How to Clean a Hamper

Cleaning a hamper is an essential part of good housekeeping. A clean hamper keeps your clothes free from mold, mildew and stains. Follow these tips to clean your hampers and use them as part of your regular housecleaning routine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Water
• Vacuum
• Sponges

1. Take clothes out of the hamper and put them in the washing machine. Turn the hamper upside down and shake it to remove dirt, lint and other debris. Do this over a trash can or outside where clean up won't be necessary.

2. Insert the round brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner into the hamper. Turn the machine on the lowest setting and vacuum over the hamper. Keep the attachment above the hamper's parts so that no part of the hamper gets sucked into the vacuum. If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove debris.

3. Make a paste out of baking soda and water. Dip a soft sponge into the paste and gently wipe the hamper's interior and exterior with the solution. The solution will remove stains and fight odors. Mix 1 tbs. of salt with 1 qt. of water. Wet another clean sponge with this mixture and wipe off the paste.

4. Combat tough stains with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice. Scrub it into the stain gently.

5. Place the hamper outside and let it air dry.

6. Repair the hamper when it's dried. Check joints, screws and weaving if the hamper is made of wicker.

7. Wash any liners that may come with the hamper. Throw the liner into the washing machine on a normal cycle. Mold on the liner can be removed by presoaking it in a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water.

Tips & Warnings

• Food particles should be removed from clothes and stains should be pre-treated before putting the clothes into the hamper.
• Keep your hamper dry. Mold may grow on a wet hamper.
• Don't scrub the hampers too hard.
• Keep wicker hampers away from sunlight, as it can cause shrinkage, cracking or other damage.