Prep Your Laundry Room for the Holidays: A Stress-Free Cleaning and Organizing Guide
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We all have that one space in our home that acts like a magnet for clutter, a room that just seems to collect everything. For many of us, it’s the laundry room - the chaotic space that taunts you every time you walk by. It’s a source of constant frustration, and there’s nothing relaxing about it.
Now imagine adding the holiday laundry avalanche to the mix: guest towels piling up, stained tablecloths, extra sweaters, and travel clothes all piled high. An unorganized laundry room doesn’t just look messy; it can truly become the source of time and energy suck right when you are at your busiest: hosting and celebrating. And if you are anything like me, an unorganized and chaotic space takes anxiety through the roof. If you want a truly relaxing holiday, like I am aiming for this year, it’s time to tackle our source of stress and organize the laundry room before the madness of the holiday season begins.
BEFORE
This doesn't have to be a major weekend project. I’ve created a guide with a simple three-phase plan (clean, organize, and stock) to hopefully help us tackle those holiday loads with ease and allow us to focus our time and energy on family and friends.
The Deep Clean Reset
Before you bring out your label maker or think about buying any organizational items, we need to start with a clean slate. This is the perfect time to make sure your washer and dryer are running at their best.
Tame the Machines (The Most Important Step)
Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets | Laundry Soap Bottles | Glass Canister
Washer: Run an empty cleaning cycle. Most washers have a clean cycle on them, but if yours doesn’t, just run the longest, hottest cycle you can to remove soap scum and odors. You can either use a cup of vinegar or special tablets to help clean (we use these). Whether a top loader or a front loader, I always leave the door ajar between uses to prevent any mold.
Dryer: Deep-clean the lint trap housing (vacuum the slot where the screen slides in) and check the external vent for blockage. If you don’t know how to deep clean the lint trap in your dryer (inside and outside), do a specific search on YouTube. This is not a step you want to skip, so if you’ve never done it before or have no idea where to start, I would even suggest hiring a handyman in your area to do it for you.
Surfaces: Wipe down the tops of machines, shelving, and any folding counters.
Floor & Wall Detail
Clear everything off the floor.
Sweep/vacuum behind machines and under utility sinks (if you have one). These are the key areas for hidden dust bunnies and dryer lint.
Mop the floor and wipe down baseboards.
Organizing for Holiday Efficiency
Now that the room is clean, it’s time to make smart. Organization isn’t about making it look pretty, but about making it work for you and your family, focusing on speed and efficiency. When you have three loads to do before guests arrive, you need to grab what you need and go. This phase focuses on creating systems that drastically reduce your handling time during the holiday rush.
Declutter and Purge
Consolidate: Combine duplicate cleaning products and recycle empty or near-empty containers.
Toss: Get rid of single, unmatched socks, expired stain removers, and broken hangers/clothespins.
Categorize: Group remaining items (detergents, stain treatments, tools, folding items).
Vertical Storage Wins
If tight on space, countertops should only hold what you are actively using right now (like a freshly scooped cup of detergent). Use vertical space—shelving, wall-mounted racks, or an over-the-door organizer—to store the rest. This frees up space for folding and temporary staging.
Basket System: Implement a clear system for storing supplies (e.g., one basket for detergent/softener, one for cleaning cloths, one for odd tools). Labeling is key; you shouldn’t have to hunt for anything, especially when multitasking.
Folding Station: Clear and dedicate a specific, clutter-free area for folding (this speeds up the process significantly) if possible. We definitely don’t have room for a folding station in our laundry room, so sometimes I just use the top of the dryer; other times, I take it to my bedroom and watch a show as I fold. It all depends on what you have available in your home and what works best for your family.
The Dedicated Sorting System
Ensure you have at least four dedicated hampers/baskets for pre-sorting: Whites, Darks, Colors, and Delicate/Dry Cleaning, if you have room in your laundry room. We don’t have room in our laundry room to keep baskets here, so we have a basket for the kids' laundry in a hall closet between their rooms and a color and whites basket in the principal bathroom. I keep a laundry bag in my closet where I put any delicates that may need washing.
Holiday Specific Tip: Add a fifth, clear container labeled "Guest Towels/Linens." During the holidays, you generate a significant amount of laundry (sheets, bath towels) that needs a dedicated, deep cycle. Keeping it separate prevents your everyday loads from getting backed up and ensures those linens are washed and dried quickly for the next wave of visitors.
Stocking & Staging for Guests (Holiday Readiness)
The last step is about making smart, strategic purchases and setting up a pleasant environment, especially if guests will be using your laundry facilities. This phase moves you into maintenance mode, ensuring your organizational efforts last through January.
Stain Treatment Power-Up (Get your free printable here)
The holidays bring food, drinks, and potentially messy craft projects—which means stains. Don't waste time hunting under the sink when a gravy boat tips over.
Create the Holiday Stain Kit: Use one of those labeled baskets from Phase 2 to create a dedicated kit. Include your favorite pre-treatment spray, a bottle of baking soda (excellent for neutralizing red wine or grease), and a small, stiff scrub brush.
The Cheat Sheet: Laminated or handwritten, include a quick guide for common holiday disasters: Red Wine (salt/baking soda + cold water soak), Gravy/Grease (dish soap + hot water), and Candle Wax (freeze, scrape, then iron between paper towels). Place this guide right inside the kit so anyone can tackle a stain immediately.
Bulk Up on Essentials
We are a family that does most of our groceries and cleaning supplies at Costco, so we always have overstock. We keep all of it in the cabinets above the washer and dryer, as I need a stool to actually reach most of it. If you don’t have overstock, this is the perfect time to make sure you have plenty of your favorite laundry essentials.
Check and replenish all stock: Detergent, dryer sheets/wool balls, bleach, and fabric softener.
Your organization isn't just about cleaning supplies—it's about having clean supplies ready to go. Before guests arrive, make sure you have an ample supply of fresh, folded bathroom towels, kitchen towels, and any required guest bedding ready to grab. Store these right above the washer/dryer so they are immediately accessible.
Guest-Friendly Details
If your guests need to use the laundry facilities or even just pass through, a little attention to detail goes a long way.
Clear Guidance: If guests need access, ensure all necessary supplies are labeled clearly. And let’s be honest, this isn't just for guests, but for everyone in your family, because if I’ve learned anything is that if I want my laundry room to stay organized, I need to clearly label where I want that item stored, or else it will just end up sitting right on top of the washer and dryer.
Ambiance Matters: The laundry room doesn't have to smell like bleach. Hang a small, pleasant air freshener or use a gentle diffuser (essential oil diffusers are great here) to maintain a clean, inviting scent. This final touch dramatically elevates the feeling of the space.
AFTER
Wicker Round Tray (Similar) | Laundry Soap Bottles | Glass Canisters | Faux Peonies | Laundry Room Brass Sign
Congratulations!
You've deep-cleaned your machines, organized your supplies, and staged your laundry room for maximum holiday efficiency! How does it feel? I can tell you that it feels fantastic to know that this room is no longer an eyesore as I walk by, and I’m no longer embarrassed to leave the door open. In fact, I like leaving it open now so I can admire the space as I walk on by.
I’m a mom of two and wife to a seriously supportive hubby, living our best life in our forever house by the preserve! I'm all about helping you create a stylish, Pinterest-worthy home on a budget. Let's obsess over interior design, home decor, DIY, and home improvement projects to help you create your best home. Follow along and say hello! I love hearing from you.
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