A laundry room is an incredibly useful space for getting laundry washed, dried, and ironed. It can also be an incredibly dangerous space for children. Try following these tips for child-proofing your laundry room. 

• Keep products out of reach and view
• Keep detergents in their original packaging
• Safeguard laundry appliances
• Securely store your ironing board
• Make sure your iron is turned off when not in use
• Always close your washing machine and dryer doors
• Be aware of climbing hazards 
• Do not store items directly on top of washers and dryers
• Remember to regularly clean your lint traps
• Avoid allowing children in the laundry room

Keep products out of reach and view

Laundry products are incredibly dangerous and, when ingested, can be fatal. Some products, such as laundry pods which are brightly coloured, could be mistaken as edible by children. To avoid potentially fatal injuries, it’s best to keep laundry products out of the reach and view of children. 

Keep detergents in their original packaging

Keeping detergents in their original packaging is useful if a child does come into contact with said detergent and sustains an injury. The detergent packaging will provide advice on the best way to proceed should this happen. In addition to this, many detergents have child-proof packing, specially designed to prevent children from opening it. This simply provides extra protection for a child should they be in the laundry room. 

Safeguard laundry appliances

Children are incredibly curious and highly likely to open any cupboards and doors that they can reach. Unfortunately, these cupboards are likely to hold dangerous substances in laundry rooms, and doors, such as those on washing machines and dryers, could strike a child and cause an injury. This is why it is best to safeguard your appliances and cupboards by using child locks that will prevent your children from opening any doors and harming themselves. 

Securely store your ironing board 

Ironing boards are incredibly heavy and would cause anyone harm should one fall on them. Rather than propping your ironing board against a wall, it’s best to find a more secure way to store it, preferably in a cupboard or laying flat to prevent any risk of falling over. 

Make sure your iron is turned off when not in use

We’ve all made the mistake of becoming distracted whilst ironing and forgetting to turn the iron off. Unfortunately, as previously mentioned, children are curious and will touch whatever is in front of them, regardless of if it may burn them. To prevent any burns, turn your iron off before moving away from it, and store it in a safe location until it has completely cooled down. 

Always close your washing machine and dryer doors

Not only can children be struck by washing machine and dryer doors, but, if left open, children may climb into the appliances and become stuck. To avoid any unfortunate appliance mishaps, make sure that all appliance doors are securely shut and locked before allowing children in the laundry room. 

Be aware of climbing hazards

Children love to climb and be adventurous, which is fun when they are in a safe environment, but not when in a laundry room. Before allowing any children into your laundry room, first check for climbing hazards, such as steps, stools, open drawers- anything that a child could hoist themselves on to in an attempt to climb to a higher surface. 

Do not store items directly on top of washers and dryers

Laundry rooms are not particularly spacious, so you may find yourself using the tops of your washing machine and dryer to store items. It can be incredibly dangerous to leave items on top of your appliances as when you turn them on your machines will shake as they are working. This can lead to items falling from your machine, can risk hitting a child should they be in the laundry room. If you would like to use the space on top of your appliances to store items, it’s best to install a bench rather than placing items directly on the top. 

Remember to regularly clean your lint traps

The lint trap in your tumble dryer catches any debris that comes off of your clothing and prevents it from clogging up the dryer hose. Your lint trap must be cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of lint in your filter. If you fail to regularly clean your filter it can cause blockages and potential fires. 

Avoid allowing children in the laundry room

The best way to child-proof your laundry room is to prevent children from entering your laundry room. 

To avoid laundry room disasters, let Laundryheap do your washing for you. Simply book your Laundryheap order by heading to the Laundryheap website or by downloading the free Laundryheap app.