ironing – The Interiors Addict

The $50 life-changing appliance: the Kambrook handheld garment steamer

I’m heading to Dubai next week and it reminded me I lost my trusty garment steamer on our big Europe trip. I have just ordered another because I simply cannot travel without it and it’s worth every dollar!

It’s a big statement, I know, but the Kambrook Swift Steam Garment Steamer is a bit of a life changer. OMG I am in love with it. And the good news is, it’s less than $50!

I’ve ALWAYS wanted one of those garment steamers but they tend to be bulky and pricey. I really hate ironing. And anything laundry-related in fact. In the division of labour at our house, laundry is Damian’s domain (he may not thank me for revealing that) but that doesn’t (sadly) include ironing. Where possible, I’ll avoid it. This includes ignoring plenty of lovely clean clothes in favour of others, made more appealing by the fact they either don’t need ironing (or I can get away with it). It makes for a limited wardrobe but luckily I work from home and wear a lot of jeans.

A well designed laundry should be easy to work in, have plenty of storage and enough room for you to get all your household jobs done. But designing the perfect laundry is tougher than you think, especially when size is an issue. The Good Guys’ appliance expert Denis Harvey, shares his 10 top tips on maximising space in the laundry.

If a laundry is to be incorporated into the bathroom due to space constraints, a front loader washing machine is the best choice. This allows you to stack a dryer on top, which will also mean less stooping when it comes to using the appliances.
Front loader washing machines also provide an extra bench space in a sense.
For ultimate space saving, you can opt for a combination washer-dryer unit.
Use utility baskets, small bins, or install shelving to separate and organise different products and utensils.
Install hooks for coats, mops and backpacks, while a shoe rack should be used to keep muddy boots and other footwear from messing up your floor.
Size is an important factor when buying a washing machine, so getting to grips with the different levels of capacity will help you make the right choice.
If you want an ironing zone within the laundry itself, the best idea is to purchase an ironing board that can be fixed to the door so it can be flipped up when not in use (make sure you are within range of an electrical socket though).
Make sure you consider the requirements of your laundry when planning the design. You may want to include a permanent ironing space, storage for cleaning products and a separate hanging area for clothes that can’t be put in the dryer.
Plan storage carefully. Integrated cabinetry with pullout laundry bins, built-in ironing stations and hanging rails are ideal if space permits.
A combination of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry will conceal mops, vacuum cleaners, clothes baskets and laundry chutes. Washing powder and laundry detergent along with all other cleaning supplies from around the house can be stored in the laundry if you have the space.

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– For more information on The Good Guys products and expert advice visit their website here.