If you choose a location near living or sleeping areas, shop for appliances with extra insulation and improved suspension that promise quiet operation and reduced vibration. If the dryer doesn’t list a decibel (dB) rating, it’s probably too noisy to place near the bedroom or kitchen. The same logic might apply to washing machines with high-speed spin cycles (more than 1,000 rpm); they might vibrate too much to be located near living or sleeping areas. As shown here, a pullout pocket door makes it easy to close off the laundry room to mask the sounds of washing and drying. A clothes rod to the right of the dryer offers space for hanging items, while shelves above the washer and dryer keep laundry products within easy reach. Plus, there’s easy access to the laundry sink for hand-washing delicates. Minimum steps, maximum efficiency. Washers and dryers measure from 24 to 33 inches wide. For loading and unloading, allow 36 inches in front of a washer and 42 inches for a dryer. That way, you’ll have room to walk around them without bumping into them. Washers and dryers measure from 24 to 33 inches wide. For loading and unloading, your laundry room layout must allow 36 inches in front of a washer and 42 inches for a dryer. That way, you’ll have room to walk around them without bumping into them. Measurements differ for front-loading models. Stacked units occupy less than 33 square inches of floor space. They’re accessible to people who have difficulty bending or stooping. Front-loaders are more accessible to wheelchair users. Install a dryer about 15 inches off the floor to make loading and unloading more comfortable. Make sure you store bleach and other dangerous compounds up high enough so young children can’t reach them. If possible, install a childproof lockable cabinet. Use under-cabinet fluorescent tubes or LED under-cabinet fixtures to illuminate the countertop so you can match socks or check clothing for spots and stains that might require pretreatment. Provide lighting that lets you see inside the washer and dryer to make sure nothing is left inside. Tile floors are easy to mop up in case of spills and will not be damaged by bleach. If your laundry room doubles as a potting room or pet-washing station, separating the sink from the appliances keeps messes away from the clean laundry. The L-shape laundry room also has more room for upper and lower cabinets and display shelves for storing laundry staples.
