Best Laundry Basket For Smelly Clothes: Top Picks 2026

The best laundry basket for smelly clothes is a ventilated, lidded hamper with a washable liner.

You throw your gym gear into a corner, and by morning the room smells like a locker. I’ve been there. That is why a smart hamper matters. The right basket traps odors, moves air, and makes laundry day easy. It also saves you time by separating damp items and letting you carry a full load in one go. Below, I break down the top picks and show you how to choose the best laundry basket for smelly clothes for your home, dorm, or apartment.

1

TOP PICK

SOLEDI Laundry Hamper Black with…

【Large and Tall Laundry Hampers】SOLEDI large laundry hamper measures 16.5”(41.5cm) L x 12.5”(31.5cm) W x 30”(76cm) H. 100L collapsible laundry baskets is large enough to hold all the family member’s…

RemovableLarge

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2

BEST QUALITY

SOLEDI Laundry Hamper with Lid…

【Sturdy Structureand Not Deformed】 The 4 insert rods of the hamper is thicker and stronger, and the MDF panel is added at the bottom, a metal frame is embedded in…

LargeCollapsible

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3

RECOMMENDED

FairyHaus Laundry Basket 78L, 2Pack…

Large Capacity: Each laundry basket holds up to 78 liters, making it ideal for handling large loads of laundry. No more frequent trips to the laundry room; our baskets can…

LaundryHamper

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SOLEDI 100L Hamper, Lid + Removable Bag (Black)

This SOLEDI 100L hamper hits a sweet spot for odor control and capacity. The lid helps hide smells and keeps dirty gear out of sight. The removable inner bag means you never have to lug the whole hamper to the washer. It collapses when not in use, so it’s easy to store in small spaces.

The handles are secure, and the tall frame keeps clothes upright and aired out. I like the clean black finish in modern rooms. The structure pops up and stands on its own, which is great when tossing in damp towels. For anyone who needs the best laundry basket for smelly clothes, this is a strong starting point.

Pros:

• 100L capacity handles a family load or a week of gym wear
• Lid reduces odor spread and visual clutter
• Removable bag makes transport simple and clean
• Freestanding and collapsible for small-space storage
• Sturdy handles for easy carrying down stairs or to a laundromat
• Tall shape promotes airflow between garments

Cons:

• Fabric body is not rigid like a hard plastic bin
• No built-in divider for sorting lights and darks
• Black fabric can show lint if not brushed off

My Recommendation

Pick this if you want a large, tidy hamper with odor control and easy carry. The lid and removable bag make it a reliable choice for shared spaces and busy homes. If you run through sweaty gear often, the tall shape helps air move so odors do not stew. For dorms, apartments, and family bathrooms, it stands out as the best laundry basket for smelly clothes that still looks sleek.

SOLEDI 100L Hamper, Lid + Removable Bag (Grey)

The grey SOLEDI version brings the same 100L power with a lighter finish that blends in. The lid keeps odors contained and blocks the view of dirty clothes. The removable inner bag is a lifesaver. You lift out the bag, not the whole hamper, which saves your back and your walls from scuffs.

It stands upright even when empty, and it folds down flat when you want to store it. The neutral grey works in baths, bedrooms, and laundry rooms. I like it for guests or kids because it looks tidy. If you want the best laundry basket for smelly clothes with a calm, soft look, this fits well.

Pros:

• Large 100L capacity for weekly laundry cycles
• Lid helps trap odors from damp towels and shirts
• Removable bag is washable and simple to carry
• Freestanding design for easy toss-in use
• Light grey shade hides dust and blends with decor
• Folds flat for quick storage between moves

Cons:

• No wheels for heavy loads on long hallways
• Single compartment, no built-in sorting
• Fabric may wrinkle when collapsed for long periods

My Recommendation

Choose this if you prefer a light, modern look with strong odor control. The lid and tall frame make it easy to live with, even in tight spaces. The removable bag is great for laundromats and shared laundry rooms. For those seeking the best laundry basket for smelly clothes without clutter, this grey SOLEDI is a clean and safe bet.

FairyHaus 78L Laundry Basket, 2-Pack (Grey)

This FairyHaus two-pack gives you two 78L baskets for easy sorting. One can be for sweaty gym clothes and the other for everyday wear. The easy-carry handles feel secure in hand. The baskets are collapsible and light, so they suit dorms and small apartments.

I like using one basket as a “wet zone” for towels and swimsuits. The second basket can hold dry clothes or bedding. Having two baskets also spreads out the load, which helps prevent odor build-up. If you want the best laundry basket for smelly clothes and prefer to sort at the start, this bundle is smart.

Pros:

• Two baskets for instant sorting of smelly vs. regular laundry
• 78L capacity per basket handles a strong weekly load
• Comfortable handles make stairs safer
• Collapsible design saves space when not in use
• Lightweight yet sturdy for frequent trips
• Clean grey color works in any room

Cons:

• No lid, so odors are less contained when nearby
• No removable liner bag for travel to laundry
• May tip if overloaded with heavy wet items

My Recommendation

Go with FairyHaus if you like sorting from day one. Two baskets let you isolate damp or sweaty clothes fast, which helps cut smells. They are easy to carry and store. For those who need the best laundry basket for smelly clothes but want a flexible system, this 2-pack is a budget-friendly win.

Lifewit 80L Laundry Hampers, 2-Pack (Grey)

The Lifewit 2-pack offers two 80L hampers with a freestanding frame. The interior has a coated layer that resists moisture. This helps with damp towels after a workout or swim. The handles feel reinforced and are easy to grip with one hand.

I like the balance here—slightly less capacity than the 100L bins, but still plenty for family use. Two baskets help you split odors and prevent that sour smell. They fold flat when you need to reclaim floor space. If you want the best laundry basket for smelly clothes with everyday durability, these are a top pick.

Pros:

• Two 80L hampers allow easy sorting for odor control
• Coated interior resists moisture from towels and gear
• Freestanding, yet collapsible for storage
• Reinforced handles for safer carrying
• Sleek grey fabric that blends with most rooms
• Great value for households or roommates

Cons:

• No lid, so some odor can escape in small rooms
• No removable inner bag, which some users prefer
• Soft-sided design can warp if overpacked

My Recommendation

Choose Lifewit if you need two strong baskets with moisture resistance. They stand up on their own and handle daily use with ease. For families, roommates, or fitness fans, they help split the smelly stuff from the rest. If you want the best laundry basket for smelly clothes with a simple, durable design, this 2-pack delivers.

HomeHacks 75L Laundry Baskets, 2-Pack (Grey)

The HomeHacks 2-pack brings two 75L baskets with a freestanding build. They are light, sturdy, and easy to move. Reinforced handles make hauling them down stairs much safer. The interior coating helps repel light moisture from towels or damp clothes.

They do not have lids, but the open top lets air move. That can help reduce trapped odors when you cannot wash right away. With two baskets, you can separate gym clothes from work outfits. For a budget path to the best laundry basket for smelly clothes, this set is hard to beat.

Pros:

• Two 75L baskets give flexible sorting options
• Freestanding, collapsible, and lightweight
• Reinforced handles for safe carrying
• Coated interior helps resist light moisture
• Open-top design promotes airflow to reduce odor buildup
• Great value for the capacity

Cons:

• No lid to contain stronger odors
• 75L may be small for very large households
• Soft sides can bow with heavy, wet loads

My Recommendation

Pick HomeHacks if you prefer airflow and low cost. The open top speeds drying and can lower odor when you need time to wash. Two baskets make quick work of sorting. If you want the best laundry basket for smelly clothes on a budget, and you like light gear that stores flat, this set is a solid choice.

How I Test for Odor Control and Daily Usability

I test each hamper with real use. I rotate through gym gear, wet towels, and daily clothes. I look for how fast a smell builds up, and how fast it fades with airflow. I also carry each basket up and down stairs to see how the handles hold up.

I check how the lid sits and whether it traps odor or traps moisture. I pay attention to how the inner surface feels after holding damp items for a day. If it gets musty fast, that is a red flag. I also measure capacity with a mix of clothing types to see what a real 100L or 80L means at home.

Every pick above balances odor control and daily ease. The best laundry basket for smelly clothes should not only hide the smell, but also keep airflow moving. It should be simple to carry when full. It should also be easy to clean, so the hamper does not become a source of odor itself.

Buying Guide: What Makes a Basket Control Smell?

Smells happen when sweat bacteria grow. They thrive in warm, wet, still spaces. A good hamper fights these factors. It either lets air move or it isolates damp clothes in a washable bag.

Here is what matters most:

• Lid vs. Open Top: Lids hide odors and mess. But they can trap moisture. If you use a lid, wash more often or rely on a breathable liner.
• Airflow: Mesh panels or tall shapes allow better air movement. That helps moisture evaporate, making less smell.
• Removable Bags: Liners that pull out make transport simple. They also let you wash the bag to remove odor.
• Moisture Resistance: Coated interiors resist wet stains. This reduces the chance of a musty hamper.
• Capacity: For weekly laundry, aim for 75–100L. Bigger is not always better if it means clothes sit longer.
• Handles and Comfort: Reinforced handles make carrying safer and faster. That matters when the basket is full of wet towels.

I also look at cleaning. The best laundry basket for smelly clothes should be easy to wipe. Removable liners should be machine washable. Simple care makes a big difference after months of use.

Care Tips: Stop Odors Before They Start

Even the best laundry basket for smelly clothes needs a few daily habits. These simple steps keep your hamper fresh and your room clean. They also help your clothes last longer.

• Air out damp gear before tossing it in. Ten minutes can help a lot.
• Use two baskets for sweaty vs. regular clothes.
• Wash the liner or wipe the interior weekly.
• Add a small box of baking soda near the hamper to absorb smells.
• Do a hot wash for gym clothes when the care tag allows.
• Do not overfill. Overpacked hampers trap moisture.

These habits are easy to keep. They cut down on odor and the time you spend fighting it. They also help any basket, from budget to premium.

Sizing Guide: How Big Is Big Enough?

Pick a size based on people and habits. One person often needs 50–75L. Couples can use 75–100L. Families may mix two baskets or use one 100L plus a 75–80L for sweaty or damp items.

Remember, the best laundry basket for smelly clothes is not only about volume. It is about speed. If a 100L bin means you wait two weeks to wash, smells will grow. Two mid-size baskets can beat one huge bin for odor control.

Real-World Use Cases: Match Your Basket to Your Life

For gym regulars: Use a basket with a lid and a removable bag. It keeps odors inside and lets you wash the liner. The SOLEDI 100L models are ideal.

For swimmers and families with towels: Use a moisture-resistant interior with open ventilation to let water evaporate. The Lifewit and HomeHacks sets shine here.

For small spaces and dorms: A freestanding collapsible basket is key. The two-pack options give you sorting without taking too much room. FairyHaus is light and easy to carry.

For fast sorting: Two baskets save time. Keep one for lights and one for darks, or one for sweaty clothes and one for regular. This habit boosts freshness and speed on laundry day.

Odor Control Myths, Debunked

Myth: A tighter lid always fixes smell. Truth: A lid hides smells but can trap moisture. You still need airflow or fast washing.

Myth: Bigger baskets are better. Truth: Bigger baskets can allow more odor if you wait longer to wash. Sometimes, two mid-size baskets are best.

Myth: All liners stop odor. Truth: Liners help, but they need cleaning. Wash or wipe them weekly to keep musty smells away.

Sustainability and Safety Notes

A good hamper should last years. Look for strong stitching and tough handles. A removable bag is a plus because you can replace it without buying a whole new hamper. That reduces waste.

Safety matters too. Reinforced handles and balanced bases help you carry heavy loads without slips. If you have stairs, test grip comfort before loading to the top. The best laundry basket for smelly clothes is the one you can carry safely when full.

Style and Placement Tips

Match your hamper to your rooms. Black looks sharp in modern bedrooms. Grey vanishes into most bathrooms. Two baskets can sit side by side under a shelf for silent sorting.

Place the hamper where you undress. That simple step reduces floor piles and odor hot spots. If you work out at home, keep a separate basket in the garage or near the door. That keeps sweat gear out of the bedroom air.

How to Clean Your Hamper Without Harsh Chemicals

Weekly, wipe the interior with warm water and a mild detergent. For liners, wash on warm if the care tag allows. Air dry fully before reuse. This beats back odor without harsh fumes.

For stubborn smells, a diluted white vinegar solution can help. Test in a small hidden area first. Let the basket air in sunlight when possible. Sunlight helps remove lingering odor naturally.

FAQs Of best laundry basket for smelly clothes

How do I stop my hamper from smelling?

Air out damp clothes before tossing them in. Use two baskets to separate sweaty items. Clean the liner weekly and do not overfill.

Is a lid better for smelly clothes?

A lid hides odors, but it can trap moisture. It is best with a removable, washable liner and regular washing.

What size hamper should I get?

For one person, 50–75L works. Couples do well with 75–100L. Families should consider two baskets for better odor control.

Do moisture-resistant liners help?

Yes. They repel light moisture from towels and gym gear, which helps prevent musty smells.

Can I wash the liner bag?

Most removable liners are washable. Check the care tag. Washing the bag often keeps odors low.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want a lidded basket with carry ease, the SOLEDI 100L with a removable bag is the best laundry basket for smelly clothes in most homes.

If you prefer two-bin sorting, pick Lifewit or HomeHacks for airflow and moisture resistance. For budget sorting with light weight, FairyHaus is a smart 2-pack choice.

Adnan