Doing laundry while traveling can be a hassle. You want to enjoy your trip, but dirty clothes keep piling up. How to do laundry while traveling becomes a pressing question for many on the road. Did you know that packing a travel-sized laundry kit can save you time and money? This article will show you easy ways to keep your clothes clean during your travels. We’ll cover essential items, washing methods, and tips for fresh clothes on-the-go.
Get ready to learn how to tackle laundry like a pro traveler.
Key Takeaways
- Pack travel-sized laundry items like detergent sheets, a portable wash bag, and a compact clothesline to easily clean clothes on the go.
- Hand wash clothes in hotel sinks using cool water and mild soap, then hang to dry on a travel clothesline or over shower rods.
- Choose quick-drying fabrics like polyester or merino wool for faster laundry turnaround while traveling.
- Carry a stain removal pen like the $5 Tide To Go pen for tackling unexpected spills and marks on clothes during trips.
- Wash clothes every 7-10 days on longer trips using hotel sinks, portable wash bags, or local laundromats to keep your suitcase lighter.
Essential Laundry Items for Travel
Packing the right laundry items can make washing clothes on the go a breeze. These tools will help you keep your clothes clean and fresh during your travels.
| Essential Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Travel-sized Laundry Detergent | Compact, TSA-approved detergent sheets or packets |
| Portable Wash Bag | A foldable wash bag like the Scrubba for washing clothes anywhere |
| Compact Travel Clothesline | A lightweight, retractable clothesline with built-in clips |
| Sink Stopper | A universal silicone sink stopper for washing clothes in sinks |
| Quick-Dry Towel | A microfiber towel that absorbs water quickly and dries fast |
Travel-sized laundry detergent
Travel-sized laundry detergent is a must-have for clean clothes on the go. These compact soaps come in various forms, like Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets or Tide Sink Packets. They’re perfect for hand washing in hotel sinks or portable wash bags.
The TSA allows liquids up to 3.4 oz (100 ml) in carry-on bags, so choose wisely.
Portable wash bag or scrubba bag
A portable wash bag or scrubba bag is a must-have for travelers who want clean clothes on the go. This handy tool acts like a mini washing machine, with a ribbed interior that mimics a washboard.
The Scrubba Portable Wash Bag, sold at REI for $50, is a popular choice. It’s small but mighty, folding down to the size of a deck of cards when not in use.
Using a scrubba bag is quick and easy. You can wash your clothes in about five minutes, not counting drying time. Simply add water, detergent, and your dirty clothes to the bag. Then, rub the clothes against the inner washboard to clean them.
Compact travel clothesline
A compact travel clothesline is a must-have for any traveler who wants to keep their clothes clean on the go. These handy tools are lightweight and take up little space in your luggage.
The Nasdom Travel Clothesline, for example, stretches to 13 feet and comes with built-in pins to hold your clothes in place. At just $10 on Amazon, it’s an affordable way to dry your clothes while traveling.
Travel clotheslines come in many styles, including retractable, folding, and adjustable options. They’re perfect for hanging wet clothes in hotel rooms, RVs, or even outdoors. Most are made from durable materials that can hold several items at once.
Sink stopper
A sink stopper is a must-have item for travelers who plan to do laundry on the go. This small tool blocks drains in sinks or tubs, letting you fill them with water for washing clothes.
The Mudder Silicone Tub Stopper offers a great option for travelers. It’s a universal drain cover that fits most sinks and tubs.
A good sink stopper is like a Swiss Army knife for travelers – small, but incredibly useful.
At just $8 on Amazon, this silicone stopper is both affordable and practical. It’s lightweight and takes up little space in your luggage. With a sink stopper, you can turn any hotel room into a mini laundromat.
Quick-dry towel
Moving from sink stoppers to drying solutions, a quick-dry towel is a must-have for travelers. These lightweight, compact towels are perfect for on-the-go laundry needs.
This microfiber towel can absorb four times its weight in water, making it super efficient for drying clothes.
Quick-dry towels are not just for laundry. They serve multiple purposes during travel, from beach trips to gym sessions. Their fast-drying nature means you won’t have to deal with damp, smelly towels in your luggage.
Options for Washing Clothes While Traveling
Travelers have many ways to keep their clothes clean on the road. You can wash your clothes in your hotel room, use local laundromats, or try hotel laundry services.
Using hotel laundry services
Hotel laundry services offer a handy way to clean clothes while traveling. Guests can find a laundry bag and price list in their room. To use this service, fill out the guest laundry card and leave the bag for housekeeping.
The hotel will wash, dry, and fold your clothes. They’ll add the charges to your final bill. This option saves time and effort during your stay.
Many hotels provide laundry facilities for guests who prefer to do their own washing. These often include washers, dryers, and vending machines with detergent. Some hotels even offer a guest laundry card to operate the machines.
Hand washing in your hotel room
Hand washing clothes in your hotel room is a simple way to keep your wardrobe fresh on the go. You’ll need just a few key items: sink stoppers, detergent sheets, and a travel clothesline.
Start by pre-rinsing your clothes in the sink to remove loose dirt. Then, add water and detergent to wash the items thoroughly. Rinse them well and hang them up to dry. This method works great for small loads and quick touch-ups during your trip.
For best results, focus on washing a few items at a time. Socks, underwear, and light shirts dry fastest, making them ideal for sink washing. Heavier items like jeans may take longer to dry, so plan accordingly.
Finding local laundromats
Local laundromats offer a great option for travelers who need to wash clothes on the go. These self-service facilities are often easy to find in most cities and towns. They provide coin-operated washers and dryers, making it simple to clean your clothes without relying on hotel services.
Expect to pay about $1.00 to $3.00 for each wash or dry cycle. Many laundromats also offer seating areas and free WiFi, so you can relax or work while your clothes get clean. Don’t forget to bring quarters and your own laundry products for the best experience.
Utilizing RV or campervan facilities
RV and campervan travel offers handy laundry options. Only 10% of RVs have built-in washers and dryers, mostly in larger models over 30 feet. But don’t worry! Many campgrounds have laundry rooms for guests.
These spaces often have coin-operated machines and drying areas. You can also hand wash clothes in your RV’s sink or shower. Outdoor drying is another choice, using a clothesline or portable rack.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Washing Clothes
Learn how to hand wash your clothes while traveling with our easy guide. Read on for more tips to keep your outfits fresh and clean during your adventures.
Sorting clothes by color and fabric type
Sorting clothes is a key step in hand washing while traveling. Group your items by color to prevent dye transfer. Separate whites, darks, and bright colors. Next, sort by fabric type.
Delicate fabrics like silk and wool need gentle care. Tougher materials such as cotton and synthetics can handle more scrubbing. This sorting method helps protect your clothes and ensures proper cleaning.
For best results, sort items by how dirty they are too. Lightly soiled clothes can be washed together, while heavily stained pieces need extra attention. Suitable items for hand washing include cashmere, wool, cotton, silk, and synthetic tops.
Cleaning the sink or tub before use
Before washing clothes in a hotel sink or tub, clean it well. This step stops soap scum or grime from getting on your clothes. Start by wiping the surface with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Use hot water and soap to scrub away any dirt or residue. For tough stains, try a mix of baking soda and water. Rinse the sink or tub fully after cleaning to remove all soap. A clean basin helps ensure your clothes come out fresh and stain-free.
Filling the sink with water and adding detergent
After cleaning the sink or tub, it’s time to prepare your washing solution. Start by plugging the drain and filling the sink with cool or lukewarm water. The amount of water you need depends on how many clothes you’re washing.
Add a small amount of travel-sized laundry detergent to the water. Use about a teaspoon for a few items or a tablespoon for a larger load.
Swish the water around to mix in the detergent and create suds. This step is key for getting your clothes clean while traveling. Once you have a soapy solution ready, you can start soaking your clothes.
Make sure to fully submerge each item in the water. This allows the detergent to work its magic on dirt and stains.
Washing, swirling, and scrubbing the clothes
To clean your clothes while traveling, start by filling a sink or basin with warm water and mild soap. Gently knead each item in the soapy water to loosen dirt and stains. Swirl garments around to ensure even cleaning.
For tougher spots, use your fingers to scrub lightly. Don’t twist or wring clothes harshly, as this can damage fabrics.
Rinse clothes thoroughly in clean water until all soap is gone. Squeeze out extra water carefully without twisting. Hang items to dry on a travel clothesline or over shower rods. Quick-dry fabrics work best for easy washing on trips.
Rinsing and removing excess water
After washing, rinse your clothes in cold water. This step helps prevent shrinking and fading. Gently swish the items in clean, cool water until all soap is gone. Next, remove excess water without wringing or twisting the fabric.
Instead, press the clothes against the sink or tub to squeeze out water. For delicate items, roll them in a clean towel to absorb moisture. These careful methods protect your clothes from damage during the cleaning process.
Drying methods for travelers
Travelers need smart ways to dry clothes on the go. A travel clothesline is a must-have item for efficient laundry management. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and can be set up almost anywhere.
Hang it in your hotel bathroom or between trees at a campsite.
Quick-drying fabrics are your best friend when traveling. These materials shed water fast and dry in hours, not days. Pack items made from polyester, nylon, or merino wool for speedy drying.
The climate you’re in affects drying time, so plan accordingly. Next, let’s explore some tips for efficient travel laundry.
Tips for Efficient Travel Laundry
Efficient travel laundry can make your trip smoother. These tips will help you keep your clothes clean and fresh on the go.
Choosing quick-drying fabrics
Quick-drying fabrics are a game-changer for travelers. Brands like Columbia and Ex-Officio offer synthetic materials that dry fast. These fabrics help you pack less and wash clothes on the go.
They’re perfect for active trips or humid climates.
Rapid-dry materials save time and space in your luggage. You can wash these clothes at night and wear them the next day. This means fewer outfits to pack and less stress about clean clothes.
Packing a stain removal pen for emergencies
Quick-drying fabrics help keep clothes fresh, but stains can still happen. A stain removal pen is a must-have for travel emergencies. The Tide To Go Stain Remover Pen is a popular choice.
It’s only 5 ⅛ inches long, making it easy to slip into any bag. This compact tool costs about $5 and can save your clothes from stubborn spots.
Stain pens work well on many common travel mishaps. They can tackle coffee spills, food drips, and other marks that pop up on the go. The pen’s small size means you can carry it everywhere without adding bulk to your luggage.
Managing laundry frequency on longer trips
Stain removal pens can save your clothes in a pinch, but managing laundry on longer trips requires a comprehensive strategy. Smart travelers reduce laundry loads by packing wisely.
Choose clothes that mix and match easily, allowing you to wear items more than once. Pack quick-dry fabrics that you can wash and wear in a day. This approach works well with the Scrubba Wash Bag, which provides a machine-quality wash in minutes.
For extended trips, schedule your laundry days in advance. Aim to wash clothes every 7-10 days, depending on your packing list. Use hotel sinks or local laundromats to keep your clothes fresh.
Doing laundry while traveling means fewer dirty clothes to deal with when you return home. This approach keeps your suitcase lighter and your travel experience more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Laundry doesn’t have to be a daunting task while traveling. With a bit of preparation and the right tools, you can easily keep your clothes clean and fresh, no matter where your journey takes you. From packing essential laundry items to mastering hand washing techniques, these tips will help you stay on top of your laundry game, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your travels and less on worrying about dirty clothes.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional adventurer, adopting these strategies will make your trips smoother and more comfortable. Safe travels, and happy washing!
FAQs
1. How can I wash clothes in a hotel room?
You can wash clothes in a hotel sink using mild soap. Fill the sink with warm water, add soap, and gently scrub your garments. Rinse well and hang them to dry.
2. What’s the best way to dry clothes while traveling?
To dry clothes quickly, roll them in a clean towel to remove excess water. Then, hang them near a window or fan. Avoid using hotel hangers, as they may leave marks.
3. Are there portable laundry tools for travelers?
Yes, there are travel-sized items like detergent sheets, clotheslines, and sink stoppers. These tools are light and easy to pack, making laundry on the go simpler.
4. How often should I do laundry during a trip?
The frequency depends on your packing and trip length. As a rule, wash underwear and socks every few days. Other items can last longer if aired out between wears.