(Note that when I say ‘laundry basket’ I am referring to the basket I tote clean laundry around in. I’m not referring to a laundry sorter or any other basket I put dirty clothes in. I just want to make sure we’re on the same page.)
I’ve owned many laundry baskets in my life. Some baskets were lovely and girly and some were more functional.
My personal preference?
I choose the functional laundry basket every time.
I’ve learned that in this case, functional is better and makes my Laundry Life easier. If a super cute, practical laundry basket was on the market, I’d be first in line. Until then, I’ll stick with my plain old drab ones that get the job done.
Mama has several criteria when purchasing a laundry basket. Here they are in no particular order:
Buy a Basket with Sturdy Handles
A laundry basket with sturdy handles is an absolute must. I detest a basket that has handles that bend when I pick it up. You know with 6 people living in my house that our laundry baskets are piled high and that makes them heavy. I need a basket where the handles stay put and can bear the weight of our laundry.
Make Sure it has a Rectangular Shape
I owned a round laundry basket when I lived alone and it was fine for just one person’s laundry. It was always a pet peeve of mine that I couldn’t stack folded clothes in it, though. Since the basket was round, it could only hold one stack of folded towels or one stack of shirts.
It is rare that I stack a load of folded clothes in a laundry basket, but in the event that I do, I want it to be a rectangle. A round basket is completely impractical, in my opinion.
Only Buy a Laundry Basket with a Smooth Finish
Have you ever had a basket (think wicker) that snagged your laundry? I despise that. There’s nothing worse than having a nice knit shirt that has been picked because it got caught on the edge of my laundry basket
I completely avoid the whole issue and buy only laundry baskets that have a smooth finish. I’ve only found plastic ones that are smooth, so plastic it is.
Steer Clear of the ‘Hip’ Laundry Baskets
You’ve seen those laundry baskets that are curved to fit around your hip, right? They seem like they would be a good idea. However, if you routinely stack folded clothes in your basket, they aren’t ideal. As with the round baskets, they just don’t stack clothes well.
Make Sure Your Basket is Vented
All laundry baskets need to have vents, even if you only transport clean laundry in them like I do. Vents are just the little holes that are all throughout the sides of the basket, allowing the laundry inside to breathe. Laundry baskets that do not have vents tend to harbor more static electricity. If you do use your basket for dirty laundry, it must be vented so your laundry doesn’t mildew. Mold and mildew are hard to remove from clothing, so avoid the problem all together and just go vented.
Do you have a laundry basket that you can’t live without? Tell me all about it. I’m always looking for things that would make my Laundry Life more simple.
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I love my LL Bean XL boat totes. We have one for each laundry destination and they hold two stacks of adult clothes. I can carry two up the stairs at a time.
I agree with all the practical tips you have given. I especially liked the one about the round laundry basket; I had the same concerns using that one.
I have to agree about those “hip-hugger” laundry baskets, they are the worst! I bought one because my daughter wanted it because it was purple. It is the most useless laundry baskets, it only fits one stack of clothes and doesn’t stack with all the other laundry baskets that I have.
My favourite baskets are the standard, rectangular Rubbermaid basket. I have a bunch of them. After laundry day they stack together neatly. I have tried no-name baskets that look similar but just don’t hold up as well.
I agree with most of what you say. I have large hip-hugger laundry baskets and love them. I don’t usually stack folded laundry in them, so I don’t know how that works, though. I bought them because they are easier to carry when you are expecting a baby. Mine are several years old and are still going strong, but recent reviews seem to have a lot of negatives on the sturdiness of them now.
I am SO with you on every point. In fact, I just sent an email to Sterlite because I bought one over 10 years ago and it still looks new. I needed a second and it broke in 3 months — it’s much cheaper quality. I have a rubbermaid one I bought about 7 years ago that is square and awesome quality, too.`