laundry
Don’t overlook air-drying systems. For clothes that are destined to be air-dried, here’s a great feature the British have been using for centuries: a ceiling-mounted pulley system. The rack is composed of either four or six laths suspended between two cast iron ends and anchored to a marine-style wall cleat. To load and unload, lower the pulley to your desired height by pulling on the cord. Raising it upward keeps longer articles from brushing the floor and also makes use of warmer air at the ceiling level. When not in use, it’s out of the way. Although this particular example, by Crisp Architects, was custom designed, similar systems can be purchased through Pulleymaid. Just make sure you have adequate support in the ceiling. By itself, a system weighs between 6½ and 10 pounds. You’ll need about 9 inches of clearance from the ceiling to clear any encroaching door swings.
If you don’t have the wall space available for a wall-mounted or recessed ironing center, consider one that’s drawer-recessed. The Ironfix by Hafele, shown here, fits into a 24-inch-wide, 14-inch-deep space and, once extended, rotates 180 degrees. Two cons are that you’ll still need to store your iron somewhere, and the drawer unit will need to be installed near an outlet. Also, you’ll need to be content with the ironing board’s height, which will be close to 35 inches if installed in a standard-height cabinet.
Integrate an ironing center. Many older homes have nifty recessed ironing boards, and it’s perplexing why they went out of style. Everyone hates dragging a heavy ironing board out of some closet or corner and setting it up, and then there’s the tippiness and cord combat that usually ensues. With a wall-mounted system, like the one shown here, you can install it to your desired height, and there are also swiveling models for tight spaces that turn the board right or left by 90 degrees. There are also great sit-down options. Wall-mounted units can hold only a hinged ironing board, so you still have to store your iron elsewhere. And they don’t come with electrical capabilities, so you’ll need to install the system near an outlet. Plus, they must be attached externally to wall studs for support, and they protrude from walls quite a bit, so consider how that will affect your overall space. If you have the luxury of planning ahead, you can easily incorporate a recessed system that fits in the space right between your wall studs. These allow more space so you can store your iron or even include a garment hanger. Plus, an electrician can run electricity right into the unit for an iron ...
Embrace open shelving. Open shelving makes any quick reach easier. You’ll also likely find you’ll keep things neater too, since things are on display. For frequently used items, a shelf height of about 62 inches is the most comfortable dimension for most people in a standing position. Reserve higher shelves for occasionally used items.
Day 1: Deep clean the washer and dryer. Cleaning tasks: Today is the day to get your appliances clean inside and out, so they will work more efficiently and get your clothes cleaner. Cleaning the washer: Use a damp sponge or microfiber cloth to clean the exterior and inside the lid of your washer, paying special attention to rubber seals. If your washer has a lint trap or removable detergent dispensers, take them out and clean them with warm, soapy water in the sink. If not, use cotton swabs to get the gunk and grime from the corners. Pour a cup or two of white vinegar in the washer and run it on the hottest setting, without any clothes in it. Cleaning the dryer: Wipe down the inside and outside of the dryer with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth. Remove the lint filter and use a narrow vacuum attachment to remove built-up lint from inside the space where the lint filter goes. Unfasten the dryer hose from the back of the machine (check the owner’s manual if you are not sure how to do this) and use a vacuum attachment to remove lint from the hose and the duct.
Kitchen: Use the basic mixture and a sponge to clean all kitchen surfaces. Rid your fridge or pantry of odors by placing an opened box of baking soda on a back shelf. Dust your stainless steel sink with baking soda and scrub for a sparkling shine. Deodorize trash cans and recycling bins with a sprinkling of baking soda on the inside of the cans. Every now and then, rinse the cans with 1 cup of baking soda dissolved into 1 gallon of warm water. Get your silver sparkling with a paste made from 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. For stubborn stains on plastic storage containers, soak for 15 minutes in 4 parts baking soda and 1 part warm water. Scrub, rinse and dry. Rid your fruits and vegetables of dirt and insecticides by washing them in a sink full of water and ¼ cup of baking soda, then rinse. Remove baked-on residue on pots and pans by sprinkling on baking soda. Add warm water and dish soap, let soak for 15 minutes and wash clean. Extinguish small cooking fires by sprinkling baking soda directly onto the fire.
Bedroom, living room and hall: • Before you vacuum the carpets or clean your upholstery, sprinkle them with baking soda and let it sit for 15 minutes to remove any odors. • Deodorize your closet by placing an opened box of baking soda on a shelf. • Clean children's toys with the aforementioned basic mixture and a sponge. Rinse and let them dry. • Deodorize stuffed animals with a light dusting of baking soda; let it sit 15 minutes, then dust or vacuum it off. • Freshen shoes with a light dusting of baking soda on the inner soles.
Ironing board. For those short on space, a drawer ironing board can give you the benefits of a built-in board without taking up wall or cabinet space. You'll never have to wrestle with a squeaky freestanding board again. These are easy to retrofit into budget remodels, too.
Triple Laundry Sorter - $34.99 » This has a cool salvaged look. The wheels make it super handy to load and unload.
drying rack
Q