Once mildew forms on fabric, it can be difficult to remove.Ĭanvas, woven wicker, and ventilated plastic hampers are easy to clean by just wiping with a damp rag. That said, avoid tossing sopping wet clothing in a hamper to prevent mildew growth. Materials that breathe are top options for hampers because they help damp and sweaty items air dry, deferring mildew. For combo bathroom/laundry rooms, an integrated hamper keeps dirty laundry out of sight. Integrated: This type of hamper is made to fit inside a cabinet, and it either pulls out (on drawer slides) or tips out, similar to an old-style potato bin.Made from fabric, hanging hampers are usually just large enough to hold a few days’ worth of dirty clothing, but a few larger models can hold up to four loads of laundry. Hanging: When floor space is at a premium, consider a hamper that can be hung on a closet rod or the back of a closet door.Collapsible hampers fold flat when not in use. These soft-side hampers feature lightweight, flexible frames with mesh covering. Collapsible: Apartment dwellers and college students living in dorms may prefer collapsible laundry baskets that can be stowed out of the way under a bed or behind a dresser until needed.A large, rolling hamper may also come with an overhead rack for use as a clothes drying rack. Rolling hampers feature metal frames and usually come with canvas bins that can be unhooked from the frame and machine washed when necessary. Rolling: Homes with dedicated laundry centers can benefit from portable, rolling hampers that can be pushed across the room with ease.Dirty items can be separated as they’re put in the hamper, so there’s no need to dig through them when it’s time to wash.

Sectional hampers come with two to four bins for separating whites, colors, darks, and hand-wash items. Sectional: For the best results, laundry is usually sorted by color before washing, and a sectional hamper, also called a “divided hamper,” makes sorting a snap.A standard hamper may or may not come with a lid, but it usually features an open weave, which is beneficial for allowing damp clothing to dry out rather than mildew in an enclosed space. Standard: A basic hamper, which can also double as a laundry basket, is usually made from either wicker or plastic with handles on the top for carrying.However, they come in a few different types, making some better suited than others to individual laundry rooms, lifestyles, and family sizes. Typeįor the most part, hampers are plain in design and don’t offer a lot of frills. Keep the following factors and features in mind when shopping for the right hamper to help stow soiled garments and linens. A hamper offers a measure of organization and, in some cases, it can even provide a bit of room decor.

Without a designated spot to keep them, dirty clothes and bedding can find their way onto the floor or in piles in a closet. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Laundry Hamper

BEST FOR STUDENTS: HOUSE AGAIN Strong Mesh Pop-up Laundry Hamper.

BEST FOR HANGING CLOTHES: Seville Classics Mobile 3 Laundry Hamper Sorter.

BEST FOR BIG LOADS: WOWLIVE Large Laundry Hamper Clothes Hamper.

BEST CABINET: Giantex Laundry Hamper Bamboo Freestanding W/ Shelf.

BEST SECTIONAL: Simple Houseware 4-Bag Heavy Duty Laundry Sorter.

BEST HANGING: KEEPJOY Hanging Laundry Hamper Bag.

BEST TOTE: CleverMade Collapsible Laundry Tote, Large Foldable.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Handy Laundry Mesh Popup Laundry Hamper.BEST OVERALL: OIAHOMY Laundry Hamper Woven Cotton Rope Large Hamper.Read on to learn about the types of hampers currently available and find out why the following are considered among the best in various categories. Larger units, divided into two or more compartments, help separate dark colors, light colors, and delicate items before throwing them into the machine. Hampers, which are basically large baskets for storing dirty laundry, can also have a sorting function. Laundry hampers have been around for ages, but newer designs are aimed at reducing strain, smells, and other inconveniences. But with the right tools and tricks of the trade, you can save time and spare yourself some effort.

Collapsible laundry basket