What started as one project turned into two projects…does that ever happen to you? I started trying to organize the wire shelvesĀ in my laundry room. I ended up with a DIY cleaningĀ solution for you.
You can see above, the gross dust and dirt that clung to the wire shelving. I had tried dusting it many times, but it never seemed to truly clean the shelves. With a little elbow grease a few supplies I had on hand…you can see I got my shelves all sparkly clean and looking new again. What a difference! Let me show you what I did.
Mostly for this project, you need elbow grease. I found it super helpful to have the all purpose cleaner, rag and the toothbrush. The large brush was somewhat helpful, but not totally necessary.
In my defense (since it looks yucky and I am a littleĀ embarrassedĀ to show you the before), we moved into this house 6.5 years ago. It is the longest I have ever lived anywhere as an adult. Anyway, the house had this wire shelving in the laundry room. Not my favorite thing, but it works, so it hasn’t been replaced. It was dirty when we moved in, but as I was 9 months pregnant when we moved in, it was left for another day. 6.5 years later, that day finally came. The laundry room has been the most neglected space in our house…it has been fun to clean it a bit and add some life to it.
To clean the shelves, I held my rag underneath to catch drips from the all purpose cleaner. (Mine would drip back behind my washer and dryer and I didn’t want another mess to clean up.) Since my shelves were so grimy, I gave them a good dousing with the spray.
A little elbow grease with the toothbrush for this portion of the shelves worked perfectly. For the top portion of the shelves, the rag or the brush worked really well. Use the toothbrush again around the middle wire. It just helps get into those connection points and get it really clean. For my one long shelf, this process took me about 30 minutes. Not too bad.
The result is a shiny clean wire shelf. Doesn’t that look much better?
As I said, this was one project that turned into two. My nice clean shelf now needs a little something to make is shine even more.
Next week, I will show you the other part. The picture above is how my laundry room has looked for 6.5 years. It works fine and is organized, but I took it up a notch. Now when I walk into my laundry room, I’m greeted by some fun pops of color and an even more polished, organized look.
Can’t wait to show you!
Your shelves look great! I’ll keep this idea in mind for the next time I decide to be brave and clean the wire shelving in my house. š
Thank you! It really wasn’t hard…so no need to be brave. š
KC
Great idea! They look great. š
Thanks!
I’ve been in my house 12 years and have never cleaned the wire shelf in my laundry room! I’m planning a laundry room makeover soon too so maybe I’ll tackle them. Can’t wait to see part two of yours!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who hasn’t cleaned the shelved in years…makes me feel SO much better! Have fun with your laundry room makeover
KC
I LOVE a good laundry room cleaning and makeover! After the paint job and decor I gave ours two summers ago, it’s become one of my favorite rooms! Thanks for sharing at Pinworthy Projects.
I need to paint ours badly. I keep asking for it as a gift. I’ve tried my birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s now I’m on to Mother’s day. My kids are getting the hint, but not my hubby. Boo!
Take care,
KC
I have been in this apartment for almost three years and I shudder whenever I walk into the closet… I have the same problem with the shelves. It’s an “out of sight, out of mind” thing, but it bothers me. I may have to try this cleaning project over the weekend. Thanks for the kick I needed š The shelves look great!
Stopping in from SITS and hope you are enjoying the weekend. I see you’re new; welcome to the club š
Yes, it is definetely an out of sight out of mind kind of thing. I hope if you give yours a clean, they are all sparkly and make your closet delightful!
KC
Can’t wait to see it! It looks great so far. Great job.
Happy Sharefest. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Thanks! I’m looking forward to showing the next part off, too!
KC
I love cleaning tips… anything to make it easier is fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing at Super Saturday Show & Tell… I’m SO glad you came to (link) party with me! https://www.whatscookingwithruthie.com xoxo~ Ruthie
So glad you love the tip.
KC
They look like new now! Thanks for the tips!
Selene @ Restoration Beauty
Thanks. They do look new don’t they? Much needed, they were nasty.
Take care,
KC
Great tips for spring cleaning! I pinned this one š
Thanks, Ruth!
KC
Great job! I can’t wait to see what updates you have made!
Thanks, Marie!
KC
Thanks for sharing this cleaning tip. I have those wire shelves too and hate them, but like you I don’t replace them because they work. I always get frustrated at how hard they are to clean. I’ll have to try out your method.
I hope if you try my method it works really well for you. I didn’t find it hard, just some elbow grease and some time.
Take care,
KC
The storage racks of the laundry room is one of the most overlooked areas of the house. Thanks for these tips I realised how dusty my racks are. I will take care of them first thing tomorrow.
I hope your cleaning goes well.
KC
Actually, your “before” shelves don’t look that dirty. So, don’t beat yourself up.:) Anyway, thanks for the tip. I love Method Lavender All-Purpose Cleaner. It works well at cleaning grease and grime.
Well, you are sweet to say my before isn’t that bad. It sure was in person. I love the Method as well…it sure does work well.
Take care,
KC