Laundry & care
How to Organize a Laundry Room With Easy Access to Frequently Used Tools Like Brushes, Scissors, and Stain Pens.
A practical guide to designing a tidy, efficient laundry space where brushes, scissors, stain pens, and other essentials are stored within easy reach, reducing clutter and saving time during chores.
Published by
Linda Wilson
July 31, 2025 - 3 min Read
A well-organized laundry room begins with a clear, deliberate layout that places the most-used tools within arm’s reach of the washing and folding zone. Start by zoning the space into three flows: wash, treat, and store. In the treatment zone, allocate a compact station for stain pens, brushes, and small scissors, so you can tackle stains before they set. Use wall-mounted organizers to keep these items elevated and visible, which minimizes rummaging through drawers. Choose containers that are labeled and transparent so you can see contents at a glance. The goal is to reduce friction, so chores feel less like chores and more like a smooth routine during peak laundry days.
When selecting storage for frequently used tools, prioritize accessibility and durability over fancy aesthetics. For brushes and stain pens, opt for a shallow, wide-mouthed container that allows you to grab what you need without removing others. Scissors should live in a protected sheath or a magnetic strip with a soft edge to prevent accidents. Consider a small, wall-mounted rack that tilts slightly forward, so items don’t slip out and end up buried at the back of a cabinet. A compact labeling system helps family members find the right tool quickly, reducing the time spent searching and the risk of misplaced items.
Thoughtful storage adapts to evolving needs and keeps pathways clear.
A practical approach to organizing tools is to group items by function and proximity. Place stain pens near a ready-to-go pre-treat station, brushes near a sink for quick rinsing, and scissors near utility jars for quick snips. The proximity not only speeds up tasks but also reinforces positive habits; seeing the tools in their designated spots each time you walk in reinforces order. Use rounded, smooth-edged containers to avoid snagging delicate fabrics, and mount storage at a height that reduces bending. By combining pleasing aesthetics with thoughtful placement, you create a space that feels crafted rather than cluttered.
Storage solutions should be adjustable to adapt to changing needs. Use modular wall organizers with adjustable shelves so you can swap in larger bottles or taller brushes as your laundry repertoire grows. Consider a two-tiered system: a shallow top shelf for everyday tools and a deeper lower bin for less-used items. For smaller items, install a shallow drawer organizer or a narrow bin with dividers. This arrangement keeps items visible and accessible without crowding the counter, and it makes it easier to maintain a tidy look over time.
Small habits, big impact on keeping the room orderly and efficient.
Lighting plays a pivotal role in making tools easy to locate. Bright, shadow-free illumination above the treatment area reduces strain and helps you identify stains more accurately. If installing dedicated task lighting isn’t feasible, bright LED under-cabinet lights can be an excellent substitute. A small, portable lamp near the folding station can also help when you’re sorting colors or inspecting fabrics under different lighting. The right light helps you spot greenish stains, soap residue, or fabric pills that might otherwise go unnoticed, ensuring better results and a more organized workflow.
A daily reset routine prevents clutter from building up again. Set a five-minute checklist at the end of each laundry session: return brushes to their holder, replace scissor blades in their sheath, and wipe down any spill-prone surfaces. Keep a micro-fiber cloth near the pre-treat area for quick cleanups. By turning organization into a habit, you’ll keep the space tidy with minimal effort, and you’ll feel more motivated to maintain it. The simplest routines often yield the most lasting improvements in home organization.
Family-friendly layouts support safety, participation, and consistency.
An attractive but functional approach to labeling helps everyone use the space correctly. Use durable, wipe-clean labels on all containers and shelves so that items stay categorized over time. If you share the laundry room, agree on color-coded bins for specific tasks—stains in one color, brushes in another, scissors in a third. Clear labels reduce guesswork and errors, which translates into faster load processing and fewer misplaced tools. For added clarity, place a small sign with a quick reminder: “Return tools after use.” This reinforces a shared commitment to the space and makes organization feel collaborative rather than punitive.
A compact, kid-friendly setup teaches little helpers responsibility and speed. Choose low-access storage for frequently used tools that kids can reach with supervision, and place heavier items on higher shelves for adults. Add a small step stool that folds away when not in use to empower children to participate without compromising safety. Provide kid-sized stations for simple tasks such as color testing or fabric checks, using easy-to-grab tools that are safe and clearly separated from sharp or dangerous items. By making the system approachable, you cultivate a culture of care and order in the household.
Uniform storage and rotation simplify upkeep and longevity.
When the space doubles as a craft or home project area, plan for flexibility without clutter. A modular pegboard above the treatment station can hold lightweight brushes, clothespin bags, and scissors in labeled pouches. Use removable hooks to reconfigure spacing as needed for seasonal tasks, like stain removal kits during holidays or spills during home renovations. Magnetic strips stay tidy by attracting metal tool components and keeping them visible. A pegboard also doubles as a quick visual inventory, so you know when supplies are running low before you’re caught off guard.
Consistency in container choice reduces visual noise and simplifies maintenance. Select uniform, stackable bins or jars for all liquids and tools, and keep a small reserve of frequently used items behind the primary display. If possible, choose clear containers so contents are visible and the “what’s missing” moment is eliminated. A uniform system also makes it easier to teach others how to use the space correctly. Maintain a simple rotation rule: place the newest items in the back and move older items to front to ensure you’re using everything before it expires or dries out.
Floor plan considerations matter as much as cabinet contents. Leave a clear walkway between the washer, dryer, and storage zone to avoid bottlenecks during busy loads. A compact, rolling cart can act as a mobile extension of the treatment area, letting you pull brushes, pens, and scissor sets close to the sink when needed. Choose a resilient floor mat in a neutral color to reduce fatigue during long sorting sessions. A small waste bin near the treatment area helps contain scraps and packaging, keeping the working surface neat and easier to wipe down.
Finishing touches complete the organized feel and support ongoing use. Add a wall clock or timer to keep track of stain treatment times, which helps prevent over-processing fabrics. Install a small towel rack or integrative hand-drying station so you don’t drip onto fabrics or surfaces. A scent-free, easy-to-clean setup reduces sensory distractions and makes chores more pleasant. Finally, keep a simple maintenance kit—cloths, cleaner, replacement blades, and a spare stain pen—near the door to encourage quick touch-ups before you leave the room. With a few thoughtful details, the space stays efficient, inviting, and easy to maintain.
