16 Best Laundry Baskets to Handle Your Dirty Clothes
Updated: Jul. 13, 2024
Hold everything! Laundry day just became so much easier thanks to these laundry baskets and hampers.
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Like any chore, laundry is so much easier when you have the right equipment, along with the best laundry detergents and the best-smelling laundry detergents. Sure, you can carry an armful of clothes back and forth from your washing machine, but having the best laundry basket for the job can make doing laundry so much less cumbersome.
“Laundry baskets and hampers help make a sometimes daunting chore a bit easier,” says Sarah Karakaian, host of the Thanks for Visiting podcast. “They’re also great for getting you organized and keeping your home tidier.” Here are some of the best uses for a laundry basket.
You already know how to separate laundry and how to do laundry, so complement those skills by choosing a laundry basket and hamper that will help you get the job most done efficiently for your needs. “Look for features that take your lifestyle into consideration,” Karakaian suggests. “Think about your storage space, how much laundry you do, and how far you have to carry your laundry. The best laundry basket and the best hamper are the ones that work best for you.”
And while you may want to place hampers in multiple rooms to keep family members from throwing their laundry on the floor, there’s nothing wrong with using the same basket to transport both dirty and clean clothes to and from the laundry room, according to Karakaian. “A good wipe down is all it takes between dirty clothes and clean laundry.”
Best laundry hamper with lid
Sand & Stable Bamboo Rectangular Laundry Hamper
Pros:
- Stylish
- Easy to assemble
- Great for small spaces
- Lid hides dirty clothes
Cons:
- Flimsy construction
- Some say the top doesn't sit well on the basket
With hundreds of five-star reviews, this bamboo laundry hamper gets high marks for its large capacity and the fact that it has a separate lid. Large enough to hold up to two loads of laundry, this option is spacious enough for couples or individuals who go through a lot of outfit changes. The lid hides laundry away but can be removed so kids don’t have an excuse for not tossing their dirty clothes into the hamper. It also comes with a detachable (and washable!) liner, so you’ll have an easy way to empty your dirty clothes into the washing machine. Another thing to love? The bamboo-like exterior gives this laundry basket a cool, minimalist flair. Julia, a verified buyer, says, “A perfect addition to our bathroom, and I love that the liner can be washed.”
Best overall laundry basket
Sterilite Ultra Easy Carry Hamper
Pros:
- Affordable
- Stackable
- Sturdy design
Cons:
- Are prone to breaking
This is the best laundry basket for most people because it’s durable, easy to carry, and holds about two loads of laundry at once. Made with a plastic that’s BPA- and phthalate-free, this pick is sturdy enough to hold its own against piles of dirty clothes. The generously sized classic white laundry basket also features ventilated sides to keep dampness at bay. While this particular option is sold in a set of four, each basket is stackable so they’re space-efficient.
With nearly 1,000 five-star reviews, it’s an Amazon’s Choice product. “Amazing quality, great price!” raves one verified shopper. “I honestly can’t believe these are this cheap! I have five children, so this set of four worked perfectly. You won’t find a better deal—trust me, I searched!” Another buyer said it was “just right for hauling laundry two floors.” If only deciding between liquid vs. powder detergent was this easy!
Best overall hamper
Sterilite Rectangular LiftTop Laundry Hamper
Pros:
- Design promotes air flow
- Made with a sturdy plastic
- Has a lid
Cons:
- Not stackable
- Some reviewers felt it was cheaply made
If you’re looking for an ultra-sturdy laundry hamper that has a lid, this option from Sterlite ticks off all of the boxes. (A square hole pattern to
It’s not surprising that the brand also makes this best laundry hamper—another Amazon’s Choice with more than 2,150 five-star reviews praising its size, quality, and looks. “These are the perfect size hampers. Not too large, not too small,” writes a verified shopper. “With a four-pack, everyone can have their own, and they fit in the closet without taking up a lot of space.” Another reviewer calls it an “awesome laundry sorting tool,” sharing, “I keep these four baskets in the laundry room, and now everybody sorts their dirty clothes into whites, darks, colors, and towels. No more random baskets or people dropping things all over the floor because they ‘didn’t know.'” Speaking of, this lights and darks laundry hamper is another perfect option if you want more efficiency separating your whites, darks, and colors.
Best mesh hamper
Handy Laundry Mesh Pop Up Laundry Hamper
Pros:
- Lightweight and collapsible design
- Affordable
- Available in multiple colors
Cons:
- Might slump over if stuffed
While a plastic laundry hamper might offer exceptional sturdiness, they can be an eyesore when idle. For a space-efficient alternative, check out this mesh option from Handy Laundry. Made with a flexible, lightweight mesh, this option can easily be folded up when you’ve finished your laundry. (It also comes with a stealth side pocket so you have somewhere to store your dryer sheets or laundromat coins.) But while we might love this mesh find for its easy-going attitude, shoppers are quick to point out other benefits. “The mesh-ventilated sides means dirty uniforms and other lightweight gear like sweaty headbands and stinky socks can be thrown in without worrying that weird bacteria will ferment and grow before wash day,” says grateful mom Melanie Gilbert. No wonder why this option has over 50,000 reviews on Amazon, a near-perfect rating, and the covetable “Amazon’s Choice” badge.
Best laundry basket on wheels
Sterilite Ultra Wheeled Hamper
Pros:
- Wheel and retractable handle offer easy transport
- Attached lid keeps clothes from falling out
Cons:
- Some shoppers say this option isn't super durable
- The wheels can break easily
We’re not going to sugar-coat it: Lugging your packed laundry hamper from your bedroom to the laundry room can be an arm workout we didn’t ask for and, truthfully, never wanted in the first place. When you need to go from Point A to Point B, a laundry basket on wheels can make life so much easier, and this Amazon’s Choice hamper in particular is a fan favorite, with more than 3,000 five-star reviews. Made of sturdy plastic, the hamper a retractable handle for pulling it, smooth gliding wheels, and air vents. (There’s even an attached lid so you don’t have to worry about your clothes falling out in transit.) User Michael F. Harrington Sr., whose laundry room is in a detached garage, writes, “These are great for hauling your laundry to and from the laundry room.” E. Lieberman agrees, saying, “Wonderful product—the roomy hamper holds lots of clothes. We use a common laundry in our condo, so being able to wheel the cart down the hall is really convenient.”
Best hanging hamper
Household Essentials Hanging Cotton Canvas Laundry Hamper Bag
Pros:
- Space-saving design
- The laundry bag is machine-washable
Cons:
- Some readers say it's not durable
- The material isn't the most breathable
For those who don’t have floor space, this Amazon’s Choice is sleek and surprisingly roomy. It can hang in a closet or even over a doorknob, and many reviewers shared photos of multiple bags hung in their laundry room. (Meanwhile, the wired perimeter of the bag keeps this hamper open, so you can freely throw your dirty clothes into the mix.) “These laundry sacks are amazing, and they helped completely transform my laundry room!” writes Lacey Ogden, one of more than 3,000 five-star reviewers. “I love that they have a zipper down the back so you can easily unload the dirty clothes into the wash! The bags can also be washed super easily. I cannot say enough how great these bags are—especially for the price!”Admittedly, this cotton material doesn’t promote as much ventilation as a breezy mesh, but this laundry bag is machine-washable.
Best lightweight laundry basket
Sterilite White Laundry Basket
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Sturdy
Cons:
- Handles can be tricky to grip
If you have a lot of clothes to clean, the very last thing you’ll want is a bulk basket that’s heavy on its own. Sterlite has been serving up a myriad of storage solutions since its founding in 1939, so it’s safe to say that the brand has found a lovely, lightweight option. Though this basket can hold up to 53 liters of stuff, it weighs only under one kilogram so you can can easily carry it from one room to another. Karakaian describes this ventilated plastic laundry basket as “simple, lightweight, and perfect for nearly every household.” Writes one of the hundreds of five-star reviewers, “I love this square style laundry basket. It fits on top of the dryer perfectly and also fits underneath the opened dryer door if needed.” Verified shopper Janet L. appreciates it for her bad back: “I was looking for a laundry basket that I could manage to carry. This is a perfect size!”
Best laundry basket for stairs
DBest Products Stair Climber Laundry Trolley Dolly
Pros:
- Can hold up to 110 pounds
- Clever dolly system makes it easy to take up and down the stairs
Cons:
- Not particularly sturdy
- Fabric is not breathable
For anyone who has to walk up and down stairs to do laundry, this cart is a game-changer. The triple-rotating wheels take the stairs with ease and tote up to 110 pounds, making it a breeze to roll up and down a few levels. The soft ergonomic cushion handle is gentle on the hands, while the drawstring top will keep clothes from falling out mid-climb. “Love this cart!” says five-star reviewer Linda. “I have two sets of stairs from my bedroom to the laundry room. I dreaded laundry day for that reason. This cart makes my life so much easier! Setup was a snap, and it goes up and down the stairs so easily. Highly recommend!” E. Sanchez Lima adds, “I can’t imagine a better hamper for people living in an apartment building with stairs.”
Best rope laundry basket
OrganiHaus XXL Rope Laundry Basket
Pros:
- Foldable, durable, and washable
- Available in lots of colors
- Long handles offer an easy grip
Cons:
- Compared to other baskets, this one is expensive
- Rope material doesn't cause the best ventilation
While cloth laundry baskets offer excellent flexibility, which can certainly come in handy during those week when you procrastinate cleaning your clothes. But the drawback? They’re not particularly stylish. For a more stylish alternative, look to this rope laundry basket from OrganiHaus. Don’t let this basket’s good looks fool you: Handwoven from 100 percent premium cotton, it has large easy-grip handles and is built to last. Boasting nearly two thousand five-star reviews, it’s “well designed, sturdy and larger than it appears,” according to one verified reviewer. Another customer calls it “the perfect laundry basket! Its comfortable handles are the right size, it holds just the right amount of clothes to fit into a machine, and it’s gorgeous to look at. What more can you want?” Not only does it come in three sizes— a 13-inch, 15-inch, and 20-inch—but it’s also available in a handful of colors.
Best sorting hamper
Storage Maniac 3 Section Laundry Sorter
Pros:
- Compartments make it easy to stay organized
- Easy-to-roll design
- Removable bags are water-proof
Cons:
- Bulky design
- Quality is polarizing
Want to separate your whites, darks, and brights? This organized option from Storage Maniac is perfect for you. Decked out with an easy-to-wheel frame, this hamper features three removable, machine-washable bags to make sorting a breeze. “This one fits the bill for sorting, especially if you need to move your laundry across a large space,” says Karakaian. Each laundry bag can hold up to 25 pounds and comes with a built-in handle so you can easily carry each one to your washing machine. User Wilfredo Pagan writes, “I love everything about this product. It’s sturdy, yet lightweight. Strong enough to hold my husband’s laundry (lots and lots), and so easy to transport from my bathroom to the laundry room by rolling it or simply carrying each bag as needed. Love the brakes—they work! Big enough to hold many loads and small enough to fit perfectly in the bathroom.” Speaking of sorting laundry, here’s how to wash white clothes to keep them looking their best.
Best wicker hamper
Crate and Barrel Natural Wicker Hamper
Pros:
- Stylish
- Comes with a machine-washable liner
Cons:
- Expensive
- Though beautiful, the design is bulky
- Doesn't offer the best ventilation
If you’re looking for a laundry hamper that can blend in nicely with the rest of you design, this option from Crate and Barrel is certainly worth considering. Not only does this wicker option pack on the style, but it also comes with a lid so you can happily hide your dirty socks and underwear.”I love wicker hampers because they go with nearly every design aesthetic, they’re easy to clean, and they help your laundry breathe,” says Karakaian. “I really like the simplicity and good looks of this one.” Handmade from water hyacinth with a top cutout to keep air flowing, this hamper will last for years. Opt for the white cotton liner, which is machine washable.
Best tote laundry basket
CleverMade Collapsible Laundry Caddy
Pros:
- Easy to carry
- Lightweight, foldable design
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- The material is not
Simply put, a bulky, top-handled laundry basket isn’t conducive for anyone who needs to leave their house or apartment to access a laundry machine. A sound solution? This collapsible laundry caddy from CleverMade. The extra-long shoulder straps seen here make it easy to carry this pick down the stairs, across the hall, you know…wherever. Available in eight colors, this tote almost elevates the laundry basket into a fashion accessory, earning it more than 4,000 five-star reviews. “Give them your money, now!” writes mom Leah, who “bought five of these (three to start, and two more after I fell in love with them).” The generously sized bag holds two full loads of laundry, and when you’re not using it, the tote collapses for easy storage.
Best foldable laundry hamper
Lifewit Freestanding Laundry Hamper
Pros:
- Available in a handful of colors and sizes
- Flexible, foldable design
Cons:
- Flimsy design
Calling all small space dwellers: Lifewit’s Freestanding Laundry Hamper is a worthy addition to your e-cart and home. This striped laundry hamper, which is available in three colors and three sizes, will liven up any space and folds flat when it’s not needed. An Amazon’s Choice, the lightweight hamper is durable and features extended handles for easy toting. More than 15,000 five-star reviewers love the way it looks and functions. “I love this so much, I ended up buying two more!” reports one verified buyer. “Not only is it big enough to hold about two to three loads of laundry, but it’s also narrow enough to give you space.” Angela Weirauch writes, “It’s a large and sturdy laundry hamper that works well for transporting dirty and clean laundry. The handles make it easy to transport. Best of all, it’s collapsible. It would be great for travel, for someone who is tight on space, or even a college student.”
Best rolling laundry basket
Household Essentials Rolling Laundry Hamper
Pros:
- Removable bag is also machine-washable
- Rolls for easy transport
Cons:
- Some shoppers say this pick isn't exactly durable
Streamline your cleaning routine with the help of this hamper from Household Essentials. Thanks to its rolling casters, this Amazon’s Choice basket with hundreds of five-star reviews can roll to your laundry room, taking the weight off your back and shoulders. Its large canvas bag can also be tossed into the washer and dryer. One verified purchaser writes, “Well-made, heavy-duty bag with strong Velcro attachment. The cart moves around well and has two locking wheels if you want to use them. What I like most is it folds and can fit in narrow spaces—mine is between the washer and wall, approximately four to five inches wide.”
Best wire laundry basket
Yamazaki Tosca Laundry Basket
Pros:
- Sturdy, stylish design
- Wire construction offers plenty of ventilation
Cons:
- Expensive
- Doesn't hold as much as some other options
Yamazaki makes beautiful utilitarian items for small space living, so it’s no surprise that this option deftly blurs the line between form and function. This sleek wire laundry basket with its minimalist aesthetic is big on practical style and efficiency. (And, at a little over 16 inches wide, this option can hold about a week’s worth of dirty clothes.) Made of steel with wood handles, this laundry basket is lightweight and easy to carry, and its open design keeps air moving around damp clothes.
Best kids laundry hamper
Crate & Kids Woven Rocket Hamper
Pros:
- Cute
- Small enough to accommodate kid's clothes
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not breathable
Ready to take your little one’s laundry routine to another galaxy? Pick up this sweet offering from Crate & Kids. This wicker rattan hamper is so adorable, it will encourage kids to actually use it for their dirty clothes. (There’s even a handy lid that turns this hamper into a home décor when idle.) Handmade by Filipino artisans, the hamper includes a lid and a washable removable liner. One five-star reviewer writes, “This hamper is amazing. It not only looks cool and is very well made but is super functional.” Another shares, “Absolutely love this hamper! It couldn’t be any cuter, and it’s very well made.”
What to look for in a laundry basket
How well does the laundry basket fit all of your dirty clothes? Though your ideal capacity might depend on your laundry cadence, find a basket that can accommodate a week’s worth of clothing—from lightweight underwear and socks to thicker sweatshirts. Material is another factor to consider. Though everyone has their own preference in the materials used—wire, plastic, cloth—your basket should be strong enough to hold all of your essentials without flopping over. Once you’ve figured out your basics, you can then address style and price point.
Why you should trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we obsessively think about and test products so you can spend less time shopping and more time filling your home with items you love. We tested dozens of laundry baskets to find the ones actually worth your hard-earned money. This list was expertly curated by Lois Alter Mark, a seasoned journalist with years of experience selecting the best home products for every space. We also tapped Sarah Karakaian, host of a podcast called Thanks For Visiting, for her top recommendations.
How we chose the best laundry baskets and hampers
To find the best laundry baskets and hampers, we researched expert recommendations and read hundreds of verified reviews to see which laundry carriers stood out and why. Here are our picks for the best laundry baskets and hampers for different needs, from wheeled baskets to collapsible hampers. And while you’re doing laundry, be sure to use the best dryer sheets and the best dryer balls.
FAQs
What is the best material for laundry baskets?
While it ultimately boils down to personal preference, many people prefer plastic because it’s durable, lightweight and more resistant to smells. However, others find that bamboo is a great option that ticks off the same boxes and has a stylish, sustainable edge.
Should laundry baskets go in the bathroom or bedroom?
It really depends on what works best for you and your household. Some people prefer to keep laundry baskets in the bedroom because it’s where they undress, making it convenient to toss dirty clothes directly into the basket. Others prefer to have it in the bathroom—especially if their bathroom is closer to the laundry area. Consider your morning and evening routine to find a setup that works for you. (Of course, you can always have both!)
How to prevent a laundry basket from smelling?
For starters, you’ll want to ensure you wash your clothes regularly. (The longer they stay dirty, the longer they’ll smell dirty.) If you’re still struggling with the stench, consider sprinkling baking soda on your laundry to help absorb the odor.
Do you use the same laundry basket for clean and dirty?
Honestly, it’s not preferred. The laundry basket can be a beacon for bacteria and bad odors, two things you definitely don’t want mixing with your fresh clothes. Plus, using one hamper for both phases might create major confusion when understanding what’s clean.
Originally Published: February 01, 2022
