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LanguageUpstairs or Downstairs Laundry Room: Which Is Right for You?
Published on: 6/05/2024 Author: Babette
Upstairs Laundry Room: The Pros
No more running up and down stairs with the laundry
As we’ve just touched upon above, the process of transforming dirty clothes into clean laundry, not to mention putting dry clothes away in the bedrooms upstairs really should be an Olympic sport! With constant loads of laundry to collect and sort, it can feel like a never-ending task that takes a toll on you physically and mentally.
So it probably comes as no surprise that one of the most compelling reasons to opt for an upstairs laundry room is the convenience it offers in terms of reducing the time and energy it takes to do the laundry.
With the laundry room on the same floor as the bedrooms, there is only a minimal distance to travel across the landing. So you can say goodbye to the constant trek up and down the stairs with overflowing laundry baskets.
Upstairs Laundry Room: The Pros
Less time spent doing laundry
Having a laundry room upstairs eliminates the need for individual laundry baskets in each bedroom. Instead, dirty clothes can be easily deposited directly into the laundry room, streamlining the process and keeping bedrooms clutter-free.
Another notable benefit of an upstairs laundry room is the efficiency it brings to your laundry routine. With everything located on the same level, sorting, washing, drying and folding clothes becomes a seamless task.
This streamlined workflow translates to less time spent on laundry chores, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your day.
Upstairs Laundry Room: The Cons
Increased temperature in Summer
While there are many advantages to having a laundry room upstairs, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One potential downside is the increased temperature in the summer months.
As washers and dryers generate heat during operation, an upstairs laundry room may contribute to an increased temperature, especially during those warmer days.
Sometimes excess heat is generated from a dryer due to a clogged vent which can easily be solved by cleaning all of the lint and debris out of the vent. But be aware that even when everything is running properly, a dryer is still going to create heat which may impact your ability to achieve a comfortable night’s sleep.
Upstairs Laundry Room: The Cons
Increased noise from the washer and dryer
Another concern is the potential for increased noise from the washer and dryer. The proximity of the laundry room to living spaces, such as bedrooms or home offices, can result in unwanted noise disruptions.
While modern appliances are designed to operate more quietly, the sound of a running washer or dryer may still be audible, particularly in smaller homes.
However, your choice of laundry cabinets can prevent this problem when moving a washing machine upstairs or even keeping the machine where it is. For example, Washtower washer and dryer units have anti-vibration properties to specifically combat the issue of a noisy machine.
In contrast, using standalone appliances means the vibrations produced by your machines are not being absorbed, resulting in a noisy operation. By switching to laundry cabinets which factor in the science of how noise is made and also reduced, it can make for a far more audibly pleasing experience, especially for light sleepers!
Upstairs Laundry Room: The Cons
Possible floor damage
It’s typical to find concrete floors or other heavy-duty style flooring downstairs in a property. These waterproof or water-resistant styles of floors are purpose-built with laundry in mind, along with similar tasks performed in the kitchen or utility room.
However, upstairs is a different picture. The first floor of a property often contains carpet and similar flooring geared more towards comfort than practicality. That’s because houses are traditionally designed to have all of the functional tasks such as cooking and laundry downstairs, with the upstairs mostly reserved for sleeping, with the exception of the bathroom of course.
So one of the considerations of moving the laundry room upstairs is whether the floors need to be adapted. The exception to this would be if you are looking to install the machine in a bathroom that can already withstand excess moisture and liquid spillages.
Otherwise, there is the risk of possible floor damage, especially in older or poorly constructed houses. Water leaks or floods from malfunctioning appliances can cause structural issues below, such as warped floors or water damage to the ceilings. Therefore, the choice of floor makes a huge difference in the adaptability of the space.
While measures can be taken to mitigate these risks such as installing a leak detector, carrying out regular maintenance and installing overflow pans, flooring is a factor to consider when contemplating an upstairs laundry room.
Downstairs Laundry Room: The Pros
Purpose-built for laundry
A major consideration of keeping your washer and dryer downstairs is that homes are typically built with a downstairs laundry setup in mind. While utility connections, a water supply and ventilation may also be found upstairs in a house, sometimes the availability of the right setup downstairs just makes sense to keep.
The exception to this would be when wanting to install a new washer in a property that is also of new construction. If you are still going through the planning stages, you can experiment with the layout of the home to eliminate the traditional downstairs laundry setup.
Downstairs Laundry Room: The Pros
More storage options
On the flip side, opting for a downstairs laundry room also offers its own set of advantages.
One notable benefit is the potential for increased space and storage options.
Downstairs laundry rooms can be integrated with mudrooms or utility areas, providing ample
storage for cleaning supplies, household essentials and even outdoor gear. This setup can be particularly advantageous for families with active lifestyles or those who require additional storage space.
Downstairs Laundry Room: The Pros
More space
A downstairs laundry room may offer greater space flexibility in terms of possible placement and design. With more square footage available, homeowners have the opportunity to customise their laundry room layout, incorporating features such as custom cabinets, countertops and utility sinks to suit their specific needs and preferences.
Laundry room upstairs or downstairs FAQs
Still have questions about whether to opt for an upstairs or downstairs laundry room? We’ve answered some of the most common queries below.
For help with Washtower laundry cabinets which can be placed upstairs or downstairs, please contact our team.
Is it better to have a laundry room upstairs or downstairs?
There is no fixed answer to this question, as it really depends on the current setup of your home, your reasons for wanting to move the laundry and also how feasible your idea will be. The advantages of moving the laundry upstairs include reducing noise and freeing up space downstairs. However, your upstairs will require utility connections and ventilation, in addition to suitable flooring and drainage. If you can move the laundry upstairs, the folding and sorting of clothes will happen closer to all the bedrooms which can reduce the effort involved.
Can I put a laundry room upstairs?
Yes, it is possible to move the laundry room upstairs especially if the noise of your machines disturbs you while watching TV, or if you require more space downstairs. However, you need to check whether the setup of your home will allow for the washer or dryer to be moved from its current position. While the bathroom should provide the necessary water connections, the appliances will also require ventilation.
Are upstairs laundry rooms a good idea?
If having your laundry machines downstairs just isn’t practical, moving the washer and dryer upstairs could provide a suitable alternative. That’s so long as you check a room upstairs can provide the necessary connections and ventilation, and that the room is also geared towards water-based activity. Otherwise, there could be some cost involved in transforming the purpose of the room so that it’s suited towards laundry rather than just sleeping.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, the decision to place your laundry room upstairs or downstairs ultimately depends on your lifestyle, preferences and household dynamics.
While an upstairs laundry room offers convenience and efficiency, it may come with drawbacks such as increased noise and temperature fluctuations. Conversely, a downstairs laundry room provides more storage options and design flexibility but may require additional space and planning.
Before making a decision, carefully consider how you intend to use your laundry room and weigh the pros and cons of each option. Whether you choose to move your laundry room upstairs or keep it downstairs, creating a functional and efficient space will ultimately enhance your daily routine and household organisation.
Washtower - Discover our solutions for laundry room upstairs and downstairs
Whether upstairs or downstairs is the right choice for your laundry space, one accessory that can accompany any laundry location in your home is Washtower laundry cabinets.
A great place to start is to view all Washtower cabinets, where you can discover all cabinet sizes, configurations and colour options. There are cabinets to suit all room locations and sizes, including if you require extra storage or functionality.
Need help selecting the perfect laundry cabinet for your upstairs or downstairs laundry room? Give us a call on 03308183548 or email us info@washtower.co.uk.
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