How Kmart’s $35 item is making laundry day easier than ever
- Replies 4
Laundry might seem like a simple chore, but small details can make a big difference in how efficient—and hygienic—it really is.
A budget-friendly solution making waves among savvy shoppers has sparked fresh debate about what’s really worth your money when it comes to laundry storage.
But as experts weigh in, not everything is as convenient—or as clean—as it seems.
Of all the grown-up chores we inherit, laundry tends to be one of the least offensive.
While some find it meditative, others—especially those with big families or tight spaces—see it as a never-ending struggle, worsened by cramped laundry areas and poor storage options.
But a budget-friendly product spotted by shoppers recently sparked a wave of excitement online, promising to make washing day a little less miserable.
Shoppers on social media raved about a new laundry hamper from Kmart, which closely resembled a much pricier alternative from Joseph Joseph.
‘Kmart Australia have a new laundry hamper that competes with the Joseph Joseph Tota laundry hampers,’ one person posted.
‘These are $35. Absolutely love them. These are called the Anko Dual Section Laundry Hamper.’
Another chimed in: ‘Been waiting for this dupe!’
One shopper added: ‘Thank you so much, I so need this, but I couldn’t justify the Joseph Joseph price.’
The Anko hamper came in at a wallet-friendly $35, compared to the Joseph Joseph version, which usually sells for around $150.
Despite the savings, laundry expert Nicole Gibson from Söka Australia pointed out some important differences between the two.
While the Joseph Joseph design was made from bamboo with cotton inserts, the Kmart option used polyester.
‘Comparing them visually, you can tell the fabric’s not taut, it’s not as well made, it looks more flimsy and not as stylish,’ Nicole explained.
‘And the price point,’ she continued.
‘Well, you pay for what you get, and I think when you’re paying $150 for a Joseph Joseph one, you do get that quality. It’s aesthetically pleasing where the Kmart one isn’t really on point, but if that’s your budget, then it would certainly do the job.’
One user who tested the Kmart hamper claimed it stood up to the challenge, writing: ‘I am so glad I didn’t impulse buy the JJ brand when they had a sale because this was a much cheaper option and they are the same nice look inside. The only difference overall is the lid and the fact that the assembly is so much easier, too.’
Responding to someone who asked about its sturdiness, the same shopper said: ‘Very sturdy. I bought two so I can divide my laundry into four sections.’
Nicole said the trend of dual-section hampers might help streamline the sorting process but warned consumers not to get too caught up in appearances.
She cautioned that many people overlooked an important hygiene factor when it came to using laundry hampers in general.
‘The non-negotiable laundry rule when it comes to putting clothes in laundry hampers is that you cannot put damp, sweaty, moist, wet clothes in a hamper. Why? Because it will cause bacteria and mould to spread across the other clothing items that may be dry.’
‘You really do run the risk of that mould and bacteria growth with any sort of fabric laundry hampers.’
Nicole also said that placement played a big role, and keeping hampers in poorly ventilated areas could increase the risk of mould build-up.
She suggested shoppers prioritise designs with airflow features.
‘It’s easy to wipe out,’ Nicole said of her own hamper of choice.
‘You can hose it out, put it in the shower, but it’s got a lot of air vents. Air in your clothes is really important, the airflow is really important.’
While she admitted she preferred the look of the Joseph Joseph hamper, Nicole revealed her personal favourite was actually a slimline plastic hamper from Kmart, priced at around $19.
It featured breathable holes, making it more hygienic than fabric alternatives and easier to clean.
So, while the $35 Kmart hamper drew praise for its affordability and convenience, Nicole reminded buyers to look beyond just style and price.
In a previous story, we explored another Kmart find that had shoppers divided.
This time, it was a clever bathroom trick that sparked a heated debate over safety.
Check out the full story to see why it has everyone talking.
With so many affordable options out there, do you think it's worth spending more on a premium laundry hamper? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
A budget-friendly solution making waves among savvy shoppers has sparked fresh debate about what’s really worth your money when it comes to laundry storage.
But as experts weigh in, not everything is as convenient—or as clean—as it seems.
Of all the grown-up chores we inherit, laundry tends to be one of the least offensive.
While some find it meditative, others—especially those with big families or tight spaces—see it as a never-ending struggle, worsened by cramped laundry areas and poor storage options.
But a budget-friendly product spotted by shoppers recently sparked a wave of excitement online, promising to make washing day a little less miserable.
Kmart’s $35 laundry hamper is changing the game. Image source: TikTok/@multiverse_spider_mel
Shoppers on social media raved about a new laundry hamper from Kmart, which closely resembled a much pricier alternative from Joseph Joseph.
‘Kmart Australia have a new laundry hamper that competes with the Joseph Joseph Tota laundry hampers,’ one person posted.
‘These are $35. Absolutely love them. These are called the Anko Dual Section Laundry Hamper.’
Another chimed in: ‘Been waiting for this dupe!’
One shopper added: ‘Thank you so much, I so need this, but I couldn’t justify the Joseph Joseph price.’
The Anko hamper came in at a wallet-friendly $35, compared to the Joseph Joseph version, which usually sells for around $150.
Despite the savings, laundry expert Nicole Gibson from Söka Australia pointed out some important differences between the two.
While the Joseph Joseph design was made from bamboo with cotton inserts, the Kmart option used polyester.
‘Comparing them visually, you can tell the fabric’s not taut, it’s not as well made, it looks more flimsy and not as stylish,’ Nicole explained.
‘And the price point,’ she continued.
‘Well, you pay for what you get, and I think when you’re paying $150 for a Joseph Joseph one, you do get that quality. It’s aesthetically pleasing where the Kmart one isn’t really on point, but if that’s your budget, then it would certainly do the job.’
One user who tested the Kmart hamper claimed it stood up to the challenge, writing: ‘I am so glad I didn’t impulse buy the JJ brand when they had a sale because this was a much cheaper option and they are the same nice look inside. The only difference overall is the lid and the fact that the assembly is so much easier, too.’
Responding to someone who asked about its sturdiness, the same shopper said: ‘Very sturdy. I bought two so I can divide my laundry into four sections.’
Nicole said the trend of dual-section hampers might help streamline the sorting process but warned consumers not to get too caught up in appearances.
She cautioned that many people overlooked an important hygiene factor when it came to using laundry hampers in general.
‘The non-negotiable laundry rule when it comes to putting clothes in laundry hampers is that you cannot put damp, sweaty, moist, wet clothes in a hamper. Why? Because it will cause bacteria and mould to spread across the other clothing items that may be dry.’
‘You really do run the risk of that mould and bacteria growth with any sort of fabric laundry hampers.’
Nicole also said that placement played a big role, and keeping hampers in poorly ventilated areas could increase the risk of mould build-up.
She suggested shoppers prioritise designs with airflow features.
‘It’s easy to wipe out,’ Nicole said of her own hamper of choice.
‘You can hose it out, put it in the shower, but it’s got a lot of air vents. Air in your clothes is really important, the airflow is really important.’
While she admitted she preferred the look of the Joseph Joseph hamper, Nicole revealed her personal favourite was actually a slimline plastic hamper from Kmart, priced at around $19.
It featured breathable holes, making it more hygienic than fabric alternatives and easier to clean.
So, while the $35 Kmart hamper drew praise for its affordability and convenience, Nicole reminded buyers to look beyond just style and price.
In a previous story, we explored another Kmart find that had shoppers divided.
This time, it was a clever bathroom trick that sparked a heated debate over safety.
Kmart's bathroom hack sparks safety debate among shoppers. Image source: Facebook
Check out the full story to see why it has everyone talking.
With so many affordable options out there, do you think it's worth spending more on a premium laundry hamper? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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