I need some creative thinkers.?
Question:I have an area above my washer and dryer that measures 4 feet high by 7 1/2 feet long in my laundry room. I would like to hang some type of shelving for soaps, tools, misc. etc., but I also want seomthing that will be easy to clean. I currently have one wooden shelf, but it is getting kind of rotted and gross. Any bright ideas? I have been struggling with this for a few weeks and will begin painting and remodeling soon. HELP Please!
Answers:
Go to Lowe's or Menards and get those shelfs from the DIY units where you can get a variety of lengths or whatever and hang them. I have 3 above my washer/dryer and it's approx. same dimensions as yours. They are the wire or mesh white ones (have kind of a vinyl white wrapping around the wires. Easy to clean! If not, go to a office supply store and look over their choices.
Try HERE: http://www.closetmaid.com/main.cfm?class...
If you are satisfied with the existing shelf, clean it and put another board or possibly masonite over it. Prime and paint with enamel and be sure to caulk all seams thoroughly. Wipe the caulk with a damp sponge to keep it smooth. This would be the easiest way to go if the underlying shelf is sturdy.
Put a metal rack there. I think a white rack would be nice.
What about a plastic shelf, or melamine? Also, there are those white wire shelves, and you could use decorative plastic boxes to hold detergent, tools, etc.
I have installed a white metal shelf (like those sold at big box home centers for use as closet shelving) above my washer & dryer and it works great. There's very little surface area to retain dirt and dust and the powder coated surface will not rust or mildew.
Now if I could just get the top of my washing machine to stay as clean!
Good luck-
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Kimberly,
I saw a cute idea at www.realsimple.com for a laundry area. The main idea is to use "milk crates" for dividers. You could even stack them up. You would have to replace the rotted, gross shelf with a sturdy one, but there are several reasons I like the idea of the crates:
1. If expense is a major factor, you could purchase one or two each payday, until you get it the way you want it.
2. The uprights serve as natural dividers.
3. The setup with crates is stable, but not permanent, so you can change it with changing needs or whenever you change your mind.
4. Cleaning is so easy. Just take the crates down and clean in the shower, garden hose, or even take to the car wash and spray them off with sudsy water. Let dry and set 'em up again.
Whatever you choose, I'm sure will be better than a "rotten and gross" shelf!
Good luck, Kimberly!
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