Everyone wants to make their household chores as easy as possible so when it comes to storing dirty clothes and moving clean ones to the dryer, a quality laundry basket can be a great purchase. There is a lot to consider as the materials and shape can be a big factor among other traits.
The better products make a thankless task much simpler which is why we have searched for the best laundry baskets on the market. Each of the following has something to offer with a multitude of designs and functionality on display. At the end of our top ten laundry baskets list, you’ll know what a quality product looks like.
The 10 Best Laundry Baskets
#10 Brabantia Laundry Basket
Starting with a stackable laundry basket here, Brabantia has a reputation for making durable products and this is no exception. Available in a few different colors it has a 35L capacity which is larger than a lot of the competition and has the benefit of a lid to keep odors contained. This means it isn’t breathable, but the foldable design means it can be packed flat and stored with ease. There is a front opening to throw smaller clothing into or open the top to access the whole basket. Sturdy enough to last a long time and with comfortable handles either side, it is a good option and won’t ruin the look of a bedroom or bathroom.
#9 Household Essentials 2213 Krush Canvas Utility Tote
One of the most popular options and probably because it is lightweight and good value although it lacks the breathability of some of the other options. What impresses the most is that you can carry it over your shoulder thanks to the longer handles and is fine for carrying wet items because of the waterproof vinyl liner although you won’t want to store them in there., It collapses down when not in use which is ideal for anyone looking to save space and even comes with a 1-year warranty which is a bit of a rarity when it comes to laundry baskets. This simple canvas bag doubles up as an easy way to store items and can even be used for grocery shopping.
#8 DII CAMZ38288 Laundry Basket
You can purchase a smaller version as a pack of two so there is a lot of value here, particularly when you consider the functionality of both laundry baskets. However, we’re looking at the square design as it has a greater capacity. The design is appealing and this canvas style bag features a cotton fabric liner to protect the materials. The handles are sturdy and comfortable to carry and have a durable feel. These might not be great for wet washing but a lot of people comment on the fact that they look better than most products in the niche which explains why they are so popular.
#7 The Basket Lady Wicker French Laundry Basket
The large capacity of this quality laundry basket adds to the fact that it is a bit heavier than a lot of the other options on our list but you can’t argue with the striking looks and sturdiness. The handwoven design won’t look out of place in any room and features a removable fabric liner that makes it easy to carry the clothes from the bedroom to the washer. It weighs around 6 lbs and has dimensions of 23 x 18.5 x 18.5 inches making it one of the larger wicker style laundry baskets around. If you purchase more than one they stack well and enhance the look of a bedroom.
#6 SAMMART Collapsible 4 Handled Laundry Basket
The foldable design of this laundry basket certainly makes it stand out and ensures you can store it with ease when not in use. It collapses so small (4-inches tall) it is practically a tray and features 4 soft handles for different carrying positions. The BPA-free materials are sturdy and come in 3 different colors to match your taste. At 25.4 x 18.7 x 10.25 inches it has plenty of space for a large load of clothes and is reasonably priced considering the fact that it compresses so small that you can hang it on the back of a door. A lot of people like this laundry basket because it can double up as a pet bath, ice bath for drinks, and storage containers.
#5 DOKEHOM 19-Inches Thickened Large Laundry Basket
A popular and highly rated laundry basket there is a lot of value and functionality to be had with this neat product. It comes in 9 colors and designs including a star pattern that will suit a kid’s room. The thick leather handles are comfortable to hold and give you a bit of grip when transporting clothes to the machine. The bag ties up which keeps odors contained and although this isn’t a breathable option, it has a large capacity. It’s light enough to carry without an issue and foldable so it can be stored away to a conveniently small size. Available in large and extra-large so families can benefit from not having to buy multiple laundry baskets.
#4 Starplast Tall Flex Laundry Basket
This is a popular laundry basket because of the value and shape. It stands tall which is ideal for keeping it out the way and with plenty of breathable holes, wet clothes won’t start to mold. The large handles might not be reinforced but are comfortable enough and the capacity is so big it can hold 2 laundry loads at a time. The plastic is flexible so it can squeeze into a smaller space and because it is so light it doesn’t add to the labor of carrying wet loads to the dryer. Available in different colors, it is simple but effective.
#3 Rubbermaid Hip Hugger Laundry Basket
Everyone likes a hip hugger design as it makes carrying large loads up and down the stairs a lot more comfortable. The materials are lightweight so they won’t add to the lifting instead, the enhanced handles make it easier and won’t pinch your hands. The smooth finish doesn’t snag on clothes and the breathable sides mean wet clothes can stay in there a little longer. Complemented by a large capacity the third handle ensures it is easy to get a comfortable position for carrying and because the materials are durable, this is a laundry basket that will last a long time.
#2 BIRDROCK HOME Water Hyacinth Laundry Baskets
This is an excellent laundry basket and a big factor as to why it is so popular is down to the design. Because the woven look won’t seem out of place in any room, the fact that it is less breathable than some of the competition is forgivable. Made from an environmentally friendly material, the eco-conscious can enjoy the handwoven design. You get two in a pack so you can store wet in one and dry clothes in the other. The sturdy handles and flexible shape of the basket make it easy to carry from room to room and when not in use, they are attractive enough to store blankets.
#1 IRIS USA, Inc. HLB-1 Comfort Carry Laundry Basket
These are the best laundry baskets on the market for a few reasons. Firstly, they tick an important box in their breathability. The design is made with storying damp clothes in mind thanks to the holes and the 48 later capacity is better than most. Not only this, but the stackable design means families can benefit from having more around the home and they take up less room. The curved design of these sturdy laundry baskets makes it easy to carry them on the hip so even a full wet load is comfortable. The enhanced plastic handles make them even better and with a third one for a different carrying position, Iris USA Inc. has thought of everything.
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Laundry Basket Guide
Without a sturdy build, a laundry basket can break easily, leaving you with a difficult task of having to scoop laundry from one room to another. This can risk getting clean clothes dirty again and can be a pain. The better products have lots of space and are built to last but unless you know what a good laundry basket should be capable of, it can be hard to find the right one.
The following guide is designed to make this task simple so you end up with a basket that lasts for many years.
What To Look For In A Laundry Basket
Materials
Although a lot of people rightfully try to avoid plastic, it can be a great material for a laundry basket. This is because it is light to carry but also sturdy and robust. You won’t have to break your back carrying it up and down the stairs. In comparison, a wooden laundry basket is heavier and more rigid.
Quality Handles
These should be sturdy enough to make it easy to carry a full load, particularly when transffering wet clothes to the dryer. Unless you buy a laundry basket with comfortable handles, this might sting a little. A quality product will reinforce this area so you don’t feel a pinch.
Ventilation
When throwing your wet or sweaty clothes in a laundry basket, it needs to have some sort of ventilation to prevent the clothes from getting moldy and just making everything else in the pile soaked. The better laundry baskets will have breathable sides often in a cross-stitch style pattern that leaves dirty clothes with plenty of room to breathe.
Wheels
Don’t expect this on every laundry basket but some make life a little easier. This doesn’t help with carrying laundry upstairs but it can make it easy for you to move items from the laundry room.
Capacity
A major factor in your decision should be capacity. Those who live alone are not going to need as much room as a family of 4 but if you do have more people to wash clothes for then you might consider a stackable design. This gives you more room to hold clothes in and ensures they are easy to store when not in use.
Lightweight
The load is going to be heavy enough at times so you don’t want the basket to weigh you down as well. Some products are sturdily built without making it feel like you’re carrying five loads up the stairs.
Design
Some laundry baskets have a design that you might prefer to keep out of sight but there are also woven style laundry baskets that won’t look out of place in your bedroom. Be careful to keep functionality in mind as a woven basket might not be as breathable which means you will have to compromise on ventilation.
Laundry Baskets Vs Hampers
There are definitely plus points to both and a lot of your decision will be down to personal taste as they are both very functional. A laundry basket is good because they tend to be sturdier and last a bit longer.
Also, a basket is well ventilated compared to a hamper and is good for moving wet clothes from the washer to the dryer.
The benefit of a hamper is the bag can often be removed making it light to carry and it won’t mark walls when going up the stairs. Both can have a good amount of capacity depending on the design you choose and in terms of style, a lot of people like the look of hampers.
Will A Wicker Laundry Basket Mold When Wet?
A lot will depend upon how long a wicker laundry basket stores wet. or damp clothes. The longer they are in there the more chance you have of mold developing.
After taking out a wet load, it is always best to get it into the dryer within an hour or so as when wet clothes sit in wicker, it can impact the quality and leave it for too long and the clothes might need to go through the wash again.
Oval Vs Rectangular Laundry Basket
There is nothing wrong with either and your decision will likely be down to storage and personal preference. A rectangular basket can be easier to carry but oval baskets can save on space and are easier to store in a cupboard.
Conclusion
There are some big differences between a quality laundry basket and a cheap product but as long as you find a breathable basket made from good materials with a decent capacity you should find it lasts a long time.
