Doing laundry while traveling can be a breeze! How To Do Laundry While Traveling is a common concern for many travelers, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. TRAVELS.EDU.VN offers practical solutions to keep your clothes clean on the go, whether you’re backpacking, on a luxury vacation, or somewhere in between. From utilizing hotel services to mastering the art of hand washing and finding convenient laundromats, we’ve got you covered with efficient and budget-friendly options. Embrace travel laundry tips and travel washing to ensure you pack light and always have fresh clothes.
1. What Are My Laundry Options While Traveling?
Your laundry options while traveling vary depending on your budget, destination, and travel style. Understanding these options ensures you can keep your clothes clean without disrupting your trip.
1.1. Hotel Laundry Services: Convenience at a Premium
Full-service hotels often provide laundry services that include washing, drying, ironing, and folding. Some also offer dry cleaning. You’ll typically find a laundry bag and a form in your room detailing the services and rates. Simply fill out the form, place your clothes in the bag, and follow the instructions for pick-up, usually by housekeeping.
Clothes are typically returned within 24 hours, though some hotels offer same-day express service. While convenient, this is usually the most expensive option. In the United States and Western Europe, expect to pay around $3 to $5 per shirt, $6 per dress, and $2 to $3 for underwear. A full load could cost $30 to $50, significantly more than a laundromat.
However, in countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, hotel laundry services can be much more affordable, sometimes costing only a few dollars per load. Luxury hotels in these regions may still charge higher prices, so it’s worth checking.
Hotel laundry service travel convenience
1.2. Hand Washing: Economical and Efficient
Hand washing in your hotel sink or bathtub is a great way to clean smaller items like socks, underwear, and t-shirts. Fill the sink with water, add laundry soap, and wash your clothes by hand. Hang them over the bathtub or shower to dry. For a detailed guide, check out our step-by-step instructions.
This method works best with quick-dry fabrics that can dry overnight. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon dry faster than natural fibers like cotton. Brands like Columbia, Ex-Officio, prAna, and Adidas offer quick-dry clothing perfect for travel.
Remember to bring your own laundry soap, a sink stopper, and a travel clothesline. Some hotels may discourage hand washing due to potential messes and water waste, so be mindful and avoid causing damage.
1.3. Self-Service Laundry Facilities: A Balanced Approach
Booking accommodations with self-service laundry facilities, such as apartments, campsites, or hostels, offers a convenient and often more affordable solution.
Apartments and vacation rentals with washing machines are a great option, with usage typically free in private rentals or coin-operated in shared buildings. Check if laundry detergent is provided or if you need to bring your own. Vacation rentals can be a good option if you are seeking an apartment or room with laundry facilities while traveling. You can also check out our other suggested apartment booking sites like AirBnB
Hostels, apartment complexes, cruise ships, and some RV parks also offer self-service laundry, usually for a small fee (around $2 per load). These facilities typically require coins or cash, and you’ll need to bring your own detergent.
1.4. Laundromats: Inexpensive and Comprehensive
Laundromats, also known as coin laundries or launderettes, provide self-service washing and drying machines. Some offer additional services like drop-off laundry, dry cleaning, and tailoring. While common in some countries, they may be rare in others, so research your destinations in advance.
Machines usually operate with coins or tokens, costing about $1 to $3 per wash and dry. Most laundromats have heavy-duty machines that can handle larger loads quickly. Drop-off services are available but cost three to four times more than doing it yourself.
To pass the time, bring a book, headphones, or a tablet. Some modern laundromats offer amenities like WiFi, TVs, and work desks. Laundromats are an inexpensive way to do all your laundry at once and can be a place to meet fellow travelers.
Coin laundry tips for travelers
1.5. Local Laundry Services: Hidden Gems
In areas without laundromats, seek out local laundry services where you can drop off your clothes and have them washed for you.
These services may be part of dry cleaners, tailors, or local families offering laundry services from their homes. Finding them can be tricky, so ask at your lodging or among locals. Prices vary by country but can be very affordable in some regions. Hotels and guesthouses often suggest someone or offer to do laundry for a small fee.
1.6. RV and Campervan Laundry: On-the-Road Solutions
Traveling by RV or campervan provides several laundry options. You can stop at laundromats, hand wash items (with more space for supplies and outdoor drying), or use coin-operated laundry facilities at RV parks.
Mini portable washing units are available for compact spaces, and some larger RVs have built-in washing machines and dryers.
1.7. Outdoor Hand Washing: Camping and Hiking
For camping, hiking, or backpacking trips, use natural water resources to wash your clothes. Always use biodegradable, environmentally friendly soaps like Campsuds or Sea to Summit.
A Scrubba washing bag can help get clothes cleaner. Fill the bag with water, soap, and clothes, scrub, and rinse. A dry bag can serve the same purpose. Campsites typically offer laundry facilities or sinks for hand washing.
2. What Essential Items Should I Pack in My Travel Laundry Kit?
Packing the right items can make laundry on the go much easier. Here are some essentials for your travel laundry kit.
2.1. Sink Stopper: A Must-Have
A sink stopper is essential for hand washing clothes in hotel sinks or bathtubs. Many hotels lack stoppers, so bring a universal one that lies flat over the drain.
2.2. Travel Clothesline: Drying Made Easy
A travel clothesline lets you hang clothes to dry in your hotel room, apartment, campsite, or RV. Avoid lines that rely solely on suction cups; instead, choose one with hooks, carabiners, or stretchy loops for versatile attachment.
Test the clothesline at home to understand how to use it. Pack extra lightweight carabiners or Velcro straps for more attachment options. For braided elastic lines, insert the fabric between the elastic parts. Lines with clothespins attached are also a great option. Consider packing two lines for heavier loads.
Travel clothesline laundry
2.3. Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent: Compact and Effective
Bring travel-sized bottles or tubes filled with your favorite laundry soap or buy travel-sized detergents. Liquid detergents are most effective, but sheets, powders, and soap bars are also available. Non-liquid options are typically for hand washing only.
Consider sensitive skin formulas if needed. Be aware that travel detergents may be gentler and less effective on tough stains. Fabric softener can also be useful for hand-washed clothes. If using washing machines, check for detergent recommendations beforehand.
For air travel, use containers holding 3.4 fluid ounces (100 ml) or less for carry-on luggage.
2.4. Travel Washing Bag: Enhanced Cleaning
A hand washing bag like the Scrubba offers a more effective cleaning method than hand washing alone. This bag includes an internal washboard to scrub clothes.
Fill the bag with water, detergent, and clothing, roll and clip it, remove the air, and rub the clothing for about 3 minutes. Then, release the dirty water, rinse, and hang the clothes to dry. The Scrubba is ideal for smaller items and can be used to store laundry supplies. Dry bags can also be used for this purpose.
Scrubba travel washing bag
2.5. Dryer Sheets: Softness and Freshness
Pack dryer sheets to keep clothes soft and static-free when using dryers. They also freshen up your luggage. Choose non-toxic or reusable options for an eco-friendly choice.
2.6. Travel Laundry Bag or Cube: Organization
Use a drawstring bag, packing cube, or special pouch to store dirty laundry separately from clean clothes.
3. What Laundry Solutions Are Ideal for RV and Campervan Travel?
RV and campervan travelers have unique laundry needs and options.
3.1. RV Drying Racks: Indoor and Outdoor Drying
Use collapsible drying racks designed for RVs, some of which attach to the vehicle’s ladder.
3.2. Plastic Basin or Dishpan: Versatile Washing
A plastic basin or dishpan provides a convenient solution for hand washing, soaking, and washing dishes. Store your laundry supplies in it when not in use.
3.3. Washboard: Enhanced Hand Washing
A washboard helps get clothes cleaner and scrub out stains. Compact sizes are available for easy storage. Mini handheld scrubbers are also a great option.
3.4. Portable Washing Machines: Compact Convenience
Consider a portable and compact washing unit, such as a mini spin washing machine or an electricity-free hand-cranked model.
3.5. Washing Machine and Dryer Units for RVs: Long-Term Solutions
Larger RVs can accommodate compact or full-size washing and dryer units designed for RV use. While expensive and space-consuming, they offer long-term convenience.
4. What About Ultrasonic Cleaning Washing Machines?
Ultrasonic cleaning technology uses ultrasound and water to clean. Portable ultrasonic washing machines are marketed for travel but may not be as effective on clothing due to their porous surfaces. They may also lack the power needed for thorough cleaning and may not be dual voltage for international travel. It’s best to read recent reviews before purchasing.
5. How Do I Hand Wash Clothes While Traveling?
Hand washing clothes is a valuable skill for travelers. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
5.1. Step 1: Sort Your Clothing
Sort clothes by color and fabric type, washing darks and lights separately. Check clothing labels for specific care instructions.
5.2. Step 2: Clean the Sink, Tub, or Basin
Wash out the sink or bath before using it to avoid staining or discoloring clothes.
5.3. Step 3: Fill the Sink & Add Detergent
Fill the sink with lukewarm water and add the appropriate amount of laundry soap.
5.4. Step 4: Add Clothing
Place only a couple of items into the sink at a time for best results. Use a bathtub or basin if you have a lot of clothing.
5.5. Step 5: Swirl, Swish, and Scrub
Swirl, swish, and knead the clothing in the soapy water for about 2 minutes. Focus on soiled areas and stains. Use a laundry scrubbing brush or washboard for heavily soiled items. Add fabric softener if desired.
5.6. Step 6: Rinse
Rinse the clothing in clean water until no more soap suds appear. This may take several rinses.
Hand washing clothes in sink tips
5.7. Step 7: Gently Squeeze or Pat Out Water
Gently squeeze the water out of the clothing. For delicate items, roll them in a thick towel to absorb water.
5.8. Step 8: Hang Clothing or Lay Flat to Dry
Hang your clothing on a travel clothesline, shower bar, or clothing dryer rack. Hang in a ventilated space and ensure dripping water won’t damage surfaces. Read care instructions for specific drying recommendations.
6. What’s in Our Travel Laundry Kit?
Our travel laundry kit includes essentials for hand washing and maintaining clean clothes on the go.
- Sink Stopper: We use a universal stopper that fits most drains.
- Laundry Detergent: We prefer liquid or gel detergents from brands like Sea to Summit and Dr. Beckmann.
- Travel Clothesline: We pack a bungee stretch clothesline by Coghlan’s.
- Carabiners: Extra carabiners provide more attachment options for the clothesline.
- Isopropyl Alcohol: Used for disinfecting reusable face masks and other items.
We keep liquid products in a Ziploc bag and store everything in a mesh zipper bag.
7. What Are Some Essential Tips for Doing Laundry While Traveling?
Here are some tips to help you efficiently manage laundry while traveling.
- Consider your destination and travel style to determine the best laundry methods.
- Plan your laundry strategy before your trip to save time.
- Always read clothing care labels.
- Pack gentle laundry soap if you have sensitive skin.
- Time your washing to allow enough time for clothes to dry completely.
- Bring multiple clotheslines for large loads.
- Research laundromats in advance to ensure they are available.
- Book accommodations with laundry facilities in advance if needed.
- Respect neighbors by doing laundry during acceptable hours.
- Be aware of liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage.
8. FAQ: Your Questions About Travel Laundry Answered
8.1. What is the best way to pack laundry detergent for travel?
The best way to pack laundry detergent is to use travel-sized containers or solid alternatives like detergent sheets or bars. Ensure liquids are in containers no larger than 3.4 oz (100ml) for carry-on luggage.
8.2. How can I dry clothes quickly while traveling?
To dry clothes quickly, choose quick-dry fabrics, wring out excess water, and hang clothes in a well-ventilated area. Using a travel towel to roll and squeeze out moisture can also speed up the drying process.
8.3. What are the best fabrics for travel that are easy to wash and dry?
The best fabrics for travel are synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, as well as merino wool. These fabrics are lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and easy to wash.
8.4. How do I deal with stains while traveling?
Carry a stain remover pen or wipes for immediate treatment of stains. Blot the stain gently, and wash the garment as soon as possible.
8.5. Is it safe to use hotel irons?
Yes, it is generally safe to use hotel irons. However, check the iron’s surface for any residue or dirt before using it on your clothes.
8.6. How can I minimize wrinkles when packing?
To minimize wrinkles, roll your clothes instead of folding them, use packing cubes to compress items, and choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
8.7. What should I do if my clothes smell musty after hand washing?
If clothes smell musty, rewash them with a bit of white vinegar or baking soda to eliminate odors. Ensure clothes are completely dry before packing.
8.8. Can I use a hair dryer to dry clothes in a pinch?
Yes, you can use a hair dryer to dry small items quickly. Use a low heat setting and keep the dryer moving to avoid damaging the fabric.
8.9. Are there any eco-friendly laundry options for travel?
Yes, use biodegradable detergents, reusable dryer sheets, and wash clothes less frequently to conserve water.
8.10. How do I prevent my shoes from smelling while traveling?
To prevent shoes from smelling, pack them with dryer sheets, tea bags, or activated charcoal bags to absorb moisture and odors.
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