When planning what to include in a laundry room, the first things that come to the minds of many homeowners are washers and dryers. Without a doubt, those are essential items to have in the laundry room, but that doesn't mean that other additional items are not valuable and need as well. A laundry sink, for example, can be a quite functional addition to your room. A laundry sink will allow you to soak items that need soaking, do laundry by hand if necessary, rinse out detergent cups and simply wash your hands after handling dirty laundry or other items.
Nowadays, you can find a wide range of laundry sinks in online and offline stores. From small to large bowls with different depths and shapes, your options are numerous. To choose the right sink, the first thing to consider is the material it's made from.
Choosing the Best Laundry Sink Material
Laundry tubs are made of a variety of materials such as stainless steel, porcelain, glass and even stone-based finishes. From all these options, stainless steel laundry sinks are the most popular option. Here is why:
- Easy And Quick To Clean - You can use an abrasive cleaning pad to clean your stainless steel sink without any fear of damaging its surface. That is because these sinks are sturdy and can stand up to severe scrubbing that would otherwise easily damage less sturdy surfaces, such as fibreglass or porcelain. Designed to be highly stain-resistant, to clean and maintain your sink sparkling clean, all you will need to do is simply wipe out your sink with a clean cloth.
- Long-Lasting And Durable - These sinks can withstand high heat easily and they are so strong that there is very little risk of cracking or chipping. Install a stainless steel sink in your laundry and you will definitely get your money’s worth.
- Versatile Decor Element - Whether you are renovating your laundry in a classic or modern style, a stainless steel sink will fit just right in. These sinks are super versatile, look great and go well with a variety of interior decorating styles. Do you like the avant-garde style or are more into art deco? Regardless of your preferences, a stainless steel sink will complement and complete your space beautifully.
Choosing the Size of Your Laundry Sink
If you tend to wash a few clothing, you may not need anything bigger than a small laundry tub. For cleaning garments for more than 4-5 people, something larger may be necessary, like a 600-500 mm tub that can handle more clothing in one washing run. Don't forget to consider the space that you have in your laundry room to work with. Buying a larger tub won't be useful if you don't have the space to set it up. Setting up a laundry room properly requires a beforehand plan, otherwise, you may have to move and reposition your laundry room to fit a laundry sink.
Choosing the Installation Style
When shopping for a sink for your laundry, it's important to consider the type of installation style you need or prefer for your particular sink set-up. Laundry room sinks are available in drop-in, undermount, wall mount and floor standing.
- Drop-in sinks, also called overmount sinks, mount into a hole cut into a countertop or work surface. The sink basin sits below the counter with the rim of the sink remaining above. This style is easy to install and work with most surfaces you would have in your laundry room.
- Undermount sinks mount underneath the countertop, so it's edges are concealed. If you want to achieve a contemporary look in your laundry room, this may be the right sink for you. The style also makes cleaning easier as you can wipe spills and mess from the counter into the sink without a rim becoming an obstruction.
- Wall-mount sinks are installed as standalone units that mount directly into wall studs. If your room lacks a countertop, has limited floor space or you are looking for a more streamlined look, this style may be the best choice for you.
- Floor-mount sinks are installed as standalone units without the need for a countertop. These sinks can come with legs or a base and be installed anywhere plumbing lines are available.
Tips for Using a Laundry Sink
Soak Stained Clothes Before Washing
Stained clothes should be set aside to be treat before going into the wash. Having a sink in the laundry room to do this is a blessing, as it's having a place to wash out the clothing in the same space before throwing then in the laundry.
Rinse Out Bathing Suits
It's not recommended that you throw bathing suits right into the washer after you've been in the pool all day. First, they need to be rinsed from all the chlorine that eats away at the elastic fibres of the material. This will help them last longer. Quickly rising them in the laundry room sink rather than in the kitchen sink where food is prepared, is a much cleaner way to get the job done.
Clean Up Before Entering the House
It's great to have a sink to rinse off boots after gardening or tidy up anything else that needs a good rising.
