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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.
