How to create a pet-friendly laundry space

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Introduction

If you share your home with pets, you know their fur, bedding, and accessories often end up in the laundry room. Between muddy towels, shedding blankets, and pet hair sticking to every surface, keeping the space functional can be a challenge. Learning how to create a pet-friendly laundry space will help you maintain a clean, organized area while making pet care easier and more efficient. The right setup can streamline washing pet items, keep cleaning supplies safe, and even give your furry friend a cozy corner to relax in.

Why a Pet-Friendly Laundry Space Matters

Designing your laundry room with pets in mind offers big benefits:

  • Keeps pet laundry separate from human laundry to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Reduces fur and dander buildup in your washer, dryer, and on shelves.
  • Provides safe storage for detergents and cleaning products away from curious paws.
  • Creates a dedicated pet-care station for grooming tools, leashes, and treats.
  • Improves cleanliness by keeping muddy paws and wet fur out of the main living spaces.

With the right layout, your washer, dryer, folding station, and shelves can work alongside pet storage and care areas for a smooth household routine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Pet-Friendly Laundry Space

1. Designate a Pet Laundry Zone

Choose a specific section of your laundry room for washing and storing pet-related items. This keeps their bedding, toys, and towels separate from your own laundry. A small bin or hamper labeled “Pet Laundry” makes sorting easy.

2. Install Easy-to-Clean Surfaces

Pets bring dirt, fur, and odors into the laundry room. Opt for:

  • Tile or vinyl flooring for easy mopping.
  • Wipeable countertops for folding and prepping pet items.
  • Washable rugs at entry points to catch dirt from paws.

3. Add a Pet Washing Station (Optional)

If space allows, install a small utility sink or a low-height pet washing tub. This is perfect for rinsing muddy paws, bathing small pets, or cleaning pet bowls without using the kitchen sink.

4. Choose Pet-Safe Laundry Products

Regular detergents can be harsh on a pet’s skin. Stock up on:

  • Fragrance-free detergents or those labeled safe for pets.
  • Baking soda for odor control.
  • White vinegar for natural disinfecting and softening.

Keep all detergents—pet-safe or not—securely stored in labeled containers and out of reach.

5. Organize Pet Gear

Create storage zones for:

  • Leashes, collars, and harnesses – Hang on wall hooks.
  • Pet towels and blankets – Store in labeled bins or baskets.
  • Grooming tools – Keep in a caddy or drawer.
  • Pet treats and food – Store in airtight containers away from laundry chemicals.

6. Control Pet Hair in the Washer/Dryer

Before washing pet items:

  • Shake blankets and bedding outside to remove loose fur.
  • Use a lint roller or rubber grooming glove.
  • Clean the washer drum with a vinegar rinse after pet loads.
  • Always clean the dryer lint trap thoroughly after each pet laundry cycle.

7. Include a Pet Rest Area

If your laundry room is a calm spot in the house, add a pet bed or cushion. This gives your pet a cozy space to rest while you work. Just make sure it’s placed away from machines and cleaning supplies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Mixing Pet Laundry with Human Laundry
    This can spread allergens and fur. Keep them separate.
  2. Leaving Detergents Accessible
    Pets can chew or knock over bottles—store all products out of reach.
  3. Ignoring Ventilation
    A stuffy laundry room can trap odors from pet laundry. Use a vent fan or open a window.
  4. Not Cleaning Machines Regularly
    Pet fur can clog filters and vents—clean your washer and dryer often to prevent damage.
  5. Overloading the Washer
    Large pet beds and blankets need space to get clean—wash bulky items alone or at a laundromat.

Extra Laundry Tips & Hacks

  • Use a Dedicated Lint Brush – Keep one in the laundry room to remove fur before washing.
  • Try a Pet Hair Laundry Filter – These trap more fur in the wash cycle.
  • Set Up a “Muddy Paw” Station – Keep a towel and spray bottle by the laundry room door for quick clean-ups.

For more storage inspiration, check out our guide on How to Arrange Laundry Detergents and Cleaning Products—it’s perfect for keeping your pet-safe items organized too.

Conclusion

Creating a pet-friendly laundry space doesn’t require a full renovation—it’s about smart organization, pet-safe products, and a layout that supports both human and pet needs. By separating pet laundry, keeping supplies secure, and adding thoughtful touches like a washing station or rest area, you’ll make laundry day easier and your home cleaner.

📌 Extra Tip: Do a deep clean of your pet laundry area every month—wipe down shelves, wash storage bins, and freshen the air with a safe odor absorber like baking soda. Bookmark this guide for a pet-friendly laundry room you and your furry friend will love.