October - laundry room 5S

The laundry room is a closet that is actually used quite a bit in my home, but does not receive a lot of attention.  I currently store cleaning supplies and rags, as well as bulk supplies on the shelves above my washer/dryer.

1. Sort

Pull out everything you are storing and confirm it is all still useful and it is in the best place for point of use.  

Example:  each bathroom (or at least upstairs and downstairs) can have its own cleaning supply caddy, to ensure the tools are available at the point of use. 

Old or broken cleaning tools may need to be thrown out, replaced or relegated to the garage for cleaning car tires. 

Once detergent bottles are empty, throw them out or recycle them. If you have detergent samples, use them or donate them.  Those little packets just clutter up the shelves.

2. Scrub

Wipe down the outside of your washer and dryer. You can clean the washer with commercial cleaners specified for cleaning the machine or running 2 cups of vinegar through a complete cycle on the hottest setting.

3. Set

Put like with like, at the point of use.  Use bins or caddies to separate functional items. 

Laundry items (detergent, fabric softener, stain remover) should be together within easy reach of the washer. 

Extra cleaning products and sponges/brushes can be stored, but do not need to be as accessible.  

4.  Standardize

Label any misc bins (dog supplies, light bulbs, etc).

Designate a space and or quantity of spare supplies (ex. 4 packs of toilet paper). Each satellite location should have a minimum quantity as well, so once you run out in this location, you should have time to buy more before you run out in each bathroom. 

5.  Sustain

Dust the washer and dryer with a towel before you clean towels.

Revisit the storage areas quarterly for worn cleaning tools and to ensure you are replenishing supplies as needed.