Laundry Hampers: A Definitive Guide
A laundry hamper is one of the most essential home accessories ubiquitously present throughout history regardless of culture, tradition, upbringing, and personal preference.
Whether you’ve intentionally bought the best laundry hamper from the shop or you’ve just re-purposed an entirely different storage solution around the house, there’s got to be something you’re using to keep all dirty clothes off the floor and out of sight -- at least until it gets its chance in the washer.
We have a need it – and not the other way around – because it would be virtually impossible to keep all soiled items (and your sanity) in order; without having one around the house, that’s a one-way express ticket to messy-town.
And it’s also the first thing you put your fresh washing into after taking them off the line or from the dryer. Getting laundry done, now that’s an entirely different topic
People have used it from time immemorial, still are using it today, and will continue to use it for as long as there’s clothes and stuff that needs cleaning.
And it’s also the first thing you put your fresh washing into after taking them off the line or from the dryer. Getting laundry done, now that’s an entirely different topic.
So despite the fact that a laundry hamper is already an all-too-familiar object to focus on with, let’s still indulge in a sensible and spirited scrutiny of this highly versatile yet easily taken for granted household item.
This article is your definitive guide to laundry hampers, keep reading below to find the best laundry hamper for your very own home!
Topics Included in This Article:
What is a laundry hamper?
A laundry hamper, according to Wikipedia, refers to any household receptacle or repository object in which its main purpose is for keeping or storing all soiled items.
From regular clothes, special type of garments, and seasonal wear to curtains and drapes, linens and sheets, as well as rugs and kitchen washcloths!
Laundry Hampers vs Laundry Baskets
When it comes to differentiating a laundry hamper from a laundry basket, its definition, characteristics, and purpose may overlap so it comes as no surprise that these terms are used interchangeably – and there’s nothing wrong with that!
In a traditional sense, both the laundry hamper and the laundry basket can refer to sturdy, wide-mouthed, well-ventilated, vertically-standing containers made from pliable, interwoven materials which are usually positioned or found in the bedroom, bathroom, and laundry areas – even sometimes in hallways and kitchens.
But while both are considered as a storage solution for dirty items, there are distinct observations we can make to separate one from the other:
- A laundry hamper is more stationary in nature while a laundry basket is more movable-friendly.
- A laundry hamper, given its nature, can be bigger in size – or even compartmentalised – because it just stays in one place almost all of the time. Its specific function is to be filled as much as possible, giving users the freedom to load it up with volumes of dirty stuff without worrying about its eventual weight.
- A laundry basket, on the other hand, is usually used for transporting items so it has to be lightweight enough and not too bulky to be lugged around. It has to give users the flexibility to carry it from one place to another without discomfort at the very least.
There are no strict rules governing the exact meanings because at the end of the day, both can be fool proof devices that can keep your dirty clothes corralled (or even provide the illusion that you’ve got your laundry under control).
Benefits of a Laundry Hamper
Organisation
A laundry hamper can help you cut down on mess in an instant or even in the long run.
As long as there’s one strategically positioned at key areas around the house – not only in the bedroom or bathroom but also beside mudroom doors or entryways – it can make clothes management uncomplicated and less taxing.
Hygiene
Smelly socks, sweaty shirts, and damp clothes thrown in together makes for a perfect breeding ground for hard-to-pronounce bacteria and microbes – and a lingering unpleasant odour that might be too embarrassing to have your house guests find out about.
Laundry hampers which possess features such as having several compartments, with removable liners, and being waterproof can be the most effective way to keep odour and germs at bay.
Aesthetic
There’s a reason why we say, “Don’t air your dirty laundry in public”. In this context, we have to take it literally.
A monster mountain of dirty clothes is an ugly sight to behold.
A well-designed, smart-looking laundry hamper won’t just make your floor bigger and cleaner but also stylish enough to show it off.
Laundry Hampers by Type
Lidded/Covered Laundry Hampers or Laundry Hampers with Magnetic Lid
Most laundry hampers have covers or lids because it helps you save on time and effort to manage used garments and stuff without compromising the look of the room.
It also keeps odour and germs restricted inside the container which makes it stress and hassle free.
Moreover, technological advances have even paved the way to laundry hampers with magnetic lids for a truly effortless opening and closing of said vessel.
Laundry Hampers with Wheels/on Wheels
Manufacturers think it is best to add a modern twist to the sturdiness and durability of conventional laundry hampers by making it portable – hence, the birth of wheeled or rolling laundry hampers.
This prevents stiff arms and achy hips as well as accidental spills on the way to the washer.
A laundry hamper with smooth-gliding casters makes for easy collection, safe transport, and seamless mobility – an innovative idea that can add some cheer and excitement to an otherwise boring and tedious affair.
Laundry Hampers with Removable Liner
s having too many laundry containers one of your pet peeves? Does removing your assigned laundry hamper from its original position make you irksome?
Removable, washable liners can instantly transform a heavy-duty laundry hamper into a fully-portable bag.
A laundry hamper with removable liners made from hard-wearing textile and are easy to detach and re-attach is heaven on earth for highly meticulous homemakers.
Laundry Hampers with Hanging Rods/Bars
A single-lined compact retractable clothesline is an ideal laundry drying solution for anyone dealing with few items on a regular basis.
The hanging rods and/or bars refer to metal frames attached to the upper part of the laundry hamper for convenient suspension of fresh laundries and other similar items.
It is also befitting for air drying and dry cleaning as well as for minimizing wrinkles and creases on clothing items.
Laundry Hampers with Handles/Straps
Handles or straps on a laundry hamper are made from various materials such as mesh, rope, leather, wood and plastic while others are reinforced or softly-padded for easy transport without physical strain.
Laundry Hampers on Platform
A laundry hamper on a platform has a two-fold purpose: to support the bag itself by providing enough stability even when it is fully loaded; and, to make it easier to sort out all laundries whether standing or on a seated position.
These are the ones you would usually find in hotels and commercial settings.
The platform is made either from PE board materials or from fixed/foldable steel tubing.
Tilt-out/Pull-out Laundry Hampers
This type of laundry hamper is for folks who want to incorporate the container with the room’s overall design or who need a multifunctional piece in a space-challenged home.
A tilt out laundry hamper can be either of the following: a free-standing device which can be positioned wherever appropriate; or, a fully-assembled basket to be easily installed or inserted within a shelf, closet, or cabinet.
Other terms for it include hidden/hideaway laundry hamper, built-in laundry hamper, or simply laundry cabinet, laundry closet, or laundry shelf.
Pop-up/Folding Laundry Hampers
As the name suggests, this type of laundry hamper is usually foldable and collapsible for easy use and storage.
The most common pop-up laundry hampers are those made from mesh material – very lightweight and with excellent ventilation.
There is an entire range of laundry hampers from Amazon made from high quality plastic that simply pops up when needed and compresses flat when not in use.
Compartmentalised Laundry Hampers
This is the perfect system for people with OCD when it comes to sorting laundries.
A laundry hamper that is sectioned or divided (in two-, three-, or four-compartments) makes for easy classification of whites, coloureds, or heavily soiled items – depending on the type of laundry items you deal with on a regular basis.
Other terms referring to it include laundry sorter hamper, his and hers laundry hamper, or set laundry hamper.
Seated Laundry Hampers
A seated laundry hamper usually has an upholstered top that is sturdy enough to be used as a bench and doubles as a lid – considered as space-saving furniture that can complement your bed or bath.
Stackable Laundry Hampers
It’s a mash-up between a lidded laundry hamper and a seated laundry hamper. It’s got a flat surface – either a basic cover or a reinforced top – that will allow one hamper to nest or position itself above another hamper.
A Brabantia hamper model even has openings both on the top and in the front to avoid un-stacking when putting in or taking out laundry items.
Over-The-Door Laundry Hampers
For college dorms and small rooms, an over-the-door laundry hamper can cut down dirty garments in sight but won’t eat up precious floor area.
Most products come with a single metal hanger which you can hang on the back of the door or strong side straps with easy-to-install steel hooks/brackets.
Either way, it can make your space look bigger, cleaner, and tidier.
Laundry Hampers with Ironing Board/Folding Table
How cool is it that you can organise, fold, and iron your fresh laundries in one place?
This type of laundry hamper has an overhead flat slab that doubles as folding table or an ironing board.
The top is usually a sturdy-constructed, foam-padded, and heat-resistant surface while the compartment below (can be a sole compartment or comprised of several sorters) is where you keep or group your soiled garments – categorizing this laundry hamper into an all-in-one laundry station where you can keep the clean around the clock!
Laundry Hampers by Style
Modern Laundry Hampers
The term ‘modern’ is a style category that pertains to and is associated with a bygone era, specifically the early to mid-1900s. It is characterised by having a departure from the rich, excessive patterns and visually heavy aesthetics of pre-World War II – putting an emphasis to practicality, simplicity and functionality.
Hence, modern laundry hampers have an overall look of a clean and minimalist style using unfussy yet prominent architectural lines and earthy colours and natural textures.
Contemporary Laundry Hampers
The term ‘contemporary’ is a style category that invokes the modern style and then merging it with the latest trend. Incorporating the best designs from all generations but still addressing the needs of the current lifestyle is what it does best.
Heavily influenced by modernism, it adopts the principle of minimalism with a celebration of form and function. But unlike modern style, a contemporary feel has an air of impartiality – leaning towards monochromatic colours, glossy textures, and geometric shapes.
Hence, contemporary laundry hampers are known for materials utilising both basic lines and curved forms like modern laundry hampers but more associated with blacks, whites, and neutrals and blending it in with glass, metal, and chrome accents.
Classic Laundry Hampers
The term ‘classic’ is a style category that strongly focuses on the wealth, value, and richness of materials without losing its elegance, refinement, and polished nature.
This results to a balanced show of magnificence and grace – extremely pure and not too ostentatious but exerting its own sense of strong identity.
Hence, classic laundry hampers have an overall look of clarity and calmness that puts the spotlight on the use of prestigious materials and avoiding flashy colour combinations or contrasting shapes – something that can work in any home design or setting.
Traditional Laundry Hampers
The term ‘traditional’ is a style category that borrows the structural design and concept of classic style – tranquil and soothing – but has less extravagant features to offer a stronger feeling of predictability, familiarity, and comfort.
Hence, traditional laundry hampers are known for detailed craftsmanship and a wide range of solid colours and accented patterns but presented in a proportionate and harmonious way.
Rustic Laundry Hampers
Rustic laundry hampers are the complete opposite of modern style because of its natural and casual but raw, rugged and aged overall look.
Those items that belong to this category are characterised as having that reclaimed or unfinished look, and less sparse in design – very much in tune with farmhouse décor, Tuscan-inspired vibe, and rural living.
Tropical Laundry Hampers
Tropical laundry hampers have an eclectic sense of style but are known for colour options and design elements that highlight the island oasis effect with a perpetually sunny disposition.
The overall look can be comforting yet invigorating; warm and bright but also cosy and refreshing all at the same time.
Coastal Laundry Hampers
Coastal laundry hampers evoke the breeziness and freshness of the ocean.
From anchor references, jute textures, and loose linen design to a palette of airy hues such as sun-bleached white, layered blues – they would lend that all year round summer feeling to any space.
Beach-themed laundry hampers and nautical laundry hampers belong to this style category.
Decorative Laundry Hampers
Decorative laundry hampers can use any of the abovementioned style categories and then apply ornamentation to the object to enhance its aesthetic appearance.
This can refer to the laying out and arranging of a wide variety of lines, shapes, textures, and colours to form a distinct ‘décor’ on the laundry hamper.
Designer Laundry Hampers
Designer laundry hampers are items bearing the prestigious mark or label of a famous brand to appeal to the discriminating taste of a wealthier customer base.
It can also refer to luxury laundry hampers, limited edition laundry hampers, and high-end laundry hampers that go beyond sheer utility as a functional décor piece.
Whimsical Laundry Hampers
Whimsical laundry hampers are on a mission to break the conventional ‘sad old sight’ connotation.
It has a fancy feel without losing its versatility or it can be cute and unique to add a little oomph to the room. It ranges from stylish laundry hampers to cool laundry hampers but it can also refer to character laundry hampers and kid-appropriate laundry hampers.
Laundry Hampers by Material
Cloth Laundry Hampers
This refers to items made from a broad range of material sources such as natural fibres from plants and animals as well as synthetic or exotic materials.
Fabric Laundry Hampers
Items in this category include laundry hampers made from cotton, canvas, wool, linen, water hyacinth, hemp, and jute as well as denim, leather, and velvet.
Woven Laundry Hampers
This pertains to laundry hampers that used any of the abovementioned fabric type and have been manufactured using a specific weaving construction.
Other laundry hampers associated with this category include wicker laundry hampers, twill laundry hampers, knitted laundry hampers, and herringbone laundry hampers.
Plastic Laundry Hampers
These are made from synthetic materials, one that is commonly used due to ease of manufacturing, cheap cost, but high resistance to weather elements or corrosive agents.
Mesh Laundry Hampers
Items in this category are known for its breathability, waterproof nature, and compression ability.
Nylon laundry hampers and polyester laundry hampers are associated with mesh laundry hampers because they are made from mesh fabric.
Wood Laundry Hampers
Items in this category are divided into those made from hardwood and softwood materials.
The former refers to laundry hampers made from mahogany, maple, oak, and teak while the latter refers to laundry hampers made from pine, cypress, and cedar.
Bamboo Laundry Hampers
This refers to items that used either natural bamboo material directly from this perennial grass plant or those made out of mechanically-produced bamboo fibres.
Bamboo laundry hampers can compete in strength and durability with items made from hardwood materials and they are associated with tropical designs and homes promoting eco-friendly furniture.
Rattan Laundry Hampers
These are sourced from rattan, a tropic-growing, vine-like palm tree.
Rattan laundry hampers are lightweight, easy to move, and have a natural resistance against humidity, temperature, and insects.
Cane laundry hampers also belong to this category.
Metal Laundry Hampers
Metal laundry hampers can lend a sleek look to a room and do not require complicated maintenance requirements.
Laundry hampers that belong to this category include those made from aluminium, copper, gold, silver, and bronze.
Wire Laundry Hampers
Wire laundry hampers are lightweight, sleek, and versatile.
Its main characteristic is the simplicity of formation of all of its geometric lines to produce a no-nonsense approach to providing functionality of the container.
Industrial laundry hampers are usually associated with this category.
Chrome Laundry Hampers
Chrome laundry hampers are shiny in appearance, with a polished finish, and have a high level of lustre – prime options for modern and contemporary home designs.
However, chrome laundry hampers are prone to scratches and dents.
Stainless Steel Laundry Hampers
Stainless steel is a metal alloy that is less glossy than chrome but more durable and tarnish resistant.
Stainless steel laundry hampers are very posh-looking and can last for many years of use.
Laundry Hampers by Size and Shapes
Laundry hampers come in a variety of sizes and shapes:
- Big laundry hampers
- Small laundry hampers
- Oversized laundry hampers
- Double/Twin laundry hampers
- Slim laundry hampers
- Narrow laundry hampers
- Large/Extra Large laundry hampers
- Tall laundry hampers
- Rectangular laundry hampers
- Square laundry hampers
- Round laundry hampers
Product descriptions for laundry hampers explicitly provide the exact dimensions and external form of the item.
First, this will give prospective shoppers an idea of the maximum volume of laundry items it can carry; second, its outline configuration can help potential buyers determine where in their home it can fit or be appropriate to place.
Different sites cater to a wide range of target audience looking for laundry hampers for small spaces, best laundry hampers for college dorms, and waterproof laundry hampers – among many related searches.
Where to Buy Laundry Hampers
From Amazon, K Mart, and Big W to Ikea, Target, and Bunnings – there are plenty of excellent sites where you safely shop the most ideal laundry hamper to match your family needs, personal preference, and budget consideration.
You can even consider going to a local manufacturer’s depot store or warehouse so you can browse through product selections that offer the best deals and lowest prices.
Alternatively, you can always shop online after browsing through laundry hampers categories and request for quick delivery with money back guarantee option or you can enjoy additional discounts if you choose to collect it yourself.
Where to put laundry hampers
The location of a laundry hamper depends on what type of items it will collect.
Is it for regular dirty clothes or do you want a separate laundry hamper for heavily soiled garments?
Then you might need a single laundry hamper with several compartments inside the bathroom or assign a laundry hamper for each bedroom.
Is it for items that are about to go to the washer or ready to be ironed?
If the same person handles all the laundries, the most ideal location for a laundry hamper is wherever it can be accessed most easily and with minimal inconveniences.
If there are several persons attending to their own personal stuff, it might be better for laundry hampers to be marked for its specific purpose to avoid mixing up dirty clothes with freshly laundered ones.
How big or small is your home?
This will also play a major role in finding the most space-appropriate laundry hamper so as to maximise the floor area without sacrificing cleanliness and orderliness in the room.
Keeping Your Laundry Hampers Clean
No matter what type of laundry hamper you have, and whether or not it has a complicated structure, it is important to clean it on a regular basis.
A laundry hamper that has not been aired out, has not been touched by water or any cleaning agent, and has not been properly disinfected after months (or years) of use will definitely stain and reek faster.
Laundry hampers, if not used and maintained properly, can wreak havoc to your senses and home design.
If you want to prolong the usefulness of your laundry hamper, if you don’t want it to be a horrifying source of icky scents and odours, or if you don’t want mould and mildew to grow in it – there are simple ways to keep it in tiptop shape.
How to Clean Your Laundry Hampers
Use soap and water
This is highly recommended for plastic laundry hampers or laundry hampers with washable material.
Clean them inside and out and then air dry before using again.
Treat with baking soda
There are laundry hampers made from mixed materials – this means that though some parts can be doused with a soapy mixture, there are other features (wood handles, padded lid, fixed board base) that cannot get wet.
Make sure you cover all cracks and crevices which usually where you can find most dirt and dust accumulating.
Sprinkle generous amount of baking soda on the entire surface and leave it for at least half an hour before vacuuming it up.
Don’t forget to take it outdoors or position a clean cloth underneath the container to avoid messy clean-ups later.
Spot clean stains and blemishes
If it can’t be washed by a soapy mixture and baking soda eliminates the stain/blemish temporarily, you should use chlorine bleach, pine oil, or other store-bought liquid disinfectant.
But you have to be careful when treating soiled surfaces especially if it’s a wooden laundry hamper.
Alternatively, you can try a homemade cleaner made from 2 cups water, 1 cup white vinegar and 5-10 drops of dish soap.
This is a non-toxic cleaning solution for laundry hampers made from wood or with wood finish.
Spray the soiled area then leave it for two minutes before wiping it clean. Repeat the same process until the stain fades away.
Stains and blemishes from dirty clothes and garments are inevitable but you can prevent them from marking your laundry hamper permanently if you attend to the issue as soon as it happens.
Wipe it clean
Stainless steel laundry hampers, chrome laundry hampers, and metal laundry hampers have smooth surfaces that are easy to maintain just by buffing it with soft clean sponge or microfiber cloth.
Make sure you have removed all loose cloth threads, debris particles, and other minute particles inside the container before wiping it clean.
Toss it in the washer
Laundry hampers with removable liners fall in this category.
Include the liner during one of your regular washing cycles so it can also dry at the same time and be used accordingly.
Alternatively, you can buy additional liners or repurpose other similar items around the house so you can be sure that the laundry hamper is always properly lined.
Additional Maintenance Tips for Laundry Hampers
- Choose a laundry hamper that can easily be cleaned; otherwise, make sure to assign different types of laundry hampers for different purposes around the house.
- Consider using a small laundry hamper, which gets filled up faster and to remind you that it’s time to clean it.
- You can purchase odour absorbers which you can place inside a lidded laundry hamper. Scented dryer sheets and stick-on air fresheners can also do the trick.
This comprehensive list of laundry hampers is based on what is readily available for purchase online.
Use our definitive guide to quickly find the most appropriate and most reliable laundry hamper to match your specific needs, personal preference, home design, and budget consideration.
