Laundry chutes were once considered an innovative convenience. These built-in drawers connected to slides that transported laundry directly to the laundry room, eliminating the need to carry heavy baskets downstairs. While appealing to both adults and children, the chutes also posed a safety risk for kids who might treat them as slides. Due to these safety concerns and evolving designs of functional laundry rooms, experts note that this once popular feature is becoming less common.
Onions Australia’s design historian Sarah Bilotta, who holds a master’s degree in the history of design from Oxford University, discussed the decline of laundry chutes with HD. “Laundry chutes aren’t as desirable as they once were,” she said in an exclusive interview. She explained that modern home designs have influenced this change, as laundry facilities are no longer confined to basements. “With laundry rooms now often located on upper floors or in single-story homes, the need for a laundry chute has diminished,” Bilotta explained. “Most modern homes are designed for laundry convenience without the need for a chute.”
The factors working against laundry chutes
Laundry chutes gained popularity in the 1900s. According to Sarah Bilotta, “Chutes for various purposes, like mail, garbage, and laundry, were trendy in the early 20th century and could be installed in hallways or bathrooms.” However, these innovations lacked sufficient safety measures. Safety concerns are a significant reason homeowners avoid installing laundry chutes. “As safety standards evolve, these chutes are being phased out due to potential dangers for households with young children,” Bilotta said. They also pose fire risks: “An open chute can greatly increase the potential for fire spread between rooms.”
Aesthetic considerations also play a role. “They’re often unsightly,” she noted. “Who wants a large drawer in the middle of their kitchen wall?” While institutions like hotels and hospitals may use metal chutes, home versions often resemble wooden drawers, giving them a dated appearance that clashes with modern decor. Maintenance, such as clearing blockages, adds to their inconvenience. Moreover, they require professional installation for safety reasons. “This isn’t a typical DIY project,” she told HD, emphasizing the need for professional guidance to meet safety standards.
Modern replacements for laundry chutes
For those interested in linking their closet to the laundry room, there are modern, safer alternatives. Sarah Bilotta shared with Onions Australia some innovative solutions that retain the benefits of a laundry chute with fewer drawbacks. “I’ve seen examples of modern vacuum-powered laundry chutes, similar to pneumatic tubes,” she mentioned. The Laundry Jet system, popularized on TikTok, is one such example. “These vacuum chutes don’t just rely on gravity; they can transport laundry to different rooms. They are also discreet, only requiring a small opening in the wall, minimizing their impact on room aesthetics.”
However, there are significant drawbacks. “The unit and installation can cost over $1,000, depending on the system’s complexity, and it only handles one item at a time,” Bilotta explained. The Laundry Jet system can cost up to $15,000 before installation and may not accommodate larger items like blankets or coats. For those preferring traditional chutes, Bilotta advises consulting with a specialized company to ensure the use of efficient, safe technology and compliance with local building codes.
