We have a smaller laundry room with doors on both ends (one to our master closet & one to our entry area from the garage).
Because of the set up, there is zero room for a regular trash can. And that leads to a serious dryer lint dilemma! Dun dun dun….
Before the laundry room makeover, I kept a shoe box on the dryer to dump lint in between every load. It was a kinda pretty zebra shoe box, but not the best solution to just have an open box of trash on the dryer all the time. You can see the layout and my overflowing trash box in the before shot.
My new setup is SO MUCH BETTER. I get excited each time I get to empty the lint trap into my new lint holder. I probably shouldn’t admit that, right?
It started with one of those little boxes people put real estate flyers in by the curb.
I was planning to pick one up at the hardware store, but came across the sturdiest one I have ever seen on clearance. It has the perfect hangers on the back that make it easy to take on and off the wall to be emptied.
The boxes aren’t carried in the store anymore, but Amazon has the same one available here.
Lint Bin Tutorial
I went through my spray paint stash and found some plastic primer & a navy that would work with my color scheme. Isn’t it great when you have what you need on hand!
Once the container was all navy, I thought it was too boring. I painted the lid pink with craft paint & added a pretty label with silver vinyl (the same kind I used on Maddie’s bowl). I have a tutorial on making labels here.
I’ve done a few loads of laundry and I’m probably enjoying the lint removal from the dryer process a little too much now.
It doesn’t stick off the wall very much, which helps it become more like a decoration vs a trash can stuck to the wall.
Buy a Lint Bin
You can buy a pre-made lint holder here.
I was shocked when I found them listed because I think some of the dryer lint containers are directly based on mine. The one I linked to is a little different with an open top and really cute. AND it has an option to wall-mount it like mine, or the back is magnetic so you can attach it right to your washer or dryer. Smart!
2020 Update: We completed a DIY Laundry Room Makeover and added a counter over the washer/dryer. Now I have different metal lint holder on the counter and it works just as well!
Jodie @ Sypsie Designs says
Cannot WAIT to see the whole room with this fun color! The removable literature holder as a lint catcher is genius as per usual too : ) And that amazing font… looking it up right now!
Melissa George says
Thanks Jodie! The color is super fun – it does radiant out of the room 🙂 And yes – that font has become my go to for so many things!
LuAnne says
Love this beautiful idea! We redid our laundry room a few months ago and are so happy with it but just last night I emptied the lint trap and set the lint on the sink until I had a chance to take it to the other end it the laundry room to dispose of it. I need this new bin! Awesome! Thank u!
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
Melissa! I am screeching over here over that lint bin. My laundry room will be getting a makeover soon and I love this idea. It’s the little things that make you go “AAHHH”! 🙂
xoxo
Denyse
Melissa George says
I totally know that feeling from looking at other people’s projects, so I’m thrilled to be the one giving you that feeling! Can’t wait to see your laundry room makeover!!!
Julie at Being Home says
What a cute and creative idea! I may have to check out Staples for an outdoor literature box. So many uses! Do you save the lint for later to use as kindling? Just wondering.
Love the wall color and I am eying your washer and dryer. I do not need a new set, but yours are very futuristic looking. lol 🙂
Melissa George says
I just learned about saving the lint when someone commented on Facebook! We’ll definitely be trying that in the fire pit outside this fall. Sadly our inside fireplace is ventless so no real wood. I told the builder we wanted wood burning and he nicely pointed out that we couldn’t have a chimney because it would go through the middle of the game room. We loved the layout of the house though, so conceded to ventless.
Katie @ Upcycled Treasures says
Okay I need one of these. I’m the terrible person that takes the lint out and leaves it on top of the dryer and then hubs comes along and throws it in the trash. Hahaha. Shhh don’t tell anyone. 🙂
Melissa George says
That was totally my system before I upgraded to the open shoebox on top of the dryer!
Courtney @ Crafts by Courtney says
I love how this turned out, what a great idea!! I think we all have problems trying to hide the lint/trash in the laundry room. Especially small laundry rooms. I’m loving the color on the walls Melissa!!
Katie @ Addicted 2 DIY says
I’ve got to get one of these containers! I too leave the lint on top of the dryer until I decide to throw it away. I may try the kindling idea too!
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness says
Love love LOVE your laundry room inspiration!! That lint bin is genius!! I think I might need to try that. For now we have an ugly trash in hanging out from behind the washer. So not pretty. I love that printable, too! Thanks so much for sharing, I’ve been looking at inspiration to get my own laundry room in order! Visiting from Hit me With Your Best Shot 🙂
Melissa George says
Thank you so much!!! I just hit schedule for the full reveal post for tomorrow morning, so I hope you’ll come back and see it!
Meaghan says
I just redid our super tiny laundry closet and we use a little wicker basket for lint collection. I LOVE this so much more!
~Meaghan from DIYfaerie
lapirog says
I’m going to the store right now!!! I love, love, this idea!!!
Val Fitz says
Another great thing to do with your lint collection, is to put it in a wire suet cage in the early spring so the birds can get pieces of it for their nest building.
Colleen says
So love this lint container – and from Staples no less. Who knew?
Hugs,
Colleen
Rowena says
Love love love this! Can you tell me how to make that adorable label?
Melissa George says
Hi Rowena, I made the label with my Silhouette machine and vinyl. I’m actually getting ready to add them to my Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopAPrudentLife
Chrystal says
I love this! I currently have a plastic grocery bag hanging off the door handle in our laundry room….this is so much cuter. That and I am wanting to save my lint for my compost bin so this will be perfect 🙂
Melissa George says
I’m so glad it was helpful for you!
Cori says
What color did you paint the walls? I love it!
Melissa George says
Sorry it had taken so long to respond Cori! The color is called Dip in the Pool and it’s from Ace’s Valspar line.
Rita McKenzie says
Melissa,
You mentioned “Silhouette” on this post, what is it?
Rita
Melissa George says
Hi Rita! It’s a craft cutting machine
that hooks ups to the computer. I use it mostly to cut vinyl into customized labels, but it can do all kinds of other things. If you Google Silhouette Portrait or silhouette Cameo, you’ll find all kinds of info out about them!
Rita McKenzie says
Thanks, Melissa! I’ll look into it. Love your ideas! Such fun!
Beth says
How do you empty it? Do you keep a bag or liner in it or just reach in and grab them stuff out?
Melissa George says
Hi Beth, the way it mounts on the wall, I can can just slide it off to dump it out and wash if neccessary. The bin I used has two mounting holes on the back that slide onto two screws in the wall. So easy!