12 Things to Toss From Your Laundry Room ASAP, According to Cleaning and Organizing Pros

Expired Detergent

Expired laundry detergent loses its cleaning power over time, leaving clothes less fresh and clean. "Make sure to check the labels on your products and responsibly toss everything past its prime," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

Old Tennis Balls

Tennis balls are great for fluffing your clothes in the dryer, but get rid of them once they lose their bounce. Once they're worn out, tennis balls can start shedding debris on your laundry, says Sokolowski.

Once they're past their prime, swap tennis balls for wool dryer balls. Wool dryer balls are heavier and help items, like sheets and towels, dry out evenly by creating space, says Zach Pozniak, author of The Laundry Book. "Plus, you can add a drop of essential oil for additional scent," he adds.

Lint

Dispose of lint regularly, as it can build up quickly and poses a fire hazard if left unattended in and around your dryer. "Regularly empty the lint traps and toss any stray lint piles that accumulate elsewhere," says Sokolowski.

Mismatched Socks

Do you have a pile of mismatched socks you haven't found matches for in months? It's safe to say these can be tossed. "Discard the lonely sock to free up space or repurpose it as a dusting mitt or a cover for delicate items in storage," says Sokolowski.

Unused Gadgets

If you have a pile of unused laundry gadgets, like hand steamers, sweater shavers, or fabric de-pillers, consider donating or discarding them, says Sokolowski. These items take up space and collect dust when left sitting around untouched.

Extra Hangers

Space is important in the laundry room and hangers can take up prime real estate. "If you have extra hangers from the cleaners or from clothing stores that are not in use, get rid of them," says Nikki Bell, professional organizer and founder of Just Us Organizing. She also suggests asking the store to keep the hangers and fold your items instead.

Stained or Damaged Clothes

If you've tried everything to get rid of a stubborn stain but nothing has worked, it’s probably time to let that piece of clothing go. "However, instead of tossing it in the trash, try repurposing it as a cleaning rag or donate it to a textile recycling program," says Sokolowski.

In addition to stained clothes, get rid of items that are damaged beyond repair, such as pieces with missing buttons or broken zippers, says Bell.

Old Cleaning Supplies

Take inventory of your cleaning supplies and discard anything that is old or never used. "Responsibly dispose of any old brushes, sponges, or microfiber cloths that no longer work efficiently," says Sokolowski. If you have cleaning supplies in your laundry room you never use, see if any friends or family members want them before you discard them.

Damaged Items

If you're holding on to broken laundry baskets, torn laundry bags, or hangers that are bent or damaged beyond use, it’s time to get rid of them, says Sokolowski. These items only take up valuable space in your laundry room if they can’t be repaired.

Unlabeled Bottles

Unidentified liquids can be a safety risk when kept in the laundry room, says Sokolowski. Doing so may also lead to laundry mishaps, like mistakenly using bleach in lieu of detergent.

Plastic Storage Bins

If you store sweaters in plastic storage containers, consider swapping them for breathable fabric sweater bags. "You want air to flow freely over your garment during the off season to ensure they don't yellow or oxidize over time from stagnant air," says Pozniak. "Fabric sweater bags provide the protection that plastic does from moths but is a much safer option."

Empty Containers

Dispose of empty laundry detergents and fabric softeners once your product is finished. "Recycle empty detergent bottles and other packaging to keep your laundry room clean, functional, and clutter-free," says Sokolowski.