{ "schema": "whattobuyfor/v1", "type": "situation", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/laundry-basics/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/laundry-basics.json", "publisher": "What to Buy For", "method": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/how-we-build-a-basket/", "pricesAsOf": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "priceNote": "Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.", "affiliateDisclosure": "Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.", "title": "What to buy for laundry basics", "section": "home", "answer": "Seven things to start doing your own washing: five for the wash itself, from detergent to a basket, and two for drying, an airer and pegs. Washing machines, tumble dryers and irons are not included.", "published": "2026-09-27", "updated": "2026-09-27", "noindex": false, "whyThisBasket": [ "Built from Which?'s washing guide: liquid for colours, new darks kept away from whites, mesh bags for delicates, and no overloading of the drum or the airer.", "Care labels settle the details. GINETEX, the association behind the symbols, explains each one, and the questions below decode them.", "The detergent is non-bio, the gentler type, so the basket adds a stain remover for the stains Which? says non-bio handles less well." ], "basket": [ { "id": "the-wash", "label": "The wash", "intro": null, "countsTowardTotal": true, "roles": [ { "role": "A liquid detergent", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/laundry-basics/#role-detergent", "quantity": "1 bottle", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0CVXYS9L2", "name": "Persil Non Bio Laundry Washing Liquid Detergent 95", "amazonTitle": "Persil Non Bio Laundry Washing Liquid Detergent 95 washes (2.565 L)", "brand": "Persil", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41w07VPkYaL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVXYS9L2", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0CVXYS9L2.json", "price": { "amount": 10.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": { "amount": 10.44, "currency": "GBP" }, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:20:59.966Z", "rating": 4.7, "ratings": 2929, "boughtLastMonth": "10K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 3, "category": "Liquid Detergent" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 8, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Gets everyday loads clean, even at lower temperatures", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Leaves clothes with a fresh, clean smell", "count": 5 }, { "text": "The big bottle lasts ages and works out good value", "count": 7 } ], "watchOutFor": [] }, "ourName": "Persil Non Bio washing liquid (95 washes)", "ourTake": "Which? says liquids are good at keeping colours bright, while powder suits whites but can fade colours. It describes non-bio formulas, made without enzymes, as designed to be gentle on sensitive skin but less effective on tough stains. The listing gives 95 washes from this bottle." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "Which?: How to wash clothes, towels and bedding", "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/washing-machines/article/how-to-wash-clothes-asb9X1S4fV88", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A stain remover for the wash", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/laundry-basics/#role-stain-remover", "quantity": "1 tub", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B07RH3N7BF", "name": "Vanish Gold Oxi Action Stain Remover Powder", "amazonTitle": "Vanish Gold Oxi Action Stain Remover Powder, 1.5kg", "brand": "Vanish", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515sQ3PlJQL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RH3N7BF", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B07RH3N7BF.json", "price": { "amount": 10, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": { "amount": 9, "currency": "GBP" }, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:00.028Z", "rating": 4.7, "ratings": 14984, "boughtLastMonth": "7K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 3, "category": "Stain Removers" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Lifts older, set-in stains a normal wash left behind", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Brightens whites and does not fade colours", "count": 6 }, { "text": "A pre-soak or paste works best on the toughest marks", "count": 3 } ], "watchOutFor": [] }, "ourName": "Vanish Gold Oxi Action powder, 1.5 kg", "ourTake": "Which? explains that enzymes in bio detergent break down protein-based stains; non-bio has none, so a separate stain remover covers the gap. This Vanish tub is a stain remover powder, per the listing. Follow its label and the garment's care label." }, "budget": { "asin": "B0D5QSPJBK", "name": "by Amazon Oxy Power Stain Remover Powder for", "amazonTitle": "by Amazon Oxy Power Stain Remover Powder for Colours, 1kg", "brand": "by Amazon", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mL0t2eGnL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D5QSPJBK", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0D5QSPJBK.json", "price": { "amount": 3.22, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": { "amount": 3.06, "currency": "GBP" }, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:00.741Z", "rating": 4.6, "ratings": 1944, "boughtLastMonth": "10K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 5, "category": "Stain Removers" } }, "buyersSay": null, "ourName": "by Amazon Oxy Power stain remover for colours, 1 kg" }, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "Which?: How to wash clothes, towels and bedding", "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/washing-machines/article/how-to-wash-clothes-asb9X1S4fV88", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "Colour catcher sheets for mixed loads", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/laundry-basics/#role-colour-catcher", "quantity": "1 box of 40", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0B1QLF4SY", "name": "Colour Catcher Complete Action+ Laundry Sheets", "amazonTitle": "Colour Catcher Complete Action+ Laundry Sheets, Helps to Prevent Colour Run and Protects Brightness - 40 Sheets", "brand": "Colour Catcher", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TKZuAJ5FL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B1QLF4SY", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0B1QLF4SY.json", "price": { "amount": 3.75, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": { "amount": 3.37, "currency": "GBP" }, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:01.841Z", "rating": 4.8, "ratings": 1167, "boughtLastMonth": "9K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Tumble Dryer Sheets" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Catches loose dye so colours do not run onto whites", "count": 8 }, { "text": "Sheets come out visibly tinted, so you see what they caught", "count": 3 }, { "text": "Large, thick sheets, and a box of 40 lasts a long time", "count": 3 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Not a full substitute for sorting, especially with new bold colours", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "Colour Catcher Complete Action+ sheets (40)", "ourTake": "Which? says never to wash new, brightly coloured clothes with whites, because dye can bleed in the first one or two washes. If you have to mix, it suggests a 30°C wash and a colour catcher product. This box holds 40 sheets, per the listing." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "Which?: How to wash clothes, towels and bedding", "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/washing-machines/article/how-to-wash-clothes-asb9X1S4fV88", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "Mesh bags for delicates", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/laundry-basics/#role-mesh-bags", "quantity": "1 pack of 4", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B096XY4PJG", "name": "4 Pack Mesh Laundry Wash Bag", "amazonTitle": "4 Pack Mesh Laundry Wash Bag, Mesh Laundry Bags With Zips (L+M, White)", "brand": "FUYOAL", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51E9iYfEcsS._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B096XY4PJG", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B096XY4PJG.json", "price": { "amount": 5.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:20:59.525Z", "rating": 4.6, "ratings": 3474, "boughtLastMonth": "6K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 2, "category": "Laundry Bags" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 9, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "The zip tucks under a cover, so it stays shut and does not snag", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Bigger than expected, with large bags for shirts and medium for socks", "count": 7 }, { "text": "The mesh is stronger than it looks", "count": 5 } ], "watchOutFor": [] }, "ourName": "FUYOAL mesh laundry bags with zips (4)", "ourTake": "Which? says to put delicate items in a mesh bag before washing so threads do not catch on the drum, and to fasten buttons and zips first. This pack has four zipped mesh bags in two sizes, per the listing." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "Which?: How to wash clothes, towels and bedding", "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/washing-machines/article/how-to-wash-clothes-asb9X1S4fV88", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A laundry basket with a lid", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/laundry-basics/#role-basket", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0DG533SG6", "name": "Lifewit 85L Laundry Basket with Lid", "amazonTitle": "Lifewit 85L Laundry Basket with Lid, Foldable, Handles & Bag, Beige", "brand": "Lifewit", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-CaHUGQ+L._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DG533SG6", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0DG533SG6.json", "price": { "amount": 16.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:00.475Z", "rating": 4.6, "ratings": 4313, "boughtLastMonth": "2K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Laundry Baskets" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Goes together in a couple of minutes", "count": 7 }, { "text": "The inner bag lifts out to carry to the washing machine", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Holds a lot of washing but takes little floor space", "count": 5 } ], "watchOutFor": [] }, "ourName": "Lifewit 85 L laundry basket with lid", "ourTake": "Which? advises letting sweaty gym kit breathe before it goes in the basket, so the sweat evaporates instead of feeding the bacteria behind smells. This 85-litre basket folds, and has a lid, handles and a bag, per the listing." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "Which?: How to wash clothes, towels and bedding", "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/washing-machines/article/how-to-wash-clothes-asb9X1S4fV88", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] } ] }, { "id": "drying", "label": "Drying", "intro": null, "countsTowardTotal": true, "roles": [ { "role": "A clothes airer", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/laundry-basics/#role-airer", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0FHKY7T5Y", "name": "Harbour Housewares 3 Tier Foldable Clothes Airer", "amazonTitle": "Harbour Housewares 3 Tier Foldable Clothes Airer - Indoor Outdoor Laundry Drying Rack, Steel Frame, 18 Rails, Collapsible Space Saving Clothes Horse, Portable Clothing Dryer, Black", "brand": "Harbour Housewares", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41POzstmf-L._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FHKY7T5Y", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0FHKY7T5Y.json", "price": { "amount": 15.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:07.358Z", "rating": 4.1, "ratings": 296, "boughtLastMonth": "5K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Standing Dry Racks" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 8, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Folds flat and tucks into a narrow gap when not in use", "count": 4 }, { "text": "Three tiers take a full load with room to spread it out", "count": 3 }, { "text": "Sturdy enough for a normal load of everyday washing", "count": 5 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Light frame, so buyers keep heavy bedding off it", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "Harbour Housewares 3-tier clothes airer", "ourTake": "Which? says to dry clothes thoroughly and quickly, not leave them damp for days, and not to overload the airer. This folding three-tier airer has 18 rails, per the listing, so a load can be spread out. Drying clothes indoors has its own page." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "Which?: How to wash clothes, towels and bedding", "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/washing-machines/article/how-to-wash-clothes-asb9X1S4fV88", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "Pegs for the line or the airer", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/laundry-basics/#role-pegs", "quantity": "1 pack of 36", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0017RPFSW", "name": "Elliott Hardwood Clothes Pegs with Metal Coil Spring", "amazonTitle": "Elliott Hardwood Clothes Pegs with Metal Coil Spring for Firm Grip, Contoured to Prevent Leaving Marks on Clothing, This Pack Include 36 Pegs Ideal for Outdoor and Indoor Use", "brand": "Elliott", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41VKLbo2PZL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0017RPFSW", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0017RPFSW.json", "price": { "amount": 2.75, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-27T09:49:01.430Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": { "amount": 2.75, "currency": "GBP" }, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:07.648Z", "rating": 4.4, "ratings": 11746, "boughtLastMonth": "6K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Laundry Pegs" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Grip firmly and hold washing on the line in wind", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Wood stands up to the weather better than plastic pegs", "count": 3 }, { "text": "Cheap for a pack of 36", "count": 4 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Small springs, so some pegs come apart quite easily", "count": 3 } ] }, "ourName": "Elliott hardwood clothes pegs (36)", "ourTake": "Which? says an outdoor washing line keeps items fresh. These are 36 hardwood pegs with metal springs, and the listing says they are shaped so they do not leave marks on clothes." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "Which?: How to wash clothes, towels and bedding", "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/washing-machines/article/how-to-wash-clothes-asb9X1S4fV88", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] } ] } ], "totals": { "today": { "amount": 66.46, "currency": "GBP", "itemsPriced": 7, "itemsMissingPrice": 0 }, "monthlyRunningCost": null }, "canWait": [ { "what": "Washing powder for whites", "why": "Which? says powder is best for whites and stains but can fade colours; add it once you wash whites as a separate load." }, { "what": "An iron and ironing board", "why": "Which? suggests hanging washing out soon after the cycle to limit creases; buy an iron once you know you need one." } ], "skip": [ { "what": "Fabric softener", "why": "Which? says it can make clothes smell worse in the long run, and advises leaving it out for towels and synthetics." } ], "questions": [ { "question": "What do the symbols on a clothes care label mean?", "answer": "There are five, says GINETEX. The tub is washing: the number is the maximum temperature and a bar underneath means a milder cycle. The triangle covers bleaching. The square is drying, with a circle inside for tumble drying and lines for line or flat drying. The iron's dots show the ironing temperature, and the circle is professional cleaning." }, { "question": "Should I use bio or non-bio washing detergent?", "answer": "Bio if stains are the main problem, non-bio if gentleness matters more. Which? explains that bio detergents contain enzymes that break down protein-based stains, while non-bio products are designed to be gentle on sensitive skin and are less effective on tough stains." }, { "question": "Can I wash colours and whites together?", "answer": "Not new, bright colours. Which? says dye can bleed onto lighter clothes in the first one or two washes, especially on a hot cycle. If you have to mix, wash at 30°C and add a colour catcher." }, { "question": "What temperature should I wash towels and bedding at?", "answer": "Which? suggests 40°C rather than 60°C for towels, with the drum no more than three-quarters full, and 60°C for most bedding. Silk sheets go at 30°C with a mild detergent. Check the care label first." }, { "question": "How long can wet washing stay in the machine?", "answer": "No more than 8 to 12 hours, says Which?. If the washing smells less than fresh, run the wash again." } ], "sources": [ { "name": "Which?: How to wash clothes, towels and bedding", "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/washing-machines/article/how-to-wash-clothes-asb9X1S4fV88", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "GINETEX: Care symbols", "url": "https://www.ginetex.net/gb/labelling/care-symbols.asp", "checked": "2026-09-26" } ], "related": [ { "title": "What to buy for drying clothes indoors", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/drying-clothes-indoors/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/drying-clothes-indoors.json" }, { "title": "What to buy for a university room", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-university-room/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-university-room.json" }, { "title": "What to buy for hard water", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hard-water/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hard-water.json" } ] }