Credit:
Simplehuman / Seville Classics / Sterilite
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
Credit:
Simplehuman / Seville Classics / Sterilite
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
Learn more about our product testing
Sturdy, ergonomically shaped basket set that’s comfortable to carry and built to handle heavy loads. Read More
Attractive water-hyacinth wicker hamper with a steel frame and washable liner that blends style with practical function Read More
High-capacity rolling sorter with color-coded bags, ideal for large households to pre-sort laundry Read More
Space-saving pop-up laundry basket that collapses flat for easy carrying and storage. Read More
A premium double-compartment hamper with a sleek stainless steel X-frame and removable laundry bags. Read More
Sometimes the key to clean, fresh-smelling laundry starts with the basket or hamper. Well-ventilated storage for all those dirty gym clothes, socks, and towels prevents smelly mildew and bacteria from setting in the fibers—something even great washing machines can struggle with. Fortunately, there are several good-looking, affordable options for laundry baskets and laundry hampers.
Whether you have a large family with complex laundry needs, you’re cramped for space in an apartment, or you’re a diehard laundry pre-sorter, we’ve got recommendations for you.
Everyone’s laundry needs differ. Individuals in small spaces, those who need to cart their duds over to a laundromat, and big families with complex laundry management will all be looking for different—sometimes multiple—solutions.
Think about how much laundry you accumulate between washes and where the hamper or baskets will sit. For large families, an inexpensive set of baskets, like the 6-pack of Sterilite Ultra HipHold Laundry Basket, could be best. Or maybe a central location with multiple compartments is preferable.
If you’re carrying laundry around the house, a smaller basket or a removable hamper liner is great. Just be sure the handles are strong and well-placed. If, however, you’re trekking across the neighborhood or campus to a laundromat, you’ll probably want something studier. Good, strong seams and maybe some arm straps so you can carry it backpack-style. You’ll also want a lid or a drawstring to keep your neatly folded t-shirts from flying down the block in a stiff wind.
Laundry hampers and baskets come in a variety of materials, most commonly plastic or a cotton canvas fabric, often with some mesh panels for great air circulation. You may find metal as well, which, like plastic, is easy to wipe clean and won’t absorb odors. We did not recommend any metal hampers in this guide because the risk of rust is high, especially on poorly made products with enamel that chips off easily.
The exteriors of more decorative hamp might be wicker or coated fabric. These tend to have removable, washable liners inside. They look great, but beware of leaving damp items in the hamper for too long. It’s a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Ventilation is the key to good laundry hamper design. Good air circulation allows for moisture to evaporate rather than get trapped and spoil into the dreaded “gym socks” smell. Perforated plastic, breathable cotton, mesh panels, and wicker weaves all allow for air flow. Some hampers also use antimicrobial materials or coatings.
It’s generally a good idea to leave thoroughly wet items like washcloths or towels to dry out before putting them in the hamper, especially if you don't plan on doing a load of laundry for several days.
A lid keeps dirty clothes out of sight and helps to trap odors. If your hamper is out in the open instead of a closet, you want the lid for privacy reasons. However, lids may limit airflow and thus encourage mildew.
Pre-sorting laundry is a personal preference. Some aren’t bothered by it and figure out what piece of clothing goes in which wash load based on a vague understanding of care tags and “vibes”. Others pre-sort with a sort of religious fervency, positive that a piece of activewear mixed with regular cottons will lead to the ruination of all.
A hamper with multiple sections or removable sorting bags will go a long way in soothing the anxieties of the latter camp.
Consider your available space. Where's this going to live? For small-space living, a collapsible or foldable hamper is great because you can tuck it away when needed. We also like the Sammart 41L Basket because it’s multi-purpose—always a plus in small spaces. For larger spaces, large rolling carts have become popular. But if you’re choosing one, be sure it can pass through door frames.
A laundry basket or hamper is bound to get dirty over time. Many hampers come with removable bags that you can toss in the washer. Plastic hampers can be wiped down easily. Wicker requires a bit more care, and you’ll never really get in between the cracks, so aim for prevention by cleaning the outside frequently with a soft-bristle vacuum attachment and making sure the inside stays dry.
Hampers, more so than baskets, must consider aesthetics because they’re often left out in the room for everyone to see rather than tucked in a closet or laundry room. But you need not sacrifice style for functionality. Find any style that appeals to you, and then look for materials that are easy to clean and promote good air circulation. It’s that simple.
In casual use, people interchange the terms, but if you’re searching online, there is a difference. A laundry basket is usually an open-top container, often plastic or woven, used for transporting clean or dirty clothes. Because there’s no lid, it’s often stashed away, out of sight.
A hamper, on the other hand, is usually stationary. Usually, there’s a lid. Often it’s taller and has a removable liner. The distinction isn’t strict, and plenty of products blur the line.
The short answer is: as often as you can, and more than you think. Hampers and laundry baskets are a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and stink. Damp fabrics in a dark environment, coated with the bacteria and dead skin cells you shed when the clothes were on your body.
Wipe it down with your cleaning agent of choice at least once a month. If the liners are removable and washable, wash them with the same frequency. And let everything dry completely before you put them back in service.
The key to avoiding odors is breathability and cleanliness. Hampers made of plastic or metal with lots of air holes or slats are great because they don’t absorb smells, and they allow damp clothes to dry out instead of stagnating. But that may not be the style you’re going for.
If you prefer fabric, look for options with mesh panels or canvas. Wicker is also breathable. Just make sure it has a removable liner. And no material will protect you from bad habits like stacking up wet items for days at a time. Let them dry out before putting them in the hamper, or run your washing machine more frequently.
The Best Top-Load Washing Machines of 2025: Upgrade your washer to pair with your new hamper. These top-loading models offer huge capacity and excellent cleaning performance.
The Best Dryers of 2025: Get laundry dry faster and gentler. Our lab-tested picks for electric dryers make quick work of wet clothes (some even have hamper-style doors!).
The Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents of 2025: Ditch the harsh chemicals. These detergents keep clothes fresh and bright using natural ingredients, and they’ve proven to fight stains effectively.
David Kender oversees content at Reviewed as the Editor in Chief. He served as managing editor and editor in chief of Reviewed's ancestor, CamcorderInfo.com, helping to grow the company from a tiny staff to one of the most influential online review resources. In his time at Reviewed, David has helped to launch over 100 product categories and written too many articles to count.
Our team is here to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and experts obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
Shoot us an email