Laundry Room Signs: Frequently Asked Questions

Following points should be taken into consideration while designing a shared laundry room -

• - Construct the laundry room near the elevators or stairs or other easily accessible areas.
• - Keep adequate space for laundry equipment, for working, for passage, and machine servicing.
• - Make sure the flooring and counters are water-resistant.
• - Make sure the laundry area is well-lit and visible. Use a Laundry Room Sign.
• - Electrical points and water supply must be designed right near the washing machines and dryers.
• - Pay attention to drainage, hot and cold water lines, and ventilation.
• - Have sufficient numbers of washers and dryers. One washer and dryer will typically serve 8 to 12 units inhabited by families.
• - A typical washer is 27-29 inches wide and 28-¼ inches deep, whereas a typical single load dryer is 27-35 inches wide and 28-1/4" deep. Decide the number of washers and dryers you want and then designate the laundry space accordingly.
• - Provide tables of adequate size for folding the laundry.
• - Heavy-duty machines are very noisy. A solid door and some rugs will help reduce some noise in the laundry room.

Choose a suitable time. Think about the convenience of all the residents. You’ll have to consider each tenant’s requirement and also what timings will not impact apartment units situated right near the laundry room because appliances make a lot of noise.

Remind laundry users of their responsibilities: Design laundry rules so that tenants would practice good etiquette like not overuse the facility, remove laundry promptly after the cycle, and keep the area clean.

Take care of appliances: Ask people to use washers and dryers responsibly, not overload them, not sit on counters and machines,

Avoid conflict: By posting laundry rules, clear any confusion regarding what to do if a person doesn’t come to collect laundry timely.

Add disclaimer: Add a line that the owner or management is not responsible for any damage or loss or stolen clothing and articles.

A laundry room at home has six main components - 

1. - Hanging Racks
2. - Ironing Boards (Pull-out or Retractable)
3. - Storage Cabinets/Shelves for washing essentials
4. - Utility Sink
5. - Task Lighting
6. - Folding Station

Follow these guidelines to make your laundry room or laundromat ADA compliant - 

Washing Machines and Dryers

• 1 - Where three or fewer washing machines and dryers are provided, at least one each shall comply with ADA guidelines (Section 611). Where more than three washing machines and dryers are provided, at least two of them shall comply with the ADA.
• 2 - Top-loading machines shall have the door to the laundry compartment located 36 inches maximum above the finish floor. Front-loading machines shall have the bottom of the opening to the laundry compartment located 15 inches minimum and 36 inches maximum above the finish floor.
• 3 - The maximum high forward reach for controls and operating mechanisms of washers and dryers is 48 inches while the maximum low forward reach is 15 inches (ADA Section 308).
• 4 - Operable parts, including doors, lint screens, and detergent and bleach compartments, shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds maximum.

Entrances

• 1 - Aisles, entrances, and restroom doors to Laundromats should be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Avoid steps, doors requiring too much pressure to open, or steep ramps. 
• 2 - Use Braille Signs to mark laundry rooms.

Restrooms

• 1 - Place paper towel dispensers, mirror, soap machine at accessible height (in the restroom and main customer area.
• 2 - P-trap under the restroom sink must be insulated to prevent burns to the person in a wheelchair.
• 3 - The restroom should have handicap bars or the required five-foot turning area.

Other Requirements

• 1 - The folding table should be at wheelchair height.
• 2 - Install at least one bill changer at a height that meets handicap access requirements.
• 3 - Parking lot handicap parking spaces must be properly marked and placed.

Slip and fall hazards - Those working and using laundry rooms are at risk of falling because of wet floors, transporting large loads of linens and equipment, and navigating laundry carts and baskets.

Electrical hazards - Both washers and dryers have electric motors and other components that can produce sparks capable of igniting and cause serious electric shocks.

Fire hazard - Dryers are likely to catch lint and have an increased risk of fire. 

Theft and vandalism - Coin and vending machines, equipment and other supplies are at a risk of theft in the laundry.