You don’t want to leave your dirty clothes lying around on the ground. It’s not a good idea to leave them inside the washing machine for days before you finally start the cycle, either. So, it’s time to look at the best laundry baskets and hampers and find the right fit for you.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need a different kind of laundry storage. Perhaps you have a small home space, or you need one for your kids? Whatever your need, there’s a pick for you. But first, laundry basket vs laundry hamper, what’s the difference?
- Fits in cabinets
- Durable
- Maximizes space
- Large capacity
- Locked drawstring
- Machine washable
- Foldable
- Compact
- Spacious
- Three compartments
- Stylish
- Sturdy
- Large capacity
- Collapsible mesh fabric
- Sturdy material
- Sturdy
- Good portability
- Good for small spaces
- Removable bag
- Good ventilation
- Collapsible
- Portable
- Doubles as a hamper
- Large capacity
- Has wheels
- Collapsible
- Spacious
- Has a lid
- Two compartments
- Removable laundry bags
Laundry Basket Vs. Hamper
There is a difference between a laundry basket and a laundry hamper.
A laundry basket is something you can carry around with you. It usually has handles. We like to use it for carrying dirty clothes to the laundry room, and clean clothes back to the wardrobe. It’s a super useful thing to have around the house.
A laundry hamper, on the other hand, is more like storage for your dirty clothes. We leave ours in one place, toss our dirty clothes in there, and when it’s laundry day, we just take them out for cleaning.
Hampers usually have lids, which helps contain bad smells. Because they are more of a stationary thing, you might want to find a hamper that suits the style of your home.
It’s also best to have both a laundry basket and a hamper in your home since they are used for different things.
How To Choose The Best Laundry Basket Or Hamper
There is a lot to consider when choosing the best laundry basket or hamper.
Size
First, consider what size you want. Laundry baskets and hampers come in a variety of sizes so you can find the right one for you.
If you do a lot of laundry, opt for a bigger hamper. However, if you need something smaller to fit in your apartment, you can find a modestly sized basket or hamper, too.
Material
Material is important, especially when it comes to aesthetic purposes. Some baskets and hampers look better than others. But each material comes with pros and cons, too.
Plastic
Pros
- Easy to clean.
- Affordable.
- Range of colors.
Cons
- Not aesthetic.
- Needs regular cleaning.
Steel
Pros
- Conceals laundry.
- Prevents unpleasant odors.
Cons
- Usually quite expensive.
Fabric
Pros
- Flexible and collapsable.
- Saves space.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Difficult to clean.
- Falls over if too full.
Bamboo Or Wicker
Pros
- Moisture resistant.
- Good for bathrooms.
- Durable.
Cons
- Can discolor.
- Difficult to clean.
- Can tear clothes.
Portability
If you live somewhere with a communal laundry area, it’s important to think about portability. It’s a good idea to choose something lightweight and with handles.
You can also opt for something that can both be stationary and portable. For example, we have a washing machine and dryer in our kitchen. Therefore, our laundry hamper is a permanent piece of furniture in our kitchen. However, it does have handles, too, in case we need to do laundry elsewhere.
Ventilation
Ventilation is extremely important when it comes to choosing the best laundry basket or hamper. In baskets, you have good ventilation because they don’t usually have lids. But when buying a hamper, you need to consider whether it has good ventilation.
This is important so that damp or sweaty clothes have room to breathe. You don’t want them to go moldy and spread that mold to other clothes (1).
Compartments
One of our favorite features in laundry baskets and hampers are compartments. This is ideal for separating your whites, blacks and colors. It’s also good if you have multiple people in your household. You can separate everyone’s clothes so that nothing gets mixed up.
Function
When shopping for a basket or hamper, it’s a good idea to look at the functions. For example, you can get specific baskets or hampers for kids and families.
There are hampers with and without lids and even baskets or hampers on wheels. You’ll also find those with handles and with bags inside to make transferring laundry from the hamper to the machine even easier.
Appearance
Lastly, you might want to think about the aesthetic and style of your laundry basket or hamper. If you have a color coordinated house, you can easily find a basket or hamper to fit in.
We like to match our laundry hampers with other materials in the home. For example, we have a lot of oak furniture, so a wicker basket blends in with our interior styling perfectly.
The Best Laundry Basket & Hampers of 2022
We’ve done the research, read the reviews and gathered a great list ranking the best laundry baskets and hampers. Now that the hard part’s done, here are our picks.
1. Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Cabinet Laundry Hamper
Best Laundry Basket for Cabinet
When looking to free up some space in your laundry room, you might consider a laundry basket that fits inside a cabinet. The Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Cabinet Laundry Hamper is a top choice, because it slides in and out your cabinet easily.
This says it’s for 14 inch openings, but customers have used this item for many different sizes of cabinets.
Pros
- Fits in cabinets.
- Durable.
- Maximizes space.
Cons
- Won’t fit in every cabinet.
- Expensive.
Additional Specs
Material | Wire and cloth |
Size | 18 x 14.75 x 19.375 inches |
Special function | Slides in and out of cabinets |
Handles | No |
Weight | 13.04 pounds |
2. Homest 2 Pack Travel Laundry Bag
Best Laundry Hamper for Travelling
The Homest travel laundry bag is great for travelers. It comes with two bags, one for you and your travel buddy.
Each bag can hold up to four loads of laundry each. The quality is durable so you don’t need to worry about your bags ripping during your travels. The draw string even locks, so your clothes won’t spill out while you’re on the move.
You can also wash these bags in a washing machine! Wash this every time you empty it to keep it real clean.
Pros
- Large capacity.
- Locked drawstring.
- Good for travelling.
- Can go in the washing machine
Cons
- Don’t stand upright.
- No handles.
Additional Specs
Material | Thick nylon |
Size | 27.9 x 0.1 x 39.8 inches |
Special function | Locked drawstring |
Handles | No |
Weight | 12 ounces |
3. CleverMade Collapsible Laundry Tote
Best Foldable Laundry Basket
This laundry basket is perfect for travellers, washing clothes in communal places and those who live in smaller homes.
It folds up to a very small size so you can put it in drawers, your suitcase and cupboards. Users of this laundry basket commend it for its spacious size and practicality.
Although this basket folds up really small, it’s big when it’s open. Plus, it stays upright when you pop it open, so it doesn’t fall over when you’re trying to take the clothes out of it.
Pros
- Foldable.
- Compact.
- Spacious.
Cons
- Material isn’t the highest quality.
Additional Specs
Material | Polyester |
Size | 21.2 x 13.2 x 2 inches |
Special function | Foldable |
Handles | Yes |
Weight | 2 pounds |
4. Oceanstar Bamboo 3-Bag Laundry Sorter
Best Laundry Basket With Compartments
We love the Oceanstart 3-Bag Laundry Sorter because it has three brilliant compartments. If you have multiple members in your family, then compartments are a top feature.
It’s also great for separating clothes by colors or by fabrics. You can’t go wrong with this one. Especially if you prioritize style in your home. This laundry hamper has a sleek trendy look and will suit most styles of interior.
Pros
- Three compartments.
- Stylist.
- Sturdy.
Cons
- Compartments are small.
- Assembly required.
Additional Specs
Material | Polyester and bamboo |
Size | 29.75 inch H x 27 inch D x 19.1 inch W |
Special function | Three compartments |
Handles | No |
Weight | 7.38 pounds |
5. Storage Maniac Hanging Laundry Hamper
Best Laundry Hamper for Small Spaces
The Storage Maniac hanging laundry hamper can slot right into your wardrobe so you don’t waste any more floor space.
Each purchase comes with two bags each holding up to two to three loads of laundry and it requires no tools for assembly.
The breathable mesh gives these laundry bags great ventilation to prevent mould.
Pros
- Hangs up.
- Large capacity.
- No tool assembly.
- Great ventilation.
Cons
- Customer complaints of mesh tearing.
Additional Specs
Material | Mesh and polyester canvas |
Size | 13.2 x 1.9 x 17 inches |
Special function | Hangs up, mesh material |
Handles | Yes |
Weight | 2.33 pounds |
6. Mind Reader 60HAMP-IVO Laundry Basket
Most Sturdy Laundry Basket
The Mind Reader Laundry Basket is sturdy, durable and has a large capacity. This is a simple solution to laundry. If you have heavier clothes, such as your work gear, then you’ll need a sturdy laundry basket that doesn’t fall over. This one can do the trick.
This basket holds up to 60 litres, but is also slim. It’s a good space saver, while also being a practical hamper. Perhaps not for big families, though.
This hamper has handles, too. So whether you go to the laundromat or just move around the house, this has great portability.
Pros
- Sturdy.
- Good portability.
- Good for small spaces.
Cons
- Small.
Additional Specs
Material | Plastic |
Size | 10.1 x 14.2 x 24 inches |
Special function | Sturdy |
Handles | Yes |
Weight | 4.1 pounds |
7. Hosroome Laundry Basket with Removable Bag
Best Laundry Basket With Removable Bags
Removable bags are a great feature to have in any laundry basket. If that’s your priority, then the HORSROOME laundry basket is a wonderful choice.
It’s easy to transport your clothes to the laundry room with the removable mesh bag. This choice also has great ventilation to prevent mold, mildew and water buildup.
If you’re on the move a lot, this laundry hamper is also collapsible. You can store it under the bed, in the closet or in your car when you’re not using it.
Pros
- Removable bag.
- Good ventilation.
- Collapsible.
Cons
- Small
- Only comes with one bag.
Additional Specs
Material | Plastic |
Size | 10.1 x 14.2 x 24 inches |
Special function | Sturdy |
Handles | Yes |
Weight | 4.1 pounds |
8. Laundry Bag Backpack
Best Laundry Basket for Laundromat
Having a local laundromat is awesome, but lugging your loads of laundry around isn’t. Thankfully, the Laundry Bag Backpack can help. This is the perfect invention for those who go in and out of laundromats, because you can wear it as a backpack.
You can also use this as a hamper, too. Keep it in your bedroom and toss your clothes in when they’re dirty. On laundry day, pull the drawstrings and go to the laundromat. This bag can carry up to two loads of laundry at a time.
Pros
- Portable.
- Doubles as a hamper.
- Holds two loads of laundry.
Cons
- No compartments.
- Doesn’t stand up by itself.
Additional Specs
Material | Polyester and polyester blend |
Size | 11.2 x 10.4 x 1.3 inches |
Special function | Serves as a backpack |
Handles | Yes |
Weight | 1.05 pounds |
9. Portable Laundry Hamper With Wheels
Best Laundry Hamper With Wheels
So, you want something with wheels. We get it, that’s a super practical thing to have on your hamper. Push it round your house, picking up dirty clothes as you go. Well, no need to look further than the mDesign portable laundry hamper with wheels.
This aesthetic laundry hamper has wheels, a lid, good capacity and it collapses when you’re not using it. What could be better?
Pros
- It has wheels.
- Collapsible.
- Spacious.
Cons
- Low quality materials.
Additional Specs
Material | Polyester |
Size | 17 x 13.8 x 4.6 inches |
Special function | On wheels, collapsible |
Handles | Yes |
Weight | 3.95 pounds |
10. Simplehouseware Double Laundry Hamper With Lid
Best Laundry Hamper With Lid
This Simpehouseware laundry hamper traps bad odors and has two compartments. If you’re like us and love separating colors, this is a wonderful hamper.
The inside bags are also removable, so you can easily transport your laundry from room to room. They can also be washed in your machine.
This hamper comes in a range of colors so you can find the right one for your style.
Pros
- It has a lid.
- Two compartments.
- Removable laundry bags.
Cons
- Flimsy material.
Additional Specs
Material | Polypropylene |
Size | 17.4 x 13.7 x 2.9 inches |
Special function | Lid, two compartments, removable laundry bags |
Handles | Yes |
Weight | 5.64 pounds |
11. DokeHome Round Collapsible Storage Basket
Best Laundry Basket For Kids
Getting your child a DOKEHOME Round Collapsible Storage Basket might be the right first step to them doing their own laundry. These handy dandy baskets come in nine different designs that are pleasing to the adult eye, too.
They also come with a great drawstring feature so that your kid’s dirty school clothes don’t stink out your home.
Just be careful of mold. The waterproof fabric is thick, so it doesn’t have great ventilation.
Pros
- Nice designs.
- Drawstring top.
- Portable.
Cons
- Poor ventilation.
- Small.
Additional Specs
Material | Cotton with waterproof lining |
Size | 13.7 x 13.7 x 17.7 inches |
Special function | Drawstrings |
Handles | Yes |
Weight | 7 ounces |
12. Like-It SCB-7 Portable Laundry Basket
Best Budget-Friendly Laundry Basket
It’s surprising how expensive laundry baskets can be! If you’re on a budget, this option should suit you. At its modest price, it’s still a practical laundry basket to have.
Simply pop your dirty, clean, dry, wet clothes in this basket and it will do the trick. These plastic baskets are sturdy — great for heavy or light loads.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Sturdy.
- Practical.
Cons
- No lid.
- Needs regular cleaning.
Additional Specs
Material | Plastic |
Size | W13.98 x D20.08 x H9.45 Inches |
Special function | Holds wet or dry clothes |
Handles | Yes |
Weight | 1.4 pounds |
13. Seville Water-Hyacinth Double Laundry Hamper
Best Wicker Laundry Basket
This hand woven wicker laundry hamper comes with a double compartment. Perfect for separating darks and whites, or your clothes from your partner’s.
It’s an environmentally sustainable option, too. Plus, it will look great in your home, especially if you have a cottage country style.
Another great feature is that the inner bags can be machine washed, too. They’re completely removable so you can pop them out when transferring laundry or washing the bags.
Pros
- Double compartment.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Removable bags.
Cons
- Quite small.
- Bags unattach if too full.
Additional Specs
Material | Hyacinth wicker |
Size | 22.8 x 13 x 24 inches |
Special function | Double compartment, inner bags |
Handles | Yes |
Weight | 7 pounds |
14. MCleanPin Large Laundry Hamper Collapsible
Best Laundry Basket for College
The MCleanPin laundry hamper is a great fit for college students. This hamper comes with detachable laundry bags. When your hamper is full, you can take out the bags and carry it to the laundry room. After you’re done, the bags can be reused as many times as you want.
Heading home for the summer? You can easily collapse this hamper. Pop it in your suitcase and enjoy a summer of easy laundry, too.
Pros
- Removable laundry bags.
- Collapsible.
- Large capacity.
Cons
- Not very sturdy.
Additional Specs
Material | Linen |
Size | 13.8 x 13.8 x 23.8 in |
Special function | Collapsible, removable bags |
Handles | Yes |
Weight | 1.68 pounds |
15. Bamboo Laundry Hamper Tilt-Out With Shelf
Most Stylish Laundry Basket
For those laundry lovers looking to stand out, check out this option. It’s an ideal storage solution and unique hamper. It doubles as a beautiful bamboo shelf, as well as a practical laundry hamper.
While the hamper itself is on the smaller side, it’s a great solution for small apartments. It may also work if you’re good at staying on top of laundry loads. The hamper is removable, so you can easily remove it to take to the machine.
Pros
- Stylish.
- Shelf and hamper.
- Fits small spaces.
Cons
- Small hamper compartment.
- Difficult assembly.
Additional Specs
Material | Bamboo |
Size | 16 x 12 x 38 inches |
Special function | Shelf, removable hamper |
Handles | No |
Weight | 12.35 pounds |
Product | Best | Material | Size | Handles | Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Cabinet | Cabinet | Wire & cloth | 18 x 14.75 x 19.375″ | No | 13.04 lbs |
Homest Travel Laundry Bag | Travel | Thick nylon | 27.9 x 0.1 x 39.8″ | No | 12 oz |
CleverMade Laundry Tote | Foldable | Polyester | 21.2 x 13.2 x 2″ | Yes | 2 lbs |
Oceanstar Bamboo Laundry Sorter | Compartments | Polyester & bamboo | 29.75 x 27 x 19.1″ | No | 7.38 lbs |
Storage Maniac Hanging Hamper | Small Spaces | Mesh | 13.2 x 1.9 x 17″ | Yes | 2.33 lbs |
Mind Reader Laundry Basket | Sturdy | Plastic | 10.1 x 14.2 x 24″ | Yes | 4.1 lbs |
Hosroome Laundry Basket | Removable Bags | Plastic | 10.1 x 14.2 x 24″ | Yes | 4.1 lbs |
Laundry Bag Backpack | Laundromat | Polyester & polyester blend | 11.2 x 10.4 x 1.3″ | Yes | 1.05 lbs |
Portable Laundry Hamper | With Wheels | Polyester | 17 x 13.8 x 4.6″ | Yes | 3.95 lbs |
Simplehouseware Laundry Hamper | With Lid | Polypropylene | 17.4 x 13.7 x 2.9″ | Yes | 5.64 lbs |
DokeHome Storage Basket | Kids | Cotton | 13.7 x 13.7 x 17.7″ | Yes | 7 oz |
Like-It Laundry Basket | Budget-Friendly | Plastic | 13.98 x 20.08 x 9.45″ | Yes | 1.4 lbs |
Seville Water-Hyacinth Hamper | Wicker | Hyacinth wicker | 22.8 x 13 x 24″ | Yes | 7 lbs |
MCleanPin Laundry Hamper | College | Linen | 13.8 x 13.8 x 23.8 in | Yes | 1.68 lbs |
Bamboo Laundry Hamper Tilt-Out | Stylish | Bamboo | 16 x 12 x 38″ | No | 12.35 lbs |
Where Should I Keep My Laundry Basket?
If your laundry bag has good ventilation, you can keep it in the bathroom. Otherwise, it’s not a great idea because the steam from your shower can dampen your clothes and cause mold.
Otherwise, you can keep your laundry basket anywhere. Of course, if you have a laundry room then it’s most practical to keep it in there. We like to keep ours by the washing machine so that it’s easy to transport.
However, some people prefer to keep theirs in their bedroom where they’re most likely to get undressed at night. If your basket has removable bags, this is ideal.
You can also keep your laundry basket in a cupboard, closet or cabinet. This keeps the dirty laundry out of sight. It’s a good idea for people with a lot of guests or those who prioritise style in the home.
What Can I Do With Old Laundry Baskets?
It’s not cool to waste old items. There are a few creative, eco-friendly things you can do with old laundry baskets.
- Turn them into recycling containers: If you have old laundry baskets that are still in pretty good condition, use them to store recycling. This works great for any fillable type of baskets or hampers.
- Keep them in the car: You can use old laundry baskets in the trunk of your car. Keep pet supplies, emergency food and other items in there to stay organized.
- Store toys: If your old laundry basket doesn’t work with laundry loads anymore, but still has some life left, use it to store toys. This is great for your kids or pets.
- Use for plants: We have an old wicker basket that we put a plant pot in. It’s super stylish in our home and a good use for an old basket.
- Donate them: If you can’t find any use for your old baskets, donate them. Even if they aren’t in good condition, some facilities will use the material to create an entirely new product.
Make Laundry Day Great
You’ve got to do laundry, so you might as well make it a little bit fun by choosing the best basket or hamper for you. Think about what your needs are where size, portability, ventilation, and functionality are.
So if you’re a traveller, get a backpack laundry hamper. If you’re running low on space, get one that fits nicely inside of a cabinet. For swimmers, make sure you get one with good ventilation for your wet clothes!
Which laundry basket or hamper are you going to choose? Let us know in the comments.