8 Best Laundry Hampers and Baskets 2022

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we’re continuously testing the best laundry room essentials from major appliances like washers and dryers to basics like detergents, accessories and tips that make laundry day an easier task. Using our extensive expertise along with researching trends and the most popular options across multiple home goods retailers, we determined the top laundry hamper recommendations.

We considered capacity as well as whether there were multiple compartments for sorting. We factored in aesthetics, material (for sustainability and airflow to prevent odors), portability and whether it included removable liners. When possible, we chose hampers with a lid for keeping soiled washables out of sight and odors contained.

✔️ Size: When shopping, considering the space, both inside and outside the laundry hamper, is important! While large hampers with dividers will cut time out of your laundry day by allowing you to separate your clothes up front, these can often be bulky and take up a lot of space in your home. Think about how much floor space you can spare (an empty corner? slim space between bedroom furniture or near your washer and dryer? a sizable portion of your closet?), along with how much laundry your household generates between washes. If your family of four usually does laundry once a week, you’ll want to make sure that your hamper will be able to hold one weeks’ worth of laundry for everyone.

✔️ Ventilation: Proper ventilation will go a long way in keeping the hamper itself as well as your laundry room, bedroom or bathroom smelling clean. Your hamper should not be completely sealed. A laundry hamper that’s constructed with a loose weave or made from a breathable material like cotton, linen or bamboo will be the best option for making sure air can properly circulate through your laundry to keep odors down.

✔️ Features: Find a hamper that will tackle your specific needs: Wheels and handles make it easier to transport heavy loads to and from the laundry room; lids conceal unsightly piles; collapsible designs save space. There are even hampers with shelves for organizing or that double as an ironing board. Finding the right hamper for your home will make doing laundry less of a chore (all while making it possible to finally see your kid’s bedroom floor again).

Your laundry hamper can start smelling for two reasons: Poor ventilation traps soiled clothing odors, or wet clothing placed in the hamper causes a smelly mold to grow. To keep your laundry hamper odor-free, make sure that the hamper you’re using is made of a breathable material. If possible, wash laundry often enough to keep the hamper from overflowing and allow damp, sweaty clothing — like wet towels or sweaty gym clothes — to dry out before tossing them in.

And it’s important to clean the hamper itself from time to time. Hampers with removable cloth liners are also great for keeping things fresh. You can throw the liners in the washing machine together with your regular load of laundry to keep it clean and odor-free.

Jodhaira Rodriguez joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2021. She tests and writes about home appliances, cleaning products and tips on cleaning. She holds a B.S. in forensic science from Hofstra University and previously worked in an environmental lab where she sharpened the analytical skills she applies in her testing of vacuums, dishwashers, detergents and more.

Amanda Garrity is the editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion.