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Some people dread doing laundry, similar to how you might feel about washing dishes or vacuuming. Others may look forward to the simplicity of the chore. Regardless of which viewpoint you share, a good laundry routine includes a dependable laundry basket or hamper.
What makes a quality one depends on several factors, according to Linda Samuels, professional organizer and author at Oh So Organized. “Great laundry hamper qualities include good function and design,” she says. “Think about where the hamper will ‘live,’ how easy it is to use (with or without a lid), and whether it will stay in one place or be moved often.” With that in mind, we rounded up some of the best options that align with her guidance.
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These are among the most highly rated laundry baskets and hampers we came across at NBC Selected readers’ favorite retailers, including Amazon, Target, Walmart and Wayfair. We separated the types of hampers and baskets we found into five common categories, including collapsible hampers and laundry baskets with wheels.
Wicker isn’t actually a material, but the way a material, like willow or reed, is woven together. Wicker has traditionally been used in basketry and is often made with rattan, raffia or straw in furniture, among other materials.
If you’re prone to compartmentalizing, you might like this bestselling laundry basket. The oval-shaped basket has two separate compartments with their own machine-washable liners that are secured to the hamper by built-in handles.
This wicker hamper is designed to fit snugly into corners. It’s made from a moisture-resistant plastic material and includes carry handles and a removable liner, according to the brand.
This waterproof, metal-framed hamper is made from a realistic looking rattan-like plastic and has silica gel feet to prevent scratches on the floor, according to the brand. Its cotton liner is removable, machine-washable and ties to the corners of the hamper.
This basket comes recommended by Samuels who says it’s ideal for small rooms. “This slim, foldable laundry hamper fits into tight spaces and has handles for easy carrying,” she says. “It’s made of high-density waterproof fabric and a metal frame to keep it stable when standing.” It’s available in over a dozen styles and the inside is lined with breathable mesh.
While this fabric hamper may look inflexible, it can be collapsed when it’s not in use. Its exterior is made from a thick polyester and its interior lining is reinforced with a waterproof coating, according to the brand. The brand says the hamper’s longer handles make it easy to transport with just one hand. It currently comes in six capacities and multiple colors/patterns.
This affordable and bestselling hamper is constructed from what the brand describes as a “durable mesh” that’s meant to keep moisture at bay. A pocket on the hamper offers extra storage or a place to put your phone while headed to the laundry room. You can choose between a handful of colors and designs, though availability fluctuates.
This hamper has a retractable handle and a flip-top lid. The roller wheels will glide smoothly across different surfaces, according to Sterilite.
This 160-liter laundry basket with wheels has handles on the sides and a metal frame to help it maintain its shape. While it’s a common style for hotels, it’s also suitable for home and even for students living away from home. It’s also available in a 320-liter option for people who do a high volume of laundry weekly. Two of the wheels have brakes on them and the basket is removable from the wheel frame, so you can wash and clean it.
This four-wheeled laundry basket has a durable metal frame on the outside and a fabric line on the inside. It also has a wood lid so you can cover your clothes but also use it to store laundry detergent and other supplies. It has two baskets each with handles and the metal frame also has a handle so you can pull it along with the wheels.
