The laundry basket and how often to empty it
Short answer: The laundry basket should be emptied before it is completely full, usually two to three times a week in an ordinary household. Damp clothes need to dry before they go in, and a basket that can breathe keeps odours and mould at bay.
Why the basket should not wait too long
Worn clothing contains sweat, skin cells and moisture. Left for a long time in a closed basket, it can develop a sour smell, and bacteria find good conditions to grow. Towels and sportswear that sit damp at the bottom are the worst and can start to smell after just a few days. The longer clothes lie there, the harder stains also become to remove. That is why it is a good habit to wash smaller loads several times a week rather than one large pile at the weekend.
How often to empty it
For one person in a small flat, one or two washes a week may be enough. A household with several adults often needs a load almost every day. A simple rule helps: when the basket is about two thirds full, it is time. That gives enough for a sensible load without crushing the clothes at the bottom or leaving them damp. Bedding, such as bamboo bedding, is usually washed separately every week or every other week.
Dry damp clothes first
Never put wet clothes straight into the basket. Hang towels, dressing gowns and sweaty tops on a hook or rack, and only put them in the basket once they are dry. The same goes for sleepwear if you have sweated during the night. A set of bamboo sleepwear for women can hang on a hanger for an hour in the morning before it goes in the basket. Moisture is the main cause of unpleasant smells in laundry.
Choose the right basket
A basket made of wicker, fabric or with holes in the sides lets air move through. Closed plastic boxes trap moisture and are best avoided unless the clothes going in are always dry. Many people find two or three compartments in one basket useful, so the laundry is already sorted into lights, darks and delicates. It saves time on washing day and makes it easier to see when a particular pile is ready for the machine.
Bedding has its own rhythm
Sheets and duvet covers are bulky and rarely fit into the everyday basket. Take them straight from the bed to the machine on washing day. On an adjustable bed, bamboo split sheets can be removed one side at a time, so you can wash one half while the other stays on. Let the sheets dry completely before they go into the cupboard, so no smell develops between the stacks during storage.
Small habits that help
Empty pockets before clothes go into the basket so paper and coins do not end up in the machine. Close zips and unbutton shirts so everything lasts longer. Read the care label as you sort and put delicate items in a mesh laundry bag. Viscose made from bamboo is washed at a low temperature and is best dried hanging up. When the basket is emptied regularly, laundry becomes a small, steady task instead of a large weekend project that hangs over you.
Frequently asked questions
How often should towels be washed
Many people wash them after three or four uses, provided they dry fully in between. If they start to smell, wash them straight away.
Can you remove the smell from a laundry basket
Yes. Empty it, wash or wipe it with a mix of vinegar and water, and let it dry fully in the open air, ideally outdoors.
Is it bad to leave laundry for a week
Dry clothes usually cope, but damp clothes can smell and develop stains that set. It is better to wash smaller loads more often.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
