Most of us know the drill—toss all your dirty clothes into the hamper and forget about them until laundry day. After all, a hamper provides a great solution to clear the clothes clutter and move on with your next task. Over time, though, laundry hampers can accumulate dirt, moisture, and bacteria, so they're not quite as low-maintenance as they seem. Just like your clothes, your hamper should be worked into your cleaning routine to keep it fresh and functional. Follow this expert-approved guide so your hamper stays as clean as your laundry.
How Often Should You Clean Your Laundry Hamper?
It's easy to forget about your laundry hamper when it's not in use, but cleaning it is essential. After all, laundry hampers spend most of their time holding dirty, damp garments, like sweaty workout gear or wet towels, that have been stashed at the bottom for days. These items can create a breeding ground for moisture and bacteria, which can stick to the sides of the hamper and linger long after your clothes have been washed. Eventually, these contaminants can build up and even transfer to your freshly laundered clothes if you use the same hamper for both clean and dirty laundry.
The Best Method to Clean a Laundry Hamper, Based on Material
The cleaning method for your hamper will depend on its material and how it's used. Not all laundry hampers are made equal, some are more hygienic than others. "Canvas, fabric, and wicker hampers might be more aesthetically pleasing, but the fact is, these materials are far more prone to picking up dirt, germs, moisture, and odors than plastic hampers," says Tom Ceconi, the president of Heritage Park Laundry Essentials.
If you have a plastic hamper, a quick wipe down once a week will keep it in top shape, says Ceconi. Use a solution of dish soap and water, antibacterial wipes, or an all-purpose cleaner to sanitize the hamper's surface.
When it comes to fabric, canvas, or wicker hampers (or liners), you'll need to wash them every month or two. However, if you notice odors or dirt buildup, wash them more often. For most fabric hampers, first gently wipe the surface with a lint-free cloth. Then, wash it in warm water with a gentle detergent. If your cloth hamper is bulky or has a removable liner, it might need to go into the washing machine for proper cleaning.
Should You Use Separate Laundry Hampers?
Whether or not you should use separate laundry hampers depends on a few factors, such as the material of the hampers and what you typically store in them.
"If you regularly put dirty items, like sports uniforms, outdoor work clothing that has dirt on it, sweaty workout gear, or soiled towels and bed linens, in a hamper, we absolutely recommend using a dedicated plastic hamper for these items and wiping it regularly," says Ceconi.
At home, Ceconi has a dedicated hamper in the mudroom solely for his son's dirty hockey uniforms. This prevents cross-contamination between the regular laundry and the especially dirty fabrics that can leave behind unwanted residues.
If your laundry is mostly made up of everyday household items that aren't heavily soiled or contaminated, a single hamper—especially a plastic one—should be sufficient, according to Ceconi. However, he suggests using separate hampers if they're made of cloth, since these materials tend to absorb dirt, odors, and moisture more readily, no matter how clean your laundry is.
Source: Squiers, K. (2025c, April 18). How often should you be cleaning your laundry hamper? Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/how-often-should-you-clean-your-laundry-hamper-11687266