For many households, the humble laundry basket is an unsung hero—until it breaks, snags clothing, or makes the simple task of carrying clothes more difficult than it needs to be. A poor laundry basket can turn a routine chore into a frustrating battle.
Putting Laundry Baskets to the Test
To find the best options available, a product reviewer with over 15 years of experience put ten different laundry baskets through a rigorous testing process. The testing simulated real-world use in a multi-storey home, involving carrying baskets up and down stairs and even taking them for a walk around the block to mimic a trip to the laundrette. Each basket was loaded with days' worth of laundry and an 11lb bowling ball to ensure fair and thorough evaluation.
The Top Laundry Basket Picks
Best Overall: Sterilite Ultra 2 Bushel Basket
The Sterilite Ultra 2 Bushel Basket emerged as the clear winner for its durability and functionality. Priced at a reasonable point, this white plastic basket features ventilated sides and robust construction that resisted cracking or splintering during testing. The handles are designed with grips to prevent them from digging into your hands when carrying heavy loads. Its two-bushel capacity (approximately 71 litres) is spacious enough for a large comforter or a full load of towels, yet it doesn't take up excessive space. The smooth interior is easy to wipe clean. The main drawback is its utilitarian, plastic aesthetic, which may not suit all decors.
Best Collapsible Basket: Sammart Collapsible Laundry Basket
For those short on space, the Sammart Collapsible Laundry Basket is an ideal solution. When not in use, it folds down to the thickness of a small tabletop, making storage simple. It's surprisingly sturdy when expanded and can hold a medium to large load of washing. While it comes in several colour options, it retains a functional look. Popping it open and closed requires two hands, and it can be awkward to carry when fully loaded due to its collapsible design. Its capacity is 42 litres.
Best Rolling & Non-Plastic Basket: Yamazaki Tosca Slim
If aesthetics are a priority, the Yamazaki Tosca Slim Rolling Basket is a stylish choice. Made from steel with a wooden handle, its tall, slim profile fits neatly into a corner. The steel wheels performed well on flat surfaces, making it perfect for moving laundry across one floor of a house. However, with a capacity of 55 litres, it holds less than the Sterilite and is awkward to carry up and down stairs. The powder-coated wires are generally snag-resistant, but delicate fabrics like silk should be handled with care. This design and material quality come at a higher price point.
Best Portable Basket: Ikea Frakta Bag
When it comes to sheer portability and value, it's hard to beat the Ikea Frakta Bag. This iconic blue bag can carry up to 50lbs of laundry and folds down to a tiny square for storage. It is an incredibly cost-effective solution, especially for occasional heavy lifts or trips to a laundrette. The downsides are its lack of elegance as a standing hamper and its tendency to fray with heavy use. Carrying very heavy loads can also be uncomfortable on the neck and shoulder.
Other Notable Contenders
The Steele Canvas Small Truck is a durable, industrial-style rolling basket that excelled on flat ground and pavements. However, it proved extremely difficult to manage on stairs, which ruled it out as a top pick for multi-level homes.
The CleverMade Collapsible Fabric Laundry Basket functions like a structured tote bag with a shoulder strap, making it easy to carry. While more elegant than the Frakta bag, its significantly higher price meant it was ultimately outperformed on value.
What to Consider When Buying a Laundry Basket
Choosing the right laundry basket depends on your specific needs. Consider your storage space—collapsible options are great for flats and small homes. Think about how you transport laundry; baskets with wheels are ideal for single floors, while sturdy handles are key for stairs. The number of baskets you need will vary with your household size and laundry sorting habits. A family of three might find four baskets useful for sorting and transporting clothes to different rooms.
Regarding sustainability, recycling a laundry basket depends on its material and your local council's rules. Cloth baskets are generally not recyclable. Some local authorities, like those in certain UK boroughs, may accept plastic baskets in household recycling if they are clean, while others may require you to take them to a designated recycling centre.
