Store and transport dirty washing with our favourite laundry baskets
An essential in any home, laundry baskets and hampers keep dirty clothes out of sight before they reach the washing machine. But just because they're a practical purchase doesn't mean that they can't also be a stylish addition to your bedroom or bathroom. Which is why we've picked out some of our favourites that blend style and substance.
'If your laundry tools — such as baskets, bins, drying racks, accessories and rotary — are well-designed, it can make washing day a more pleasurable ritual,' says Twan Verdonck, Creative Director for homeware brand Brabantia. Think collapsible laundry baskets that can be tucked away after use, ones with dual compartments for separating your whites from your colours and wheeled designs for easy transportation.
How to choose a laundry basket
Size is important, so check the dimensions before you buy. Small space dwellers may appreciate corner baskets or foldable options, while busy households often prefer larger hampers with multiple compartments for easy organisation.
If you often move your basket to the machine, a design with carry handles or wheels will be easier to transport. Not all hampers have lids and covers, so consider whether you’d rather keep dirty washing hidden.
It’s also important that the basket suits your interior style. Many bins in our edit come in muted colours or natural weaves to blend into any room, but we’ve also included some colourful designs if you prefer making a statement.
How many laundry baskets do I need?
It depends on the size of your home and how much laundry your household goes through. One large hamper should be sufficient for two people, while a big family may prefer several baskets or one each.
'If laundry bins are at hand, it reduces laundry thrown on the floor or piling up on chairs,' says Twan. 'Make it convenient for everyone to reduce the work.'
How to stop a laundry basket from smelling
Laundry baskets can smell musty if not looked after properly, but this is easily avoidable.
Don't put damp materials inside, as they get smelly quickly.
If your basket has a fabric lining, pop it in the washing machine every few weeks to keep it fresh.
Place a fragrance sachet in the bottom of your hamper to help absorb bad smells.
Twan also advises keeping on top of your laundry pile frequently to avoid unpleasant odours — although be mindful and don’t wash clothes unless they’re actually dirty. 'Less washing is better for the environment and your clothes.'
From compact folding designs to nifty dual-compartment bags, shop our edit of the best laundry baskets below.
Joseph Joseph Tota Laundry Basket
Joseph Joseph never lets us down with its space-saving, smart products and this basket proves our point. Inside, it has two roomy compartments — one for sheets and towels and the other for clothes, or for separating lights and darks. Sturdy handles will also help you cart your washing from room to room.
Heart and Soul Scalloped Laundry Basket
For style and substance, we can't get enough of this charming scalloped laundry basket from Dunelm. Available in green, as well as a pretty pastel green and baby blue, it will add a touch of whimsy to any bathroom or bedroom.
iEGrow Laundry Bakset with Lid 75L
With a capacity of 75 litres, this collapsible laundry basket is slim enough to fit in narrow areas such as small nooks in bedrooms and bathrooms. The neutral colourway is perfect for muted schemes.
Lights and Darks Bamboo Double Laundry Hamper
Blending function and form, this double-basket laundry hamper looks the part in our boho-inspired bathroom. Made from bamboo with a material bag, it comes with built-in handles to make separating (and removing) your laundry a breeze.
YOUDENOVA Cotton Rope Laundry Basket
Made from natural cotton rope, this laundry hamper would complement rooms with Scandi or minimalist schemes. The large 58-litre capacity holds plenty of clothes, making it a good pick for busy households.
Woven Green Bamboo Laundry Basket
This laundry basket will make a cheery addition to any room — just in time for spring! A quirky geometric design brings an element of interest and complements the delightful green hue well. Its deep basket will hold a generous amount of washing, and this black version is available if you need a spare basket for another room.
Brabantia Bo Hi Laundry Bin
Brabantia’s laundry bin is pricey, but we can vouch that it’s a worthwhile investment. Along with two spacious compartments, we like its other handy features: a hands-free lid, a removable cotton lining with Velcro fastenings and ventilation holes to help moisture escape and prevent bad smells. Plus, its impressive 10-year guarantee sweetens the deal.
Sunny Days Large Laundry Bag
For frequent travellers, this Oliver Bonas drawstring laundry bag is handy for keeping clothes organised on the go. When on holiday or hitting the gym, it’s also ideal for separating dirty laundry from clean clothes and carrying post-workout gear. As well as practicality, its bright Marrakesh-inspired print earns it some serious style points and has us dreaming of our next trip away.
Brabantia Foldable Laundry Basket
Brabantia’s pop-up basket is ideal if you’re looking for something to carry laundry back and forth in. The strong bamboo frame makes it easy to carry heavy loads and its water-resistant finish allows you to transfer wet clothes to your dryer without damaging the fabric. It’s also versatile enough for general storage, like books and toys, and the two-year guarantee is a bonus.
AM.PM Woven Abaca Laundry Basket
We love the open frame and intricately woven structure of this boho-inspired basket. It’s big enough for several heavy loads and even comes with a handy lid for keeping laundry neatly hidden away.
Habitat Laundry Bag Set
At just £15 per basket, this floral set is an absolute steal. They’ll come in handy when separating fabrics and colours or if you’ve got a constant stream of laundry. Plus, each bag can be folded flat for easy storage.
Seagrass Laundry Basket
This basket blends style with function. With space for up to four large loads of laundry and a removable cotton lining, it's perfect for busy family life.
£145.00 at thewhitecompany.co.uk
Floral Laundry Basket
With its delicate wildflower motif, Urban Outfitters' laundry basket is incredibly charming, but it’s not all good looks — it features handles for easy carrying and a drawstring top to keep washing covered.
SONGMICS Handwoven Laundry Hamper
This four-wheeled basket with a carry handle should lessen the pain of lugging hefty loads to the machine. With three compartments and a side pocket, you’ll never have to worry about mixing up lights and darks again. It also folds flat, meaning you can store it away when it’s empty.
Eden & Willow Foldable Washing Hamper
Perfect for smaller spaces, this nifty foldable option from Eden & Willow comfortably holds a load or two of dirty washing and comes in this pleasant grey hue or a cream colourway.
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