Cleaning Your Laundry Room & Utility Space
The laundry room is one of the most neglected spaces in an Ontario home — it gets used daily but rarely cleaned. Lint accumulation, detergent spills, hard water deposits, and general moisture create an environment that benefits enormously from regular attention.
Washing Machine
Front-loading machines (common in newer GTA condos and homes) accumulate mould and mildew in the door gasket — this must be wiped down regularly with a damp cloth. Running a hot cycle with white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner tablet monthly removes soap scum and odour buildup from the drum. Top-loading machines benefit from the same monthly drum cleaning routine.
Dryer
The lint trap must be cleaned after every load — this is both a cleanliness and a fire safety issue. The exhaust duct (the vent that goes outside) should be professionally cleaned annually, as lint accumulation in ducts is a leading cause of residential fires. Wipe the exterior drum surface occasionally when mineral deposits appear.
Laundry Tub and Utility Sink
Laundry tubs accumulate hard water deposits and soap scum like any sink — a paste of baking soda and dish soap, left for 10 minutes, removes most buildup. The drain benefits from a monthly hot water and baking soda flush.
Walls, Shelves, and Floor
Detergent drips, fabric softener splashes, and general humidity leave residue on laundry room walls and shelving. An annual wipe-down of walls and shelves, and thorough floor cleaning around and under the machines, completes the space.