In a small laundry room, every inch has to earn its keep, and this little wall-mounted lint bin does exactly that. I love projects like this because they solve a real household annoyance with almost no bulk: you get a dedicated spot for dryer lint, the removable paper bag makes cleanup easy, and the brass magazine holder gives the whole thing a tidy, intentional look instead of “I stuck a trash can wherever it fit.”
This is a smart beginner DIY for renters, homeowners, and anyone who wants better laundry room organization without giving up floor space. It’s especially good if your dryer lint usually ends up balanced on top of the machine, in a random grocery bag, or—if I’m being honest, as a cook who likes a clean workstation—in an improvised pile that somehow makes the whole room feel messier than it is.
Materials
1 brushed brass wall-mounted magazine holder, approximately 10 to 12 inches wide x 3 to 4 inches deep x 8 to 10 inches tall
Instructions
1. Choose a wall spot within easy reach of the dryer, ideally 6 to 10 inches above the machine or just beside it, where the holder won’t block doors, cords, or detergent storage.
2. Hold the brass magazine holder against the wall and test a paper lunch bag inside it to confirm the bag sits high enough to grab easily while still staying supported.
3. Mark the mounting holes with pencil, then use a level to make sure the holder will hang straight; a slightly crooked brass piece is surprisingly noticeable in a compact room.
4. Drill pilot holes at the marks; if you’re not hitting a stud, insert the wall anchors flush with the wall for a secure mount.
5. Screw the magazine holder to the wall, checking once more with the level before fully tightening so the front edge stays straight and polished-looking.
6. Stick the clear rubber bumpers on the back lower corners of the holder if needed; this keeps it from tapping the wall and helps it sit neatly.
7. Open one small kraft paper lunch bag and slide it down into the mounted brass holder, letting the top of the bag extend about 1 to 2 inches above the rim so it’s easy to remove and replace.
8. Fold the top edge of the bag outward once, if you like, to create a slightly sturdier lip that stays open while you clean the lint screen.
9. Pull lint from the dryer trap and drop it directly into the bag to test the height and access; adjust by raising or lowering the holder if your hand bumps the wall or machine.
10. Keep a short stack of extra lunch bags tucked on a nearby shelf or in a basket, and swap in a fresh bag as soon as the current one is half to two-thirds full for the neatest look.
Variations & Tips
For renters: If drilling into tile or a rental wall isn’t ideal, look for a magazine holder designed to hang from screws in grout lines or use a landlord-approved mounting method rated for the holder’s weight.
Bag fit tip: Small lunch bags work best because they don’t slump as much as larger sacks; if your holder is wider, use a slightly larger kraft bag but keep enough of the top exposed to grab quickly.
Easy refresh: Replace the bag before it gets packed full, since lint is so airy that a half-full bag already holds quite a lot and looks cleaner in the room.
Finish choice: Brushed brass warms up the utilitarian look of a laundry area beautifully, but the same setup also works with matte black, white, or chrome if that better matches your machines and shelving.
Placement tip: Mount the holder on the side wall rather than directly above the dryer controls if you want the quickest one-handed reach while cleaning the lint trap.
Household safety: Keep the lint bin away from heat vents and empty it regularly; dryer lint is lightweight and useful to contain, but it’s still best not to let it accumulate for too long.