A well‑designed communal laundry room make it easy for residents to do their laundry and reduces maintenance headaches. On‑site laundry is one of the top amenities tenants consider when choosing a place to live.
This guide walks body‑corporate committees, property managers and developers through the essential elements of planning and optimising a common laundry room, from choosing the right location to selecting equipment and creating a comfortable environment.
Assessing Location and Size
- Choose a Central Location – Place the laundry room where all residents can easily access it, ideally on the ground floor or close to elevators.
- Consider Underused Spaces – Basements or alcoves can be transformed into functional laundry facilities without reducing common living space.
- Follow Accessibility Standards – Provide step‑free entryways and wide doors compliant with accessibility guidelines.
- Identify what Laundry Equipment You Will Need – Aim for one washer/dryer pair for every 20 studio apartments. This reduces wait times and congestion.
Optimising Layout and Flow
- Machine Placement – Arrange washers and dryers along walls or in a U‑shape to create clear pathways. Avoid placing machines in the centre of the room.
- Dedicated Zones – Create separate areas for washing, drying and folding. Designate an area in the laundry or adjacent to the laundry for folding and place a table or bench there
- Storage – Consider adding shelving where residents can store their laundry basket while their laundry is being washed.
- Group Machines – Cluster machines in banks (e.g., 2×2 or 4×4) to streamline workflow and allow multiple users to operate without crowding.
Selecting Laundry Equipment
- Durability and Capacity – Choose commercial‑grade machines that can handle frequent use. Laundry over a certain capacity may needed to be hard mounted into the floor and dryers may need above the normal amperage to run. Check with your laundry equipment supplier before installing equipment.
- Select the right machine for the residents – Top‑load machines offer ease of use where as and front‑load are more water efficient.
- Energy Efficiency – Select equipment with low water and energy consumption to reduce utility costs.
- Plan Machine Quantity – Use the washer and dryer per 20 one-bedroom units guideline and scale up if your building has heavy usage.
- Explore Route‑Operator Partnerships – Partnering with a laundry route operator means no capital expense and ongoing professional maintenance.
User‑Friendly Features and Technology
- Intuitive Controls – Machines with clear labels and easy‑to‑read displays reduce user error.
- Smart Tech – Technology that allows residents to pay using their card or digital payments to start the machine.
- Clear Signage – Provide instructions and labels to minimise confusion, avoid misuse and establish expectations and etiquette for using the shared laundry space.
- Sustainability – Encourage use of energy‑efficient cycles and provide information on eco‑friendly detergents.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
- Cleanliness – Keep the laundry room tidy; schedule regular cleaning to prevent lint and dirt build‑up.
- Lighting & Airflow – Bright lighting improves safety and ambience; good ventilation prevents moisture and mould.
Step‑by‑Step: Planning Your Laundry Room
- Survey Residents – Gather feedback on current laundry facilities, preferred payment methods and desired improvements.
- Evaluate Available Space – Measure the room, note utility connections and accessibility plan.
- Design the Layout – Sketch a floor plan with machine placement, folding tables, seating and storage zones.
- Select Equipment – Choose commercial machines based on capacity, efficiency and user preferences.
- Implement Smart Technology – Integrate mobile payment apps.
- Decorate and Furnish – Add lighting, colour, signage, seating and sustainable materials to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Launch & Communicate – Inform residents of the new amenities and provide instructions.
- Monitor & Maintain – Schedule regular cleaning and inspections; solicit feedback for improvements.