shed room.
Of course, before you can install these machines, you will need your building to be hooked up with electricity and plumbing. You will need to hire an electrician and a plumber to arrange this. Check out our guide on how to install electricity in your shed.
Install a Utility Sink
Hand washing is sometimes more suitable than washing machines, especially for delicate clothing. This includes fabrics made of silk or lace or those with beads, sequins, or embroidery. Enter a utility sink, making your laundry room more versatile. The sink is perfect for pre-treating and soaking stained clothing before washing. It can also be used for various cleaning tasks, such as rinsing mops and washing dirty gardening tools.
Tips: Install the sink close to the plumbing line and make sure there’s enough space around it for access. Pair it with a high-arc faucet with a pull-down sprayer, so it’ll be easier to wash larger items and reach all corners of the sink.
Build Custom Cabinets and Counters
If you can’t find cabinets that fit into your outdoor laundry shed’s layout, you may need to customise them. You can either do it yourself or order a bespoke design. These cabinets will store all your washing essentials, including foldable drying racks, irons, or laundry baskets. Meanwhile, the counter provides a space to fold fresh laundry and can also serve as a makeshift ironing board (make sure to place an ironing mat on top).
Consider Ventilation
Proper ventilation is key to preventing dampness inside the outdoor washing machine shed. Install intake and outlet vents to provide a continuous fresh air flow inside the shed. In areas with high humidity levels, you may need to use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in the air further. Improved airflow speeds up the drying process and minimises musty odours lingering inside.
You should also check that the windows on your shed are able to be opened, as some clothes might take a very long time to dry without decent airflow.
Note: Washing machines generate moisture that can accumulate without proper ventilation. This moisture can lead to damp conditions and promote mould growth, damaging fabrics if overlooked.
Refer to our guide, ‘Shed Ventilation: How-to and Things to Consider,’ for more information.
Add an Indoor Washing Line
An indoor washing line is where your clothes can be hung to air dry inside your clothes drying shed, utilising vertical space. This is a worthwhile addition to your laundry room for weather protection. With one, you can dry your clothes even when it’s raining or under excessive sunlight. This also allows for gentle air drying without the heat of a dryer, which can be harsh on specific fabrics.
Tips: Prepare ample space around the washing line for air circulation to keep clothes from touching each other while they dry. Use a strong clothesline or retractable drying rack that can handle wet laundry.
Round-up
If you have enough space on your property for a laundry room but not inside your home, let your garden shed simplify your washing routine. Say goodbye to weekly visits to the local laundromat and enjoy the convenience of fresh clothes and sheets whenever you need them!
Here at Garden Buildings Direct, we have a variety of garden sheds for sale to suit your needs. Shop today and enjoy a free same-day dispatch offer (T&C apply).
