Aunt Lois' Laundry Room: 5 Fixes for Stains, Small Spaces & Arthritis Hands
Because Pawpaw’s work shirts don’t wash themselves, and my knees don’t bend like they used to, sha
Aunt Lois did laundry in a wringer washer on the back porch. Mama used a clothesline even in July humidity. Me? I’ve got arthritis, a small laundry room, and grandkids who think ketchup is a fashion statement.
But my laundry still smells like Aunt Lois' house. Lavender + sunshine + clean. No fake “mountain fresh” chemicals.
Every trick below is pinned on my Laundry Room Solutions Pinterest board 👉 See the full board here
And SHOP HERE: the exact lavender essential oil + wool dryer balls I’ve used since 2013
Aunt Lois' Laundry Law:
“If it takes more than 2 steps or hurts my hands, we ain’t doing it.”
Here’s how we keep it simple:
1. Stains: Aunt Lois' “3-Punch” Chart – No Scrubbing Required
The Problem: Grass, gumbo roux, red Kool-Aid, Pawpaw’s grease. Arthritis hands can’t scrub.
The Fix: Treat → Wait → Wash. No elbow grease. I made a chart so grandkids can do it.
Aunt Lois' 3-Punch Stain Chart:
1. Grease/Roux: Blue Dawn + baking soda. Toothbrush tap, not scrub.
2. Blood/Grass: Hydrogen peroxide + cold water. Bubble, blot, walk away.
3. Red Drinks/Ketchup: White vinegar + dish soap. Sun bleaches the rest.
4. Ring Around Collar: Shampoo. It’s made for body oil, sha.
5. Set-In Mystery: Fels-Naptha bar + patience. Grate it, soak overnight.
AUNT LOIS SAID: “If you scrub it, you set it. Let the soap do the work while you drink coffee.”
2. Clothesline: “Solar Dryer” for Humidity + Arthritis
The Problem: Dryers shrink, fade, and cost . But pins hurt arthritic hands.
Mama’s Fix: Retractable clothesline + clothespin alternatives for bad-hand days.
Mama’s Clothesline Rules:
1. Hang in SHADE – Louisiana sun bleaches colors. Under carport = perfect.
2. No Pins? Use Hangers – Clip shirts on hangers, hang hanger on line. Zero pinching.
3. Sock Trick – Safety pin pairs together before wash. Hang 1 pin, get 2 socks.
4. Quilt Days – Heavy quilts need 2 lines. Spread weight or they sag.
5. Bring in Damp – Finish in dryer 5 min with wool balls. Soft + no stiffness.
MAMA SAID: “Clothesline smells like childhood. Dryer sheets smell like regret.”
👉 Save the Clothesline Secrets Pin
3. Arthritis-Friendly Laundry: No Bending, No Twisting, No Crying
The Problem: Front-loaders are low. Top-loaders are deep. Bottles are heavy.
Nana’s Fix: Raise it, pump it, grab it. Set up once, save your joints forever.
Nana’s Arthritis Kit:
1. Pedestals or Cinder Blocks – Raise washer/dryer 12”. No deep squat.
2. Laundry Detergent Pump – Pump from big jug to small bottle. No lifting.
3. Grabber Tool – $10 at Dollar General. For socks in back of washer. Saves shoulders.
4. Rolling Cart – Between washer/dryer. Detergent at hip height. No reaching.
5. Mesh Bags – Toss in 1 bag per person. Wash. Dry. Hand them the bag. No sorting.
👉 Save the Arthritis-Friendly Laundry Pin
4. Small Laundry Room: “Nana’s Closet Conversion” Rules
The Problem: Laundry in hallway closet. No counter. No space. Folding on toilet lid.
Nana’s Fix: Go vertical. Hang it. Hide it. My Pearl River laundry “room” is 3ft wide.
Nana’s Small Space Wins:
1. Over-Door Drying Rack – Folds flat. Hang shirts to dry.
2. Magnetic Shelf – Sticks to washer. Holds detergent. No counter needed.
3. Wall-Mounted Ironing Board – Fold down, fold up. Not on dining table.
4. Curtain Not Door – Tension rod + pretty curtain = hides mess, easy access.
5. Command Hooks Everywhere – Hang mesh bags, hanger for “wear again” jeans.
👉 Save the Small Laundry Room Hacks Pin
5. Laundry Room Smells REAL Fresh: No Fake “Fresh” Allowed
The Problem: Dryer sheets = chemicals + waste. “Spring Meadow” smells like lies.
Nana’s Fix: Wool dryer balls + lavender essential oil. I’ve used the SAME set since 2013, sha.
Why Nana’s Combo Wins:
1. Wool Dryer Balls – 6 balls cut dry time 25%. No static. Last 1000+ loads.
2. Lavender Essential Oil – 3 drops per ball. Real lavender. Not perfume.
3. How I Do It: Drops on balls → toss in dryer → clothes smell like Mama’s linen closet.
4. Recharge Scent: Add drops every 5 loads. Bottle lasts 2 years.
5. Bonus: Throw in a dry washcloth with drops if balls are MIA.
NANA SAYS: “When grandkids hug me and say ‘You smell like home,’ that’s the lavender talking. And love.”
👉 Save the Laundry Smells Like Mimi’s Pin
👉 Shop Nana’s Exact Lavender Oil + Wool Dryer Balls (I’ve used these since 2013 – I earn from qualifying purchases)
Your Laundry Room Mission, Sha:
1. Pick 1 Fix: Start with dryer balls + lavender. Instant Mimi smell. Instant savings.
2. Follow The Board: 👉 Laundry Room Solutions Board for 50+ more tricks.
3. Comment: What’s YOUR Mimi’s laundry smell? If it ain’t lavender, we need to talk.
Clean clothes shouldn’t hurt. And they should smell like somebody loves you. 💙
SAVE FOR WASH DAY 📌
SHARE WITH A NANA WITH ARTHRITIS 👇
Add comment
Comments