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Best Laundry Hampers

Updated September 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Hermina Handwoven Rattan Laundry Basket
Hermina
Handwoven Rattan Laundry Basket
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Sturdy & Spacious
Bottom Line

The sturdy legs and 3 separate sections of this stylish hamper with a woven design make sorting clothes easy, according to our cleaning expert.

Pros

Made of faux rattan material that blocks moisture. Features 2 side handles and 3 removable interior bags with handles. Holds 132 liters of clothing total and each bag holds 50 pounds. Has a lid and an iron frame.

Cons

May not be as spacious as some other 3-compartment options.

Best Bang for the Buck
Household Essentials Double Hamper Laundry Sorter
Household Essentials
Double Hamper Laundry Sorter
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Simple Yet Solid
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Our cleaning expert appreciates this lightweight and soft hamper that sets up and collapses easily without tools.

Pros

Made of polyester and available in 4 colors. Features 2 sorting compartments and a removable magnetic lid. Measures 24 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 26 inches high. Has metal handles and folds open and closed.

Cons

May retain odors more than hampers made of other materials.

StorageManiac Foldable Pop-Up Mesh Hamper
StorageManiac
Foldable Pop-Up Mesh Hamper
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Easy to Store
Bottom Line

A compact and versatile set of hampers that our cleaning recommends for limited spaces like dorm rooms.

Pros

Comes with 2 affordable mesh hampers available in blue or black. Sets up quickly with a pop-open design and folds closed. Features 2 large handles with durable stitching and a side pocket made of polyester canvas.

Cons

May not last as long as some other options.

Seville Classics Water Hyacinth Oval Double Hamper
Seville Classics
Water Hyacinth Oval Double Hamper
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

A 2-compartment hamper available in 5 designs with a natural and elegant look.

Pros

Oval-shaped hamper with 2 sections. Made of water hyacinth with a steel frame. Each compartment has a lid with a handle and a detachable and machine-washable bag. Hamper has 2 side handles. Each bag has a drawstring.

Cons

Not moisture resistant and may develop mold.

Amazon Basics 3-Bag Laundry Hamper Sorter Basket
Amazon Basics
3-Bag Laundry Hamper Sorter Basket
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

An easy-to-assemble hamper that rolls on wheels and has removable bags with handles.

Pros

Made with a steel frame covered in chrome that prevents rust. Stands on 4 spinning wheels with locks. Has 3 detachable laundry bags that are machine washable. Measures 30.5 inches long, 18.1 inches wide, and 33 inches high.

Cons

Frame may not be sturdy.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best laundry hampers

Like it or not, dirty laundry is a part of life. To keep it off the floor and organized, you need a place to stash it until you are ready to wash it. You don’t have to toss it in a corner, shove it under your bed, or hide it in your closet when you own a receptacle that is made especially for containing dirty clothes in between wash days. That’s why you need a laundry hamper.

Laundry hampers are available in different styles, from collapsible mesh baskets to attractive wood-slatted boxes. Some laundry hampers have dual compartments that make it easy to keep items sorted.

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Choose a laundry hamper made of fabric if you have limited space, as the flexible material makes it easy to store when not in use.

Choosing a laundry hamper

All laundry hampers share some common features, but they do vary a bit from one model to the next. A single-bin hamper with a flip-top lid is the most traditional design. Dual-sided hampers that divide your laundry (and help you sort) are also common. Collapsible laundry hampers are easy to carry and take up little space when not in use.

Here are a few questions to ponder before you set out to buy a new laundry hamper.

How much dirty laundry do you have?

The answer to this question will help determine if you need a roomy hamper or something with just enough space to fit a few articles of clothing.

Do you have kids?

If you do, you may be looking to buy more than one hamper. There are laundry hampers made especially for youngsters, with scaled-down sizes and fun graphics.

Expert tip
If your hampers start to smell stale, you can freshen them up with a deodorizing spray like OdoBan or Febreeze. 
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Is your space limited?

If so, look for a smaller hamper or one that folds or collapses when not in use.

Do you like to sort your clothes before laundry day?

Laundry hampers that have two or more bins provide the organizational help you need to separate clothes before you wash them.

Where do you plan to keep your laundry hamper?

If you plan to stash it in a closet, spare bathroom, or laundry room, aesthetics may not be a top priority. If you plan to keep it where guests will be able to see it, however, you may wish to buy something attractive.

Is your budget limited?

There are inexpensive hampers available that do the job without costing a lot of money.

"A dual-sided hamper is ideal for a family that accumulates lots of dirty laundry over the course of a day."
STAFF
BestReviews

Laundry hamper features

Handles

If you plan to move your laundry hamper from room to room, handles — whether in the form of loops or easy-grab holes — are a must. They are typically situated on either side of a hamper, though hampers constructed of a flexible material like mesh or linen might have handles at the top for easy pick-up.

Lid

Not all hampers have lids, but those that do have a more finished look and conceal dirty laundry when closed. Some lids simply flip up and down, while others have hinges.

Dual bins

Some hampers have two separate compartments in one unit. This feature is great for keeping different types of clothes and linens separate ahead of laundry day.

Fabric liners

Made of cotton or polyester, a fabric liner inside a hamper can easily be taken out to haul dirty laundry to the washing machine. Most have drawstring closures for added convenience.

expert tip
Before choosing a laundry hamper, think about whether you’ll be going up and down stairs. This will help you determine which hamper design works best for you.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Wheels

Wheels aren’t commonly found on hampers, but some larger models have them for maneuverability.

Ventilation

Hampers that are made of woven or slated materials or plastic with open holes offer the best airflow to the contents inside. This is important to help prevent the growth of mildew and other substances that thrive in dark, wet places.

Materials

Most laundry hampers are made of one of four types of materials: fabric, weave, wood, or plastic. Fabric hampers are usually made of linen, mesh, or a combination of the two. They are lightweight, affordable, and easy to move. Woven hampers aren’t too heavy, either, and are made of wood fibers, resin, or bamboo. Many woven designs are quite attractive, just like those that are made of solid wood. Wood isn’t a practical material for a laundry hamper if mobility is a concern, but if you want something that looks like furniture, it’s a great choice. Plastic hampers aren’t very stylish, but they are practical and inexpensive.

Shape and size

Hampers are typically found in square, rectangular, and round shapes. They’re available in a wide range of sizes. Whether you’re part of a two-person household or a ten-person household, you should be able to find something suitable.

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For your safety
Don’t allow children to play with or in an empty laundry hamper. They could easily catch their little fingers in hinges, fall into (or out of) the hamper, or tip the hamper over and cause an injury.
STAFF
BestReviews

Laundry hamper prices

Inexpensive

A good laundry hamper doesn’t have to break the bank. You can find efficient models in fabric and plastic designs that cost between $7 and $17.

Mid-level

Hampers made of fabric and inexpensive woven materials like resin or wood fiber generally cost between $20 and $45.

Expensive

If you have a bit more to spend and want a hamper made of top-quality woven material or wood, expect to pay $50 to $200.

Hampers with lids, handles, and liners can be found across all price ranges, but you will likely pay a bit more for features like wheels or dual bins.

Tips

  • If you intend to put wet clothes in your hamper, choose one that’s adequately ventilated. This will cut down on odors and the likelihood of mold and mildew developing. Suitable options include mesh or plastic with an open-hole pattern or wood with slats.
  • If you choose a laundry hamper made of fabric or one with a removable liner, spritz it occasionally with a linen or fabric refresher to keep it smelling nice.
  • An easy way to wash a hamper liner is to simple throw it in the wash cycle with other clothes, towels, or linens.
  • A laundry hamper made of wood is a great choice for a home with wood trim or hardwood flooring; it pairs nicely with the décor.
  • A lightweight, foldable hamper made of fabric or mesh is easy to transport back and forth to the laundromat. It’s also a practical choice for college students who live in dorms and must carry laundry to wash areas.
Content Image
Teach your youngster to keep dirty clothes off the floor by placing a small laundry hamper in the child’s room.

FAQ

Q. I like the idea of a hamper with a liner for toting my laundry to the laundromat. What are some tips for using and caring for the liner?

A. A laundry hamper liner is indeed handy, and many models have them. Remove the liner carefully when you take out your laundry and replace it promptly, so you don’t misplace it. Run it through the wash every few weeks with like colors to keep it fresh and clean.

Expert tip
Purchase a laundry hamper big enough to hold your laundry. An attractive hamper won't do you much good if it's too small and you have to pile your laundry around it until wash day.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Q. Are wicker laundry hampers durable? How can I extend the longevity of a wicker hamper?

A. It’s true that wicker isn’t the strongest structural material, but it’s attractive, lightweight, and breathable. If you choose a wicker hamper, keep it clean and dry. Don’t over-stuff it and avoid rough treatment. If treated properly, it should last for years.

Q. What are a few suggestions for sorting clothes in a double-sided hamper?

A. If you own a hamper with two bins, you can sort your laundry in several different ways. The most straightforward method is simply separating lights and darks into the two compartments. However, you could also sort clothes based on who they belong to or how they need to be washed (for example, you could have a “delicates” side and a “regular” side).