An Interior Design Expert Clarifies The One Spot You Shouldn't Put A Laundry Room

When choosing a location for your laundry room, you should consider space, accessibility, distance from other parts of the house, and proper ventilation — all of which make the basement a spot to avoid. Laundry rooms generate heat and humidity from washing machines and dryers, which can exacerbate the dampness and potential for mold growth in basements since they tend to have poor ventilation compared to other areas of the house.

"When you place your laundry room in the basement, moisture has fewer places to disperse. This can lead to more cases of mold and rot in your floors and walls," says interior designer Brett Elron (via Realtor). Mold can cause unpleasant odors in the room and get on your clothes, which can lead to an increased risk of respiratory issues. The best way to make the basement work is to ensure there is adequate fresh air and circulation through windows and exhaust fans.

Basements are also typically far from the main area, which can make it inconvenient to access the laundry room. You won't be able to just pop in to check the progress, and laundry becomes more energy-consuming than it needs to be when you have to carry full laundry baskets up and down the house. This inconvenience especially poses problems for people with mobility issues — older family members in the household who want to do laundry may not be able to do so safely.

Space allocation is another thing to consider. Basements often serve as multi-purpose areas, such as storage, recreational spaces, or home offices. Using it as a laundry room may take up valuable space that could be better utilized for other purposes. Another problem you can face when you put your laundry room in the basement is if you ever need to take out or bring in laundry machines. Also, consider lighting and helpful appliances like sinks. These go a long way when doing laundry and may not be available or adequate in the basement.

Laundry rooms are better situated on the main level or upper floor rather than in the basement. Placing it near the kitchen or main bathroom, for example, will be more convenient and accessible. If you don't think you have enough space in the main area of your home, consider changing your washer and dryer setup. Having modern front-loading machines — instead of top-load washing machines — saves you space because you can stack them on top of each other and fit them in a closet or mudroom. This vertical setup can also work in a hallway or entryway.

For larger homes, consider having a dedicated room for laundry — it can be beneficial. It will give you ample space for the machines as well as laundry supplies and other accessories like ironing boards and tables. When deciding on the best location for a laundry room, also consider water and electrical connections and flooring types that are resistant to water and chemicals.