Get practical, design-led ways to organise laundry soap and detergent so your utility room stays safe, tidy and beautiful. From compact European laundries to spacious mudrooms, the Joyce Kitchens team in Perth shares solutions that fit Australian homes, products and standards.
Core insights: laundry soap storage that works
Whether you prefer liquid, powder or pods, the right laundry soap storage keeps detergents dry, secure and easy to reach. Below are proven approaches our designers use across laundry renovations Perth homeowners love.
1) Choose the right laundry containers
- Powders: airtight, wide-mouth containers stop clumping. Look for silicone gaskets and capacities that fit a full 2–4 kg box to reduce decanting mess.
- Liquids: high-clarity, BPA‑free plastic or glass with measurement marks. Pump or tap dispensers reduce drips.
- Pods: child‑resistant containers with locking lids. Keep out of sight in upper cabinetry.
Tip: Square or rectangular laundry containers stack better in shallow pull-outs than round jars.
2) Positioning for safety and ergonomics
- Everyday access: place laundry detergent storage between 900–1500 mm above floor (general reach zone) and close to the washing machine.
- Child safety: store concentrates and pods above 1500 mm or in lockable cabinets. See HealthyWA poison safety advice.
- Heavy refills: use mid-height pull-out baskets so lifting loads stays below shoulder height.
3) Control moisture and spills
- Ventilation: add a discreet grille or under-door vent; consider a condensing dryer or ducted exhaust to limit humidity.
- Easy-clean surfaces: specify melamine internals and moisture-resistant kickboards to wipe away spills quickly.
- Drip trays: shallow trays under liquid containers protect shelves.
4) Smart cabinet features we recommend
- Soft‑close drawers with high sides for stable container storage (Blum or Hettich runners).
- Shallow pull-outs beside the washer for powders, stain removers and pegs.
- Adjustable shelves for tall decanter bottles and bulk refills.
- LED task lighting under overheads to read labels and doses clearly.
5) Labelling and decanting
- Waterproof labels with dosage notes for each machine (front loader vs top loader) and fabric type.
- Keep the original packaging leaflet in a slim file within the cabinet for safety and stain-guide directions.
Our renovation process
Joyce Kitchens designs and manufactures custom cabinetry in WA, delivering seamless kitchen, bathroom, wardrobe and laundry renovations Perth clients trust.
- In‑home or showroom consultation: We measure appliances, assess ventilation and discuss storage like laundry soap, ironing stations, concealed bins and broom cupboards.
- 3D design and specification: You’ll see shaker kitchen profiles, Hamptons style VJ panels or handleless cabinetry options, with benchtops and splashbacks modelled to scale.
- Local manufacture: Precision-built custom cabinetry WA made, with soft-close drawers and premium hardware.
- Installation and compliance: We coordinate licensed trades and align with relevant standards and guidance from bodies like the HIA and Master Builders WA.
- Aftercare: Advice on cleaning, sealing and maintaining laundry detergent storage zones for longevity.
Materials and finishes that suit WA homes
Cabinet carcasses and doors
- MR MDF + Melamine internals: Durable, easy to clean and economical.
- Polytec or Laminex decorative boards: Broad colours and woodgrains; great for mudroom or scullery continuity.
- Shaker profiles or VJ panels: Classic Hamptons style that pairs with a farmhouse sink or modern undermount sink.
- Hardware: Quality hinges and runners (Blum, Hettich) for soft-close and load-bearing reliability.
Benchtops and splashbacks
Heat and moisture are common in Perth laundries. We specify benchtops that handle humidity and everyday cleaning chemicals.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (legacy note) | High-Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Current status in Australia | New supply and fabrication banned nationally (from 2024). Existing surfaces may remain; alternatives recommended for new projects. | Widely available and cost‑effective for new renovations. |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent when intact; avoid harsh abrasives. | Very good with sealed edges; use a drainer tray near sinks. |
| Look and feel | Stone‑like finish (legacy Caesarstone etc.). | Huge range including stone, timber and concrete looks. |
| Approx. cost (installed) | N/A for new installs (see porcelain or solid surface instead). | $300–$550 per linear metre (typical) |
| Great for | Matching existing spaces (repairs only, where permitted). | Budget‑friendly, family‑proof laundries and rentals. |
Alternatives we love: Porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, or quality laminate. Ask us about edge treatments and integrated drip grooves to keep laundry detergent storage areas tidy.
Finishing touches
- LED task lighting: Crisp illumination for dosing and reading care labels.
- Tile splashbacks: Hex tile or classic subway, sealed grout for easy cleaning.
- Ventilation: Ducted dryers, ceiling exhausts or window upgrades for steam control.
Layouts and styles for any size laundry
Small spaces and European laundries
- Stacked washer/dryer with a 600 mm pull-out next to the washer for laundry containers and stain removers.
- Slim overheads with finger-pull doors to keep pods and liquids above child height.
- Fold-down hanging rail and concealed bin for lint and empty pods wrappers.
Family laundries and mudrooms
- Full-height cabinetry with soft-close drawers for bulk laundry detergent storage and pet supplies.
- Bench-to-ceiling open shelves for baskets; closed cabinets for chemicals.
- Kickboard vacuum ports and pull-out hampers streamline sorting.
Style cues that flow from your kitchen
Match your laundry to a shaker kitchen or a minimalist handleless look for whole‑home cohesion. Popular pairings include engineered stone benchtop alternatives like porcelain with a Hamptons colour palette, or matte laminate with sleek black hardware.
Budget and cost guide (WA)
- Entry laundry cabinetry and benchtop: $4,500–$8,000
- Mid-range with custom pull-outs, LED lighting: $8,000–$15,000
- Premium (porcelain/sintered benchtop, integrated drying cabinet): $15,000–$28,000+
- Accessories: pull-out baskets $180–$450; lockable chemical cabinet $250–$600; labelled laundry containers set $60–$250
Appliance and trade costs vary. We plan around standard Australian appliance sizes (e.g., most front loaders at 600 mm wide; allow 650–700 mm for services and clearance).
For compliance and installation best practice, your designer can reference AS/NZS 4386 and local codes. Consider consulting authoritative bodies like HIA or Master Builders WA during major renovations.
Practical checklist: set-and-forget laundry soap storage
- Choose airtight, square laundry containers sized to full product volumes.
- Plan storage 900–1500 mm high; keep toxic products above 1500 mm or lockable.
- Specify MR MDF carcasses and melamine shelves with sealed edges.
- Add a pull-out beside the washer for everyday detergents and stain removers.
- Install LED task lighting under overheads for clear visibility.
- Include ventilation: ducted dryer or exhaust to control humidity.
- Use drip trays under liquids; store manuals and dosing guides in a sleeve.
- Label clearly; keep a scoop for powders in each container.
FAQ
What is the best way to store laundry soap and detergent in a humid Perth laundry?
Use airtight containers with silicone seals, keep them in a mid-height pull-out near the washer, and ensure good ventilation via an exhaust or ducted dryer. Choose easy-clean melamine shelves and add a drip tray under liquid dispensers.
Are glass or plastic laundry containers better?
Both work. BPA‑free plastic is lighter and safer if dropped; glass looks premium and resists odours. For families, plastic with locking lids is practical. For display shelving, tempered glass jars are beautiful—just keep them above child reach.
How high should laundry detergent storage shelves be?
Everyday items sit comfortably between 900–1500 mm from the floor. For safety, store toxic or concentrated products above 1500 mm or in a lockable cabinet, especially if you have children or pets.
How do I childproof laundry soap storage?
Use lockable cabinets or magnetic child locks, keep pods and concentrated liquids in upper cabinetry, and apply clear labels. Follow local poison safety guidance and keep the Poisons Information Centre number handy (13 11 26).
Can Joyce Kitchens integrate laundry soap storage into a small European-style laundry?
Yes. We use slim pull-outs, shallow overheads, and stacked washer/dryer layouts to create safe, efficient storage behind bifold or pocket doors, with soft‑close hardware and LED lighting for ease of use.
Ready to organise your laundry?
From compact European laundries to full mudrooms, our Perth designers create custom cabinetry WA homeowners love—integrating laundry detergent storage that’s safe, stylish and effortless. Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens to get started.