Laundry on the Go: How to Easily Wash Your Clothes While Traveling

I love traveling with just my carry-on. The clothes inside have been carefully selected, I’m left with a free hand to navigate directions on my phone or eat ice cream (this scenario is the most likely), and I can hoist my own bag into the overhead bin, thank you very much. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to traveling with anything larger.

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The one downside to traveling so light? Laundry is inevitable on a trip lasting more than a week. That being said, washing your clothes doesn’t have to be a difficult undertaking or interrupt your trip so inconveniently. Here’s how:

Book smart

No matter your choice of lodging, make sure you have access to laundry-washing facilities at least every seven-to-ten days. Booking an Airbnb? Check the box that says “washer” when you’re searching for a place to stay. A dryer is a nice benefit, but you’ll find that many homes do not have them (our own included), so don’t let that limit your selection. Most hosts will provide the correct laundry detergent for their model of washing machine, but you may want to message your host to confirm. Once you arrive at a rental, ask your host for a tutorial on how to use their washing machine, and if there is a line or drying rack available.

Take preventative measures when packing

Particularly when visiting warm destinations, I always pack several camisoles and under-shirts from Uniqlo’s Airism line. Not only do they aid in keeping me cool, but they also protect my outer garments from my skin’s sweat and oil which stretches out the time between washings. Obviously once worn and sweaty the under-shirts need washing, but they air-dry quickly even when hand-washed. I also make sure to only pack items that won’t need dry-cleaning while away; everything I bring should be easily hand- or machine-washed and can be combined in one load.

Wash strategically

If you’re in a really big pinch, locate a full-service launderette/laundromat nearby or utilize your hotel’s laundry service. In my opinion, it’s preferable to pay a little extra to have your clothes washed, dried, and folded than to spend a few precious travel hours waiting in a laundromat (unless that laundromat is Cafe Laundromat in Oslo, perhaps).

If your rental has one of those washer/dryer combos be warned – loads can take up to five hours to complete. Check with your host and see if they are comfortable with you running the machine overnight, and throw your load of clothes in before hitting the hay. Even with separate units, some machines take much longer than others; utilize the “express” setting, if possible, as your clothes aren’t likely too soiled.

No dryer around? No worries. Just wash clothes at least two nights before you plan to leave to allow time to hang dry. Denim, towels, or other heavy items may need more time, so plan accordingly (thankfully jeans don’t need to be washed often; double check that you really need to wash them before tossing them in!).

No matter what method you use to clean your clothes, don’t do it at a time when you could be out exploring your destination. Use your limited, valuable travel time strategically. Does one person take longer than another to get ready for the day or to go out to dinner? Assign the faster person to laundry duty. We like to throw in a load of laundry as we are winding down for the night; after snacks and showers and teeth-brushing, the load is usually done and ready to hang to dry.

Tips for hanging clothes to dry

I’ve learned a lot in my time spent living without a dryer. Clothes can dry on an outdoor line on a warm, sunny day in just a matter of hours. And if you’re around to do so, flip the garment over after an hour to speed up drying time even more.

When hanging clothes indoors, don’t cramp them all together – be sure to leave a bit of space between each item for airflow. The additional space allows air to circulate and they will dry faster.

Need more space? Think outside of the box – shower curtain rails and towel bars can be great clothes-drying spaces. You can also place tight-woven garments on hangers to dry (bear in mind that knits or loosely woven garments may stretch if not hung properly) to maximize space. Bras, underwear, socks, and camisoles can be draped over doorknobs and shower heads to dry. No matter what you’re washing, make sure it is hung in a way where it won’t warp or damage items in your host’s home.

No washing machine? No problem.

I hand wash a good portion of my wardrobe at home (in the tiniest sink!) and it’s easy to do while traveling as well. I always bring a small amount of laundry detergent such as Tide Sink Packets, laundry sheets, or a bottle of castile soap (this last one is super versatile!). If you plan to be gone a longer amount of time and will need to wash several loads, you may consider simply planning on swinging by a shop to pick up a bottle of detergent at your destination.

To hand wash your clothing, simply fill a sink or basin with cold water, add a small amount of detergent, agitate with your hands to disperse the soap, and insert the garment(s) to soak for about thirty minutes. Be sure to only place as many items in the basin as will comfortably fit. After soaking, scrub any grimy or smelly spots with the smallest drop of soap if needed. Empty the basin, then fill it with clean, cold water and let soak another five minutes, swishing the garment to rid of the soap. Empty and refill once or twice more to ensure the garment is rinsed clean.

For faster drying or to ensure your knitted garments don’t stretch, lay your item flat on top of a towel, and roll like a burrito, squeezing the water out as you roll. Hang the garment or lay it flat to dry. Voila! You’ve just hand-washed your clothes, and it wasn’t difficult at all, was it?

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Questions for you

What are your biggest laundry challenges while traveling?

Do you have any other tips to add? I’m all ears!

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One Comment on “Laundry on the Go: How to Easily Wash Your Clothes While Traveling”

Sarah Smith says:

September 25, 2019 at 7:14 pm

Thanks for your advice on laundry while traveling. My husband and I are going on a trip next week. We’ll start looking for a laundromat.