How to Use a Laundry Chute

The convenience of having a chute for laundry instead of carrying it down flights of stairs is a dream for many homeowners. Now if only there was a chute that washed the dirty clothes and put them away.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laundry chute
• laundry
• Locking door
• Clothes bin

1. Throw all dirty clothes down the chute.

2. Put a clothes basket, bin or hamper at the bottom of the chute to collect the items that are tossed down. This makes it easier on you when it's time to sort and wash.

3. Check to make sure the door to your laundry chute is properly installed. Chute doors should be at a higher level or have a locking system in place to prevent young children from falling down the chute or getting any body parts stuck.

4. Keep the laundry chute door closed at all times to prevent any injuries. Keeping the door shut also keeps unwanted cool air from rising to the upper levels of your home during the winter

5. If you have children, a laundry chute is a fun way to actually get your kids to clean up their dirty clothes. Throwing it down a chute is more fun than just tossing it on the floor.

6. You can call down the chute to communicate with someone in the basement. You children may like to toss a stuffed animal down the chute to give it a ride. If you don't want to sort toys out of your clothes, set a "dirty clothes only" rule in your home.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're laundry chute is at or near floor level, be sure it locks or buy a child proof lock for the door to prevent falls.
• If laundry gets stuck in the chute use a broom handle or something long to coax the item down the chute. Don't enter the chute to force the laundry down.
• Laundry chutes should be constructed using the proper materials and meet all building code regulations.
• A laundry chute can quickly spread downstairs fires upwards. Keep the door shut at all times.
• Pets can be injured in laundry chute falls. Keep them away from the chutes at all times.