Ever Wondered Why Laundry Baskets Have Holes? Here's Why

Evelyn Johnson

Written By, Evelyn Johnson

Updated on 11 Aug., 2025

8 min read

Why Do Laundry Baskets Have Holes
AI Generated Image: Murloft

Table of Content

    Table of Content

      Laundry is an important part of daily chores, and a laundry basket is one supporting element that is used to store dirty clothes. Baskets are also used to store clean clothes. Laundry baskets also help in the easy movement of clothes within the house. However, have you ever wondered why there is a hole in the laundry basket? There are many practical reasons for the holes which we discuss in this article.

      Reasons for Holes in the Laundry Baskets

      The laundry baskets have holes for multiple reasons, which we discuss later in this article. Here are some reasons:

      To Keep the Basket Lightweight

      Holes keep the basket lightweight. This is because dirty clothes have moisture built up from sweat, and washed clothes have moisture from the heat of the dryer. The moisture makes the clothes heavy. The holes in the basket provide enough ventilation for moisture to escape through them. This keeps the clothes dry and lightweight, which makes it easy to move from one place to another. Holes also keep mold and mildew away from the basket by reducing the moisture content. It is advisable to wash the laundry basket at least once a month with a cleaner.

      Allow Excess Water to Drain Out

      If you keep wet laundry in the basket, excess water can easily drain out from the holes. It may not be suitable for all cloth types, but for swimsuits or towels that remain damp for longer.

      Easy Identification of Clothes

      A White Plastic Laundry Basket Filled With Cloths
      AI Generated Image: Murloft

      The holes in the basket can help in the easy identification of clothes. Many homeowners have a big size basket where they keep all their dirty clothes together. Later on, they sort out clothes for washing based on different colors and textures and keep them in their respective small baskets.

      Better Aesthetics

      Apart from the functional element, there is another reason for holes in the laundry baskets. The holes create visual effects because holes allow light to pass through them.

      Durability

      Have you observed that baskets with holes have better structural integrity? The holes contribute to its strength and durability. This is because weight gets evenly distributed, reducing the chances of warping and breaking due to pressure.

      To Continue the Old Trend

      One of the reasons is beyond functionality and dates back to the trend in the past. In the past, laundry bags were made of woven baskets which had natural holes. As woven baskets were costly, manufacturers started copying the idea and made plastic laundry baskets. To mimic the natural holes in the woven baskets, manufacturers added holes in the basket.

      Types of Laundry Baskets

      Laundry baskets are available in different materials, shapes, colors, and sizes. Here are some of the basket variants:

      Plastic Laundry Baskets- It is a popular choice for many homeowners owing to their longevity, affordability, and availability in different colors and designs.

      Wicker Laundry Baskets- If you want to extend the rustic charm, a wicker basket is the right choice for you. It is woven from rattan and bamboo, which can easily add a pop of elegance.

      Fabric Laundry Baskets- These baskets are made of canvas or other fabric in various patterns and colors. The best feature is that it can be folded when not in use.

      Wire Mesh Laundry Baskets- This is the best option if you want to avoid the dirty odor of used dirty clothes. This is because wire mesh baskets have proper ventilation for odor to pass through the basket.

      Can You Use a Laundry Hamper?

      A Round Light Brown Wicker Basket
      AI Generated Image: Murloft

      Whether you use a hamper or a basket, holes are a functional requirement. If you wish to, you can use a hamper with holes or without holes to store dirty and washed clothes. However, using a hamper with a hole is advisable for odor to pass through the holes.

      The difference between the two is that laundry baskets are portable and lightweight, which eases the movement within the house, whereas the hamper is stationary. The design and size depend on your preference and utility.

      Conclusion

      There are several reasons for holes in the laundry basket, as discussed in this article. Knowing the reasons to choose any household items gives a sense of satisfaction. When selecting a laundry basket with holes, you would know the purpose, which will make you feel good.