Upstairs or Downstairs Laundry Room: Which Is Right for You?

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.