If you keep a stain-remover stick near the washer the way I do, you already know the problem: it’s useful, but it never looks especially tidy. This little wall-mounted holder solves that in a way that’s surprisingly polished. By sliding a tall glass test tube into each opening of a small wooden spice rack, you get a slim, easy-to-grab station for stain sticks that keeps them upright, visible, and off the shelf.
I love projects like this because they feel like the kitchen equivalent of mise en place, only for the laundry room. Everything has a place, it’s easy to reach in the moment you need it, and the finished piece looks neat enough to make a hardworking space feel intentional. This is a very beginner-friendly project, and it’s especially good if you want renter-friendly storage without drilling into the wall.
Materials
Instructions
1. Check that your glass test tubes fit neatly into the spice rack openings or shelf area and sit upright without wobbling too much. You want a snug but easy slide so each tube can be removed for cleaning.
2. Lightly sand any rough edges on the oak rack with the sanding block, then wipe away dust with a dry cloth. This quick pass makes the small piece look finished instead of straight out of the package.
3. Apply a thin coat of clear matte sealer or natural wood wax to the rack, working it into the wood grain with a lint-free cloth. Let it dry fully so the rack can handle humidity in the laundry room and wipe clean more easily.
4. Wash and dry the test tubes, then slide one stain-remover stick into each tube to make sure the height is comfortable for grabbing. If the sticks are very tall, choose a mounting height that leaves the tops easy to reach.
5. Wipe the back of the rack and the chosen wall area with rubbing alcohol, then let both dry completely. Adhesive strips hold much better when every surface is clean and free of lint or detergent residue.
6. Press the adhesive mounting strips onto the back of the spice rack, spacing them evenly at the top, middle, and bottom for balanced support. Use enough strips to support the wood plus the weight of the glass tubes and stain sticks.
7. Position the rack on the wall near the washer or folding area, then press firmly for the time recommended on the adhesive packaging. Keep the rack level and mount it high enough that the tubes won’t bump baskets or detergent bottles underneath.
8. Allow the adhesive to set as directed, then slide the tall glass test tubes into the rack openings or against the inner rail so they stand straight. Add the stain sticks back into the tubes and adjust the spacing so the arrangement looks even.
9. Test the holder by removing and replacing each stain stick a few times. If you like, place one tube for stain sticks, one for a small laundry brush, and one for clothespins or color-catcher sheets to make the station even more useful.
Variations & Tips
Add more storage: If your rack has room for four or five openings, fill the extra tubes with clothespins, color-catcher sheets, or a small spotting brush so the whole station works harder.
Choose safer placement: I like mounting this slightly off to the side of the washer instead of directly above it, where vibration is lower and the glass feels more secure.
Use a wood tone that matches the room: Oak looks fresh and clean, but you can stain the rack a deeper walnut or leave it pale and natural depending on your shelves, trim, or baskets.
Make cleaning easy: Because the test tubes simply slide out, you can rinse them anytime detergent dust or lint builds up inside.
Check adhesive ratings: Laundry rooms can get humid, so use strips rated for the rack’s full loaded weight and press them firmly onto a clean, dry wall.
Keep the look full and finished: A trio of tubes usually looks best visually, even if you only need one stain stick; the repeated shape gives the holder that organized, custom-built look.