The Best Laundry Baskets and Hampers to Make Life Easier

Are you super excited to do your laundry? Do you get a thrill from pouring detergent and a buzz from choosing wash cycles? The answer to these questions is almost certainly no (and if it’s yes, perhaps you need a hobby?) But washing our soiled clothes is one of those never ending, repetitive chores that we just have to deal with. To make things easier, take a spin through our picks for the best laundry baskets and hampers.

Our picks for the best laundry baskets and hampers

Laundry baskets vs. hampers

Despite the two words often used to refer to the same thing, they’re actually two distinct receptacles with different functions. A laundry hamper, in whatever form it takes, is where you dump your dirty clothes while they wait for wash day, and will often have a lid. A laundry basket is what you use to carry said clothes to and from the washing machine.

How we selected the best laundry baskets and hampers

We made our selections through a combination of thorough research and personal experience, choosing only those options with a majority of positive customer reviews.

What to consider when buying laundry baskets or hampers

The main things to consider are how much laundry you’re doing, how often, and where you’re doing it. Your requirements as a single person living in an apartment, taking clothes to the local coin-op laundry every week or so, will be different from a family with young kids and laundry in the basement.

Quantity

If you don’t have kids, you will be shocked to know just how much laundry gets done every week. If you have babies or toddlers, you could even be looking at daily loads, depending on how messy things get. Whatever your situation, you need a laundry hamper large enough to hold all of your dirty clothes, without overflowing, between washes.

Frequency

Again, this is going to come down to your personal needs. If you’re washing more often, you can get by with a smaller hamper. If you’re only washing at the point where you literally have nothing left in your closet, you’ll want a jumbo hamper that can hold everything while you procrastinate.

Location

If you have to carry your clothes to the laundromat, then a giant, wicker laundry hamper isn’t going to be your friend. Likewise, if you’re hauling laundry to your basement, or your apartment building’s out-of-the-way laundry room, you’ll want a hamper/basket combo that makes transferring clothes between them, and then transporting them, easy and quick.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do you hide a laundry basket in the bedroom?

The most obvious answer here is to keep your laundry hamper in a closet. If that’s not an option, you could make a feature out of a bug by choosing a hamper that actually looks good as part of your decor. For some, that might mean an old school, wicker basket look that somehow makes your best linen sheets look stylish even in their messy state, for others, something more modern and functional. Either way, the idea is to get something that won’t stick out like a sore thumb (or rather, like a rumpled sack full of stinky socks). Failing that, you could try swapping your traditional hamper for a laundry bag, and hanging it from a hook behind a closet door.

Why do laundry baskets have holes?

Laundry baskets have holes for a few reasons, the first being simply that it makes them lighter. The more important reason is that it helps with air circulation, allowing moisture from sweaty or damp clothes to escape, helping to prevent the growth of mildew. (After all, if you’ve gone through the trouble to invest in the best bath towels or best bed sheets, you want them to last as long as possible.) Finally, if you’re looking for one stray item of clothing in the pile of clean clothes you haven’t gotten around to putting away, well, isn’t it easier to find it if you can see through the sides of the basket?

Where should you put a laundry basket?

As mentioned above, a laundry hamper should live wherever is most convenient for you: Ideally, somewhere that doesn’t ruin the look of your room, but still close enough to wherever you get undressed to be useful. A laundry basket, on the other hand, should be kept close to the washer and dryer, for easily transporting your clothes back and forth.

How do you stop a cat from peeing in the laundry basket?

The shortest answer to this question is: Close the lid of your laundry basket, and consider upgrading to a better litter box (an automatic litter box like the Litter Robot 4 may be your best bet).

If you’re looking to change your cat’s behavior, though, try the following advice from Dr. Sara Ochoa, co-founder of How To Pets:

Clean the litter box

“First and foremost, ensure your cat's litter box is clean–cats are naturally clean animals, and if their litter box is dirty, they may opt for other spots.”

Provide an attractive alternative

“Some cats may prefer covered litter boxes, while others may enjoy open ones. Experiment to see what your feline companion prefers.”

Provide multiple litter box options

“Sometimes, a cat may avoid the litter box due to overcrowding or inaccessibility. Make sure you have enough litter boxes for each cat in your household.”

Placement matters

“Cats prefer privacy when using their litter box. Ensure that the litter box is placed in a quiet and low-traffic area of your home, away from noisy appliances.”

Use the right cleaning products

“When cleaning the laundry basket or any areas soiled by the cat, avoid using ammonia-based cleaners. Ammonia resembles the scent of cat urine and might encourage the cat to revisit the spot. Opt for enzymatic cleaners specially formulated to break down pet urine odors.”

Use deterrence methods

“You can try placing aluminum foil or double-sided tape in the basket, as cats dislike the texture. Another option is to use a pet-safe deterrent spray or natural repellents like citrus scents.”

Address any medical issues

“If your cat's behavior changes suddenly and they start peeing outside the litter box, it's crucial to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Schedule a vet visit to get your cat checked for urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or other health issues that may be causing discomfort.”

Positive reinforcement and patience

“Changing your cat's behavior may take time and patience. Be consistent, and reward your furry friend with praise, treats, or playtime when they use the litter box appropriately. And know that punishment or scolding the cat for inappropriate urination is not productive and can make the problem worse.”