Source: Canva – person doing their laundry while travelling
You probably haven’t thought about doing laundry while travelling, I know I don’t think about it until I actually have to do it! But you should give it some consideration during the planning of your trip. If you are just travelling for a week you can get away with not washing during your trip. Going on a holiday any longer than a week, you should consider your options to get your clothes washed. While doing laundry while travelling may sound annoying, frustrating and so NOT exciting, it doesn’t have to be. From my years of travelling I have uncovered some hacks, tricks and tips that I’m going to share here to help doing laundry while travelling less of a chore.
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Why do Laundry While Travelling?
I think this question has a pretty obvious answer. if your clothes get dirty or smelly you will want to freshen them up, right? But you may also be thinking “Why would I want to do laundry while on holiday?’. Well, it will depend on how long you are travelling for and how many clothes you have with you. If you are holidaying for only a week, as I mentioned before, you could get away with not washing. It is when your holiday becomes longer than a week that you will need to freshen them up. No-one wants to sit next to a smelly person on that long car, bus or train trip, right? So here are some options to wash your clothes while travelling.
Smart Travel Hacks and Tips for Managing Laundry on the Go
I’ve divided my smart travel hacks and tips for doing laundry while travelling in three sections.
- Thinking about what to pack to make washing and drying clothes easier.
- Washing clothes hacks and tips
- Drying clothes hacks and tips
General Hacks and Tips for doing Laundry on the Road
1. Have a Dedicated Laundry Bag for Dirty Clothing
This goes without saying, keep your dirty clothes separately from clean clothes. This way, when it is time to do a load of laundry you can find your dirty clothes quickly. I suggest having a specific bag, such as a plastic bag or a packing cube to keep your dirty washing in. Packing cubes are a great way to categorise your clothes and items while you travel. This set of packing cubes from Amazon has a laundry bag included in its set.
2. Pack Clothes that require less Washing and Drying
It is worth thinking about what you pack in your luggage. People often say pack cotton clothes because the material breathes better, however, it is not fast drying. You may want to pack clothes made from fabrics that dry quickly and don’t need to be washed often. I have written many packing lists to help you decide on what to pack for your travels.
Packing for a Working Holiday
Summer Holiday in Europe Packing List
Winter Holiday in Europe Packing List
Packing for a beach holiday
Backpacker Hostel packing list
3. Book Accommodation with Laundry Facilities
For a long term stay, an Airbnb or apartment can be a great option to help you do your laundry as it should have a washing machine. Check the listing of services of the property before you book. With access to a washing machine you will be able to wash whenever you want. And having access to the amenities will ensure you will still have a wonderful holiday, doing laundry or not! This is often my preferred option as I work and travel as a travel writer and live out of my luggage for weeks on end.
To find accommodation with laundry facilities check out Booking.com. Also consider house and pet sitting in someone’s home and you should have access to a laundry.
4. Pack Laundry Stuff
Packing some laundry accessories will help you do your laundry. I like to travel with:
Washing Clothes Hacks and Tips
6. Hand Wash Your Clothes in the Sink
I have seen many a traveller wash their dirty laundry in the sink at their accommodation, particularly when staying in a hostel or on a jam packed travel schedule like on a tour. It is a good option if you don’t have much to wash or have the time to wash and want to ensure your smaller items such as underwear, socks and the like are clean. Washing these clothes in the sink, leaving them out to dry overnight and hoping they will be dry in the morning is a good way to save money on doing laundry when travelling.
7. Carry and Use a Travel Laundry Wash Bag
Travel wash bags are an all-in-one solution to doing your laundry while travelling. They are ideal for small items, like a load of underwear that you can throw in the wash bag, and wash the clothes in the comfort of your hostel or hotel room. I have seen some travellers use a large zip-lock bag to do their washing in. Others, I have seen using the Scrubba Portable Wash Bag. A friend recently let me use one of these and it has become one of my personal favourite ways to do laundry on the go. It is a simple DIY solution and doesn’t take up much room in my luggage either.
Basically, you put your clothes in, add some water and soap, close it up and massage it – and voila, it cleans your clothes like a small washing machine.
8. Take Advantage of hostel/hotel Laundry Services
If your hostel or hotel has a laundry service, don’t hesitate to use it. Although it can be a little on the expensive side, it can be worth it. By using the service, that usually includes washing, drying, hanging, ironing or folding your clothes you can do something else while your laundry is being done. Generally, the laundry will take about 24 hours to be done so ensure you allow this time in your travel plans so you get your clean clothes back before you check out.
If the service of washing your clothes for you isn’t available, the accommodation may have a laundry area where you can use the washing machine and dryer to wash and dry your clothes. Most of the machines will need coins to operate. You can usually get change at reception.
I have found many hostels, hotels and caravan parks with laundry rooms.
9. Find a Laundromat
Simple, find a laundromat in the city you are in and get your clothes washed and dry. Not always as simple as it sounds. First, you need to find a laundromat and that can be hard in a new city where you don’t speak the language. Check out Google Maps to find the nearest laundromat in your area.
Typically, public laundromats offer self-service however, sometimes there is staff and you can pay to have them do your laundry for you. The do-it-yourself model of laundromat is cheaper but you will need coins to operate the machines and detergent, like the eco detergent strips mentioned above. You will also need coins for the dryer. The biggest delay by washing your clothes in the laundromat is the time. But what is an hour or two out of your day!
TIP: When using a washing machine and dryer put your bag on top of the machine. This lets people know it is in use. And ensure you are near the machine or return to it before the cycle ends. It annoys people no end if the cycle has completed and clothes are left in the machine awaiting their owner.
Drying Clothes Hacks and Tips
10. Pack a Drying Line
A drying line or clothes line is a great addition to your luggage if you want to get your clothes dried. Simply hang your clothes on the line and hope they will dry before you need to pack them.
11. Use a towel to dry your clothes
You can dry your clothes quickly and easily with this travel laundry hack. This is my favourite way to dry my clothes, but I have used this method. Simply find two towels. Lay one towel out on the bed or floor then lay your wet clothes on the towel. Then roll up the towel with the wet clothes inside. Then put the rolled up towel onto another towel you have layed out and roll the rolled up towel in the second towel. The towels absorb the water from the clothes.
However, the towels will become wet. If you need to pack them, it is wise to pack them in a ‘wet bag’ so they don’t wet your other packed items.
12. Break out the Hairdryer
A hairdryer isn’t just for drying and styling your hair, it can dry your clothes too! After washing your clothes, wring as much water out of them as possible then turn on your hairdryer and start drying.
How to Do Laundry When Travelling Summary
Doing your laundry while travelling needn’t be a stressful chore. Doing a little research as to what type of laundry you will need doing while travelling should be factored into your holiday to help the whole process be less stressful. So just factor it in to your travel plans and take the necessary accessories.
I hope the above laundry hacks and tips help you to launder your clothes without too much fuss. Let me know if you have any other tips or how you launder your clothes while travelling in the comments following.
Very helpful post. I am going to buy a travel clothesline right away.
Glad you think so. I’m sure the clothesline will be very handy. And it doesn’t take up much room in your luggage either – a pair of underpants would take up more room! LOL.