8 Things You Need in Your Apartment’s Laundry Room

A well-equipped laundry room is a vital part of apartment living that can make daily routines smoother and more enjoyable. Whether providing a shared laundry room or in-unit washers and dryers for residents, we'll go over the essential laundry equipment that can turn an ordinary laundry room into one that is efficient and organized. 

From high-efficiency washers and dryers to detergent dispensers, we'll explain each key element that contributes to the success of your apartment laundry room. 

1. Commercial-Grade Washers and Dryers

Washers and dryers are the backbone of any efficient and functional apartment laundry room. Investing in high-quality and energy-efficient washer and dryer units will help ensure residents can tackle their laundry needs effectively.

Speed Queen and Maytag make excellent commercial-grade washers and dryers that property managers, owners, and landlords have been trusting for years. 

Some models are designed to save space, which is ideal for Chicago apartments and beyond, where square-footage is a luxury. The washers and dryers are also water and energy-efficient, saving you money in the long run and making your laundry room more environmentally friendly. 

It's essential to keep up with maintenance to prolong the life of these appliances. A well-maintained washer and dryer will keep your laundry room running smoothly, creating a positive and convenient experience for your residents.

2. Countertop Space & Folding Tables

Countertop space and folding tables are valuable assets in any well-designed apartment laundry room. This surface provides a convenient area for folding, sorting, and organizing clean laundry. 

By incorporating a countertop into your laundry room's layout, you create a designated workspace where residents can complete these tasks efficiently. It not only enhances the functionality of the room but also minimizes clutter, as clean laundry can be neatly folded and organized. 

Whether you choose a simple folding table or a custom countertop that matches your room's aesthetics, having this space can greatly improve the laundry process. 

To maximize its utility of in-unit laundry rooms, consider adding shelving or storage underneath the countertop for residents to store essentials like detergent, ironing supplies, and laundry baskets within easy reach. 

3. Detergent Dispensers

Detergent dispensers are a smart addition to any communal apartment laundry room, simplifying the laundry process for residents and ensuring they use the right amount of detergent for each load. 

These automatic dispensers can save time and reduce waste. They save residents a trip to the store for detergent, and some precisely measure the appropriate amount of detergent for each wash. Using the proper amount of detergent can also extend the life of your commercial washers, allowing them to function at their highest level.  

By eliminating the need for residents to measure and pour detergent themselves, the laundry room becomes more user-friendly and less messy. 

To make the most of detergent dispensers, consider installing them near the washing machines and make sure your maintenance crew maintains and refills them. Regular maintenance ensures they work smoothly, allowing residents to enjoy a hassle-free and efficient laundry experience.

4. Ironing Station

An ironing station offers residents a dedicated space to ensure their clothes look their best. Whether it's a built-in ironing board or a fold-out station, this feature provides a convenient area for residents to de-wrinkle and press their garments. 

An ironing station enhances the functionality of the laundry room, making it a one-stop destination for all laundry-related tasks. Compact, space-saving options are ideal for smaller laundry rooms, and residents can easily fold them away when not in use. 

By offering this practical amenity, you're providing residents with the convenience of having well-pressed clothing without the need for an additional, cluttered space. This comes in extra handy for those living in studios and smaller units in Chicago, where in-unit space and storage are already tight.  

Properly maintaining the ironing station ensures that it's always ready for use, making the laundry room a more attractive and functional part of your apartment community.

5. Shelving and Storage

Shelving and storage solutions are essential components of a well-organized and efficient shared or in-unit apartment laundry room. They play a crucial role in keeping supplies and laundry accessories neatly arranged and easily accessible. 

With various types of shelving and storage options available, you can tailor your laundry room to meet the needs of your residents and your maintenance crew. Wall-mounted shelves, cabinets, and under-counter storage provide valuable space for keeping the room clutter-free. 

For in-unit laundry rooms, adequate shelving and storage allow residents to store their personal detergents, soaps, and laundry baskets as needed. For communal laundry spaces, your cleaning crew can use the laundry room storage to hide cleaning supplies, rags, brooms, mops, and other equipment while still keeping these items handy for ongoing cleaning and maintenance.  

Utilizing these storage solutions not only maximizes the utility of the laundry room but also contributes to its overall aesthetics. By encouraging a tidy and organized space, you can minimize accidental damage to your machines and enhance the laundry experience for residents.

6. Proper Lighting

Adequate lighting ensures that residents can see clearly while sorting, folding, and handling their laundry, making the entire process more efficient and enjoyable. Good lighting also makes it easier to maintain and repair equipment. 

Natural light is ideal, but if that's not possible, opt for well-placed artificial lighting to eliminate shadows and dark corners. This will make it easier for residents to see and help them feel more comfortable in the space. 

Consider energy-efficient LED fixtures to save on utility costs while providing bright and even lighting. Additionally, having adjustable lighting options can cater to different tasks, such as ironing or stain removal, making the laundry room versatile and user-friendly. 

7. Updated Laundry Payment Systems

In today's fast-paced, digital world, it's essential to keep up with the latest technology, and this includes the way residents pay for laundry services in apartment complexes. 

Updated laundry payment systems offer numerous advantages for both apartment owners and residents. These modern systems often allow residents to make payments through various methods, including smart phone apps, credit and debit cards, and smart cards.

The convenience of these options means residents no longer need to scrounge for quarters or deal with the inconvenience of outdated coin-operated machines. 

For apartment building owners, modern laundry payment systems streamline the management of laundry facilities, offering real-time monitoring and reporting. They provide transparency and efficiency in revenue collection and machine maintenance, ultimately resulting in a more hassle-free and profitable laundry room operation. 

By embracing these updated payment solutions, apartment owners can enhance the laundry experience for their residents, making it more accessible, convenient, and efficient.

8. Security and Accessibility 

Residents need to feel safe and comfortable while using your shared apartment laundry facilities. 

To achieve this, it's essential to implement security measures such as well-placed surveillance cameras and secure access controls in shared laundry rooms and communal spaces. These security measures can help deter theft and vandalism from both residents and those who may not live in your building. 

In addition to security, accessibility should be a top priority, whether a shared or in-unit laundry room. Design the laundry room with features that improve safety and accessibility for all residents, such as wheelchair-accessible machines and clear pathways. 

By addressing both security and accessibility, you create a welcoming and inclusive environment, instilling confidence in residents who are using the apartment laundry room. You also protect yourself and your investment by minimizing potential crime and lawsuits and having documentation if an issue occurs in a shared space of the building.

Contact Coin-O-Matic’s Multi-Housing Laundry Specialists Today!

At Coin-O-Matic, we are here to help apartment laundry room owners navigate the decision-making process and provide support in providing you with top-of-the-line laundry equipment for both shared laundry areas and in-unit washers and dryers. 

If you need assistance in selecting the best apartment laundry equipment or are interested in laundry room leasing, don't hesitate to contact Coin-O-Matic today. Let us be your partner in building a successful and thriving laundry room!