In a small laundry room, every inch has to earn its keep. This little stain stick holder is one of those projects that takes about ten minutes, costs very little, and instantly makes the space feel more organized. By using a small magnetic spice tin on the side of the washing machine, you give your stain-removal stick a permanent home right where you need it most instead of digging through a cabinet with a basket of socks on your hip.

I love projects like this because they solve a real everyday problem without turning into a whole weekend job. If your laundry area is tight, busy, or shared by the whole family, this is especially handy. I also like that it looks neat and intentional once it’s finished, not like a random container stuck to the machine.

Materials for a magnetic stain stick holder laid out on a countertop
Materials for a magnetic stain stick holder laid out on a countertop

Materials

1 small round stainless magnetic spice tin, about 3 inches in diameter and 1 inch deep

1 laundry stain-removal stick, travel or standard size that fits inside the tin
2 alcohol wipes or 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol with a cotton pad
1 piece non-slip shelf liner, cut to 2 inches by 2 inches
1 small adhesive label or piece of masking tape, 1 inch long
1 piece narrow ribbon or twine, 8 inches long, optional
1 pair scissors

Instructions

1. Test-fit your stain stick inside the spice tin to make sure the lid closes easily and the tin is deep enough to hold it without forcing.

2. Wipe the outside side panel of the washing machine with an alcohol wipe and let it dry fully so the magnetic tin sits on a clean surface.

3. Clean the inside of the spice tin as well, then dry it so the stain stick stays clean and doesn’t pick up dust or detergent residue.

4. Cut the non-slip shelf liner to fit the bottom of the tin and place it inside to keep the stain stick from rattling around when the washer is running.

5. If you want an extra polished touch, tie the ribbon around the stain stick or around the tin’s hinge area as a small accent, keeping it slim so it doesn’t interfere with the magnet or lid.

6. Add a small label to the underside or inside lid of the tin if you want to mark it for stain remover, especially helpful if your family tends to borrow containers for random little things.

7. Place the stain stick into the lined tin and close the lid, then hold the magnetic tin against the side of the washing machine at a comfortable grab height.

8. Open and close the tin a few times and run the washer lid or door past it if needed to confirm the placement doesn’t block anything or slide during normal use.

9. Move the tin slightly higher or farther back if vibration shakes it loose, then keep your stain stick there so it’s always within reach when you spot a mess.

Finished magnetic stain stick holder on the side of a washing machine in a tidy laundry room
Finished magnetic stain stick holder on the side of a washing machine in a tidy laundry room

Variations & Tips

For extra hold: If your washing machine side is slightly curved or textured, choose a spice tin with a strong magnet across the full back instead of a tiny center magnet.

For picky household helpers: If family members never put things back where they belong, use a clear-lid tin so everyone can instantly see the stain stick and know where it goes.

For a quieter fit: If the stain stick still bumps around, add a second small piece of shelf liner or a folded square of felt in the bottom.

For a cleaner look: Match the tin finish to your washer and dryer hardware; stainless looks especially nice on white or metallic machines and makes the project look intentional.

For more storage: Make a matching second tin for a small scrub brush, color catcher sheets, or a couple of quarters for shared laundry machines.

Placement tip: Put the holder on the side closest to where you sort or pretreat clothes, because the whole beauty of this DIY is grabbing the stain stick in one motion before the moment passes.