The 5 Best Laundry Baskets

The right laundry basket can help turn a messy room into a classy, pulled-together and clutter free zone. While perhaps that sounds a bit hopeful, it's not: organizational tools, such as the right laundry basket, help to keep our spaces clear of unnecessary disarray. And if you think one laundry basket is the same as the next, you'd be misinformed. The needs of someone with a full laundry room differ from someone who has to visit their local laundromat; your laundry basket should reflect that, as well as fit both your lifestyle and decor. From simple, foldable hampers to three-part organizational laundry-carts-on-wheels, these are the top 5 laundry baskets on the market.

Handy Laundry Mesh Popup Laundry Hamper

Mesh Laundry Hamper for Convenience

Mesh Popup Laundry Basket allows for breathability, portability, and is surprisingly durable.

Best Travel Hamper

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While this laundry basket might not win any awards for being the prettiest, that’s not the point. The functional mesh laundry basket collapses in on itself, creating one of the best hampers on the market for traveling, college dorm living, or carting laundry to the local laundromat. The mesh, breathable sides keep the stink at bay, but is made of surprisingly durable fabric with incredibly strong handles. The perfect space saver, this laundry basket twists in on itself to fold entirely flat when empty. This hamper measures 14 inches by 24 inches, and is available in a variety of colors.

Pros:

Fantastic space saver
Side pocket for laundry detergent
Ideal for laundromat life

Cons:

This is purely a function vs. fashion laundry basket, so if home decor is of importance to you, this might not fit the bill.

DOKEHOM Laundry Basket

Durable waterproof laundry basket for style and functionality

Stylish, large laundry basket with leather handles and drawstring closure.

Best Waterproof Laundry Basket

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If convenience matters to you, but so does pretty, then this DOKEHOM Laundry Basket is your answer. Featuring a thick cotton outer and a waterproof lining, this hamper goes beyond basic. Like the Handy Laundry mesh hamper, above, this laundry basket is also fully collapsible. The thick leather straps and drawstring top make it ideal for transporting your clothes to the wash, while the beautiful choice of patterns means you don’t have to sacrifice function for style. It’s large enough to fit multiple loads of laundry, so come laundry day, you’re not schlepping multiple laundry hampers back and forth.

Pros:

Sturdy yet collapsible
Variety of patterns to choose from, fits any decor
Washable

Cons:

The drawstring cover is made of very thin material, which if overstuffed, can rip easily.

Simple Houseware 3-Bag Laundry Sorter Cart

3-bag laundry cart makes laundry organization a breeze

Three canvas bags on a wheeled laundry cart keep your laundry room both functional and organized.

Best Multi-Compartment Laundry Basket

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If you’re looking for a foolproof method to an organized laundry room, you’re going to want to invest in a laundry cart sorter. Enter Simple Houseware’s 3-Bag Laundry Sorter Cart. With three durable bags set on a sturdy wheeled steel frame, this laundry basket holds 39 gallons of clothes in all…enough room to mean there is no excuse for haphazardly tossed dirty clothes. And for those who separate colors or fabrics for distinct wash cycles, the three-bag system makes it very easy to keep delicates all together.

Pros:

Easy to assemble
Wheeled cart makes laundry day easier on the back
Waterproof liner in each bag

Cons:

Not ideal for those who have to use a laundromat to wash their clothes.

Seville Classics Wicker Laundry Hamper

Wicker laundry basket for unbeatable style and functionality.

This beautiful wicker laundry basket fits virtually any room decor.

Best Wicker Basket

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If you’re looking for a classic, basket-style laundry hamper that is both functional and pretty, you can’t go wrong with the Seville Classics Laundry Hamper basket. Featuring a removable canvas cloth insert, this laundry basket works for those who have the convenience of an at-home washing machine, as well as those who have to frequent a laundromat. The lid feature means that clothes stay hidden, a definite plus for those who like orderly, tidy spaces. The cloth bag insert is 100% removable, making it possible to bag up your laundry and bring it to the laundromat or washroom separate from the hamper.

Pros:

Wicker baskets blend in perfectly with virtually any decor, from funky boho to minimalist.
Made from water hyacinth, this laundry basket is breathable and yet durable.
Folds flat when empty.

Cons:

Lidded hamper means you actually have to lift the lid to toss your clothes in.

CAM2 Collapsible Laundry Hamper

Featuring fun prints for those that don't take life--and laundry--too seriously.

Made from cotton, this laundry hamper is lightweight, functional, and durable.

Best for Dorm Living

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With a variety of designs to choose from, this laundry hamper takes fun and functional to the next level. Our favorite design? The printed laundry guide pattern that takes the guesswork out of those tricky tag symbols, ideal for those fresh off to college. The CAM2 Laundry Hamper is machine washable, but overtime that may lead to the breakdown of the waterproof lining. This laundry bag is especially ideal for road trips: it’s small size, yet washability, means you can fit the hamper in tight spaces yet go a few too many days between laundry day.

Pros:

Lightweight cotton with an inner waterproof lining
High capacity, holding 70L
Collapsible, yet remains upright when empty

Cons:

No top can be tricky if you have to go a long time between laundry days (overstuffing it is easy, but it might mean you have a hard time containing your items when transporting).

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of laundry basket is best for breathability?

If mold is a concern, you’ll want a highly breathable laundry bag; think mesh, or a machine washable cotton bag. Bags with waterproof lining can be a bit less breathable, but as long as you air it out between washings, it shouldn’t be an issue.

What type of laundry basket is easiest for transporting laundry to the laundromat?

A bag with handles or a drawstring top is key. You’ll also want to find a very durable material: there’s nothing worse than an overstuffed bag tearing open, airing your dirty laundry for all to see.