6 Items Experts Say to Never Store in Your Laundry Room

Interior designers warn against keeping these household goods in the laundry area.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:28am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a blurred laundry room interior, with soft pools of warm light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene.Experts advise keeping the laundry room free of clutter to maintain a clean, functional space for washing and drying clothes.Today in Tampa

Interior designers advise against storing certain items in the laundry room, including entertaining supplies, food and pantry items, paper products, pet crates, cleaning supplies, and hobby/decor items. The heat, humidity, and chemical fumes can damage these items over time.

Why it matters

The laundry room should be a dedicated, functional space for washing and drying clothes. Storing incompatible items there can lead to damage, clutter, and a less efficient laundry workflow.

The details

Experts caution against keeping entertaining items like fine china, bulk food and pantry overflow, paper towels and toilet paper, pet crates and litter boxes, extra cleaning supplies, and hobby/decor items in the laundry room. The heat, humidity, and chemical fumes can cause these items to deteriorate over time, making them unusable.

  • The article was published on April 9, 2026.

The players

Francesca Herro

The founder of Francesca Herro Interiors in Houston, Texas.

Margie Kaercher

The founder of Hearth & Honey Homes in Tampa, Florida.

Claire Thompson

The founder of Claire Thompson Design in Jackson, Mississippi.

Courtney Peters

The founder of Courtney Peters Interiors Design in Jackson, Mississippi.

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What they’re saying

“Though not used daily, consider storing tableware items such as beautiful glasses and special china in an open cabinet in the dining or living room. These items should have pride of place where they can be used to give a dressier room a more personal touch.”

— Francesca Herro, Founder, Francesca Herro Interiors

“It may seem convenient to use laundry space for pantry overflow, but the heat and humidity generated by the washer and dryer can pose a serious problem with perishables.”

— Margie Kaercher, Founder, Hearth & Honey Homes

“The humid environment causes them to absorb moisture and over time can lead to moldy paper products, making them unusable.”

— Margie Kaercher, Founder, Hearth & Honey Homes

“Never put a cat litter box or dog crate in a laundry room. These items are better suited for a dedicated spot in the mudroom, allowing the laundry room to provide a fresh, clean oasis.”

— Claire Thompson, Founder, Claire Thompson Design

“Things such as bug spray, extra bleach, fertilizers, and more should be stored elsewhere to ensure the combination of fragrances and chemicals doesn't overwhelm.”

— Courtney Peters, Founder, Courtney Peters Interiors Design

The takeaway

The laundry room should be a dedicated, functional space for washing and drying clothes. Storing incompatible items there can lead to damage, clutter, and a less efficient laundry workflow. By keeping the laundry room clear of these six types of items, homeowners can maintain a clean, organized, and efficient laundry space.