Table of content:
White Vinegar and Baking Soda
Hydrogen Peroxide and Lemon Juice
Rubbing Alcohol and Microfiber Cloth
Oxygen Bleach and Hot Water
Discover effective and affordable ways to keep your laundry baskets fresh and clean with these DIY cleaning methods. This guide covers simple yet powerful solutions using everyday household items: White Vinegar and Baking Soda for natural deodorizing and stain removal, Hydrogen Peroxide and Lemon Juice for brightening and disinfecting, Rubbing Alcohol and a Microfiber Cloth for quick sanitizing, and Oxygen Bleach with Hot Water for deep cleaning tough grime. Each method is easy to follow and ensures your laundry baskets stay hygienic and odor-free.
Reviewed by Zac Kieffer
President at E-Cloth
Updated July, 20
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White Vinegar and Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda inside the laundry basket, then spray with white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, scrub with a brush, and rinse with warm water. This natural method deodorizes and removes grime effectively.
How to Clean Laundry Baskets with White Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need white vinegar, baking soda, a soft scrub brush or sponge, a spray bottle, and a clean towel. If your basket is plastic or metal, this method works well. For fabric or woven baskets, spot test first to avoid discoloration.
- Empty the basket completely. Shake out any loose debris or lint. If you see stuck-on gunk, give it a quick wipe with a dry cloth before you get started.
- Spray with vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Generously mist the inside and outside of the basket. Vinegar helps loosen grime and neutralize lingering odors from sweaty gym clothes or damp towels.
- Let it sit: Allow the vinegar to sit for about 10–15 minutes. This gives it time to work on any buildup. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn spot, you can soak a cloth in vinegar and lay it over the area.
- Sprinkle baking soda: After the vinegar has had its moment, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the damp surfaces. You’ll notice some fizzing—this is normal and helps lift residue.
- Scrub gently: Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the basket, paying extra attention to corners and crevices where lint and grime like to hide. For textured baskets, a toothbrush can help get into the nooks.
- Rinse thoroughly: Wipe down the basket with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover baking soda and vinegar. If your basket is waterproof, you can rinse it under running water. For fabric or woven baskets, use as little water as possible to avoid soaking the material.
- Dry completely: Use a towel to dry the basket, then let it air out until it’s fully dry. This helps prevent musty smells from coming back.
- Regular upkeep: To keep your laundry basket fresh, repeat this process every few weeks or whenever you notice odors or buildup. A quick wipe with vinegar between deep cleans can help keep things under control.
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Limited Disinfection Power
White vinegar and baking soda lack strong disinfectant properties, so they may not effectively kill all bacteria, viruses, or mold in laundry baskets, leaving surfaces inadequately sanitized.
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Hydrogen Peroxide and Lemon Juice
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the laundry basket, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a cloth. This natural cleaner helps disinfect and remove odors.
How to Clean Laundry Baskets with Hydrogen Peroxide and Lemon Juice
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need 3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind you find at the drugstore), a fresh lemon, a spray bottle, a soft brush or sponge, and a clean towel. If your basket is made of fabric, plastic, or metal, this method works for all three—just skip it for anything that’s unfinished wood or wicker, since too much moisture can warp or weaken those materials.
- Mix your cleaning solution: Pour about one cup of hydrogen peroxide into your spray bottle. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. The lemon juice adds a fresh scent and a little extra cleaning power thanks to its citric acid, which helps break down grime. Give the bottle a gentle shake to mix.
- Test a small area first: Before you go all in, spray a hidden spot on your basket and wait a few minutes. This checks for any weird reactions, especially if your basket is colored plastic or painted metal. If you see any fading or discoloration, stop and try a different cleaning method.
- Spray and let it sit: Lightly mist the inside and outside of your laundry basket with the solution. Don’t soak it—just a light, even coat. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. This gives the hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice time to work on surface grime and odors.
- Scrub gently: Use your soft brush or sponge to scrub away any visible dirt, especially in corners and crevices where lint and gunk like to hide. For stubborn spots, dip your brush in the solution and give them a little extra attention.
- Rinse and dry: Wipe down the basket with a damp towel to remove any leftover solution. If your basket is plastic or metal, you can rinse it in the shower or with a hose. For fabric baskets, stick to wiping with a damp towel to avoid soaking the material. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel or let it air dry before tossing laundry back in.
- Why this works: Hydrogen peroxide is a common household cleaner that helps break down stains and odors. Lemon juice brings a fresh scent and helps cut through grime. Together, they’re a solid team for routine cleaning—just remember, this is about cleaning, not disinfecting or sanitizing.
Material Damage Risk
Using hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice on laundry baskets may cause discoloration, weaken plastic, or damage finishes, especially on colored or delicate materials, leading to cracks or fading over time.
Streak-Free Wherever You Need It
E-Cloth is committed to delivering a clean you can see—effortlessly erasing messes with just water for a spotless shine, free of streaks and added chemicals.
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Rubbing Alcohol and Microfiber Cloth
Dampen a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe down the surfaces of the laundry basket. The rubbing alcohol disinfects and removes grime, leaving the basket clean and fresh without harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Laundry Baskets with Rubbing Alcohol and a Microfiber Cloth
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need a bottle of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol, ideally 70%), a clean microfiber cloth, and a well-ventilated area. Rubbing alcohol is a common household solvent that evaporates quickly, making it handy for cleaning hard surfaces.
- Empty the laundry basket: Take out any clothes, dryer sheets, or stray socks. Give the basket a quick shake outside to dislodge lint or debris hiding in the corners.
- Spot test first: If your basket is made of plastic, metal, or coated wire, rubbing alcohol is generally suitable. For painted or decorative finishes, test a small, hidden area first to make sure the alcohol doesn’t affect the color or finish.
- Dampen (don’t soak) the microfiber cloth: Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the cloth—just enough to make it damp, not dripping. Microfiber is a synthetic fabric designed to grab onto dust and grime, so you don’t need much liquid for it to work effectively.
- Wipe down all surfaces: Start at the top rim and work your way down, paying attention to handles, corners, and the bottom where lint and residue tend to collect. Use gentle, circular motions to help lift away grime. If you hit a stubborn spot, apply a bit more pressure or re-dampen your cloth.
- Let it air dry: Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, so you don’t need to rinse. Just leave the basket open in a well-ventilated spot for a few minutes. This helps any lingering moisture disappear and leaves the basket ready for your next load.
- Wash the microfiber cloth: After cleaning, toss your microfiber cloth in the laundry (avoid fabric softener, which can clog the fibers). This keeps it ready for your next cleaning session.
Residual Odor Retention
Rubbing alcohol may not fully eliminate deep-set odors in laundry baskets, leading to residual smells. The method can mask or temporarily reduce odors, but it may not penetrate porous surfaces or remove odor-causing bacteria completely.
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Oxygen Bleach and Hot Water
Dissolve oxygen bleach in hot water according to package instructions. Dip a sponge or cloth into the solution and scrub the laundry basket thoroughly. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with clean water and allow to air dry. This method disinfects and removes stains without harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Laundry Baskets with Oxygen Bleach and Hot Water
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need oxygen bleach (like OxiClean or a generic sodium percarbonate powder), hot water, a soft brush or sponge, and a clean towel. Make sure your laundry basket is empty and free of loose debris before you start.
- Mix your solution: In a bucket or large sink, dissolve the recommended amount of oxygen bleach in hot water. (Check the package for exact measurements—usually about one scoop per gallon of water.) Oxygen bleach is a powder that releases oxygen when mixed with water, helping to lift stains and grime from surfaces.
- Apply the solution: If your basket fits in the sink or tub, submerge it in the solution. For larger baskets, dip your brush or sponge into the mixture and scrub all surfaces, paying extra attention to corners, crevices, and the bottom where lint and residue like to hide.
- Let it sit: Allow the solution to work for about 10–15 minutes. This gives the oxygen bleach time to break down dirt and stains. Don’t let it dry out completely—if it starts to, just splash on a bit more solution.
- Scrub stubborn spots: Use your brush or sponge to tackle any areas with visible buildup. Oxygen bleach is less likely to damage plastic or coated surfaces than traditional chlorine bleach, but always test a small area first if you’re unsure.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the basket with clean, warm water to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. Leftover residue can attract more dirt or cause streaks.
- Dry completely: Wipe down the basket with a clean towel or let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Make sure it’s fully dry before tossing clothes back in to help prevent musty odors.
- Extra tip: For baskets with a lot of small holes or textured surfaces, use an old toothbrush to get into tight spots. If your basket is made of fabric or has a liner, check the care label before soaking—some materials may not handle prolonged exposure to hot water well.
Incomplete Stain Removal
Oxygen bleach and hot water may not fully remove tough or set-in stains from laundry baskets, especially if the stains are old, deeply embedded, or if the material is not compatible with this cleaning method.
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