Although it seems practical and almost makes piles of clothes invisible, over time dirt, moisture, and even bacteria can settle inside the laundry basket. That’s why it’s important not only to clean our clothes but also to regularly clean their storage.
So if you want your laundry to be in good condition when it goes into the washing machine, your basket deserves some care too. We’ll show you some expert tips from Better Homes & Gardens to keep your laundry basket properly clean from now on!
If you’ve never cleaned your laundry basket, it’s time to change that!
When not in use, we tend to completely forget about it – but the laundry basket deserves some attention! After all, it’s often filled with damp, sweaty clothes and towels that can sit at the bottom for days.
This neglected environment provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold – not to mention unpleasant odors. So if you’ve never cleaned your laundry basket before, or it’s been a long time, it’s time to change that!
How to clean it properly
The cleaning method basically depends on what your basket is made of and how you use it. Not all baskets are the same, and certain materials are more prone to dirt. “Canvas, fabric, or woven (e.g., wicker) laundry baskets are undoubtedly more attractive, but these materials absorb dirt, moisture, bacteria, and odors much more than their plastic counterparts,” said Tom Ceconi, president of Heritage Park Laundry Essentials, an eco-friendly detergent company, to Better Homes & Gardens.
If you have a plastic basket, your job is simple!
If you have a plastic laundry basket, Ceconi says a thorough wipe once a week is enough. Use soapy water, antibacterial wipes, or a general disinfectant cleaner, and your basket will always stay fresh and clean!
If you have a fabric, canvas, or woven basket, you have a bit more work
These types (or their liners) should be washed every 1-2 months – but if you notice unpleasant odors or visible dirt, don’t wait that long! Most fabric baskets should first be gently wiped with a lint-free cloth, then washed in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. If the basket is large or has a removable liner, you might need to put it in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning, provided the label does not prohibit it.
One thing to remember: if you plan to buy a fabric, canvas, or woven basket in the future, make sure it’s washable or at least has a removable, washable liner!
Is it worth getting several types of baskets?
The expert says the answer depends on what types of clothes you usually throw into the basket – and of course, what the basket itself is made of.
“If heavily soiled items regularly go into the basket, such as sports gear, outdoor work clothes, sweaty workout clothes, used towels, or bedding, we definitely recommend having a separate plastic basket for these, which you wipe regularly with disinfectant.”
And if your laundry mainly consists of average, not particularly dirty household clothes, then one basket – especially if it’s plastic – should be sufficient according to Ceconi. But it’s also a good decision to keep multiple baskets just in case, so you can separate lightly and heavily soiled items whenever needed.
