Washing your clothes is something that often can’t be helped while traveling on holiday, particularly longer journeys.
Perhaps you want to wash your travel clothes, or you may be travelling light with only carry-on luggage and found yourself running out of clean clothes. Regardless of your situation, there are a few ways you can get washing done while traveling.
Use your hotel’s laundry service
What to pack: No extra items required
This is by far the most straightforward but potentially expensive way of doing your laundry. Depending on the country you’re staying in, most hotels offer a professional laundromat service that will wash and dry your clothes for a fee.
More information about this service can usually be found on your hotel’s website, asking the hotel porter or staff or through the in-room service guide.
In some countries (such as Asia or Africa) using a laundromat service is cheap. In other, more remote locations it may even be the only option given limited access to laundromat facilities elsewhere.
Keep in mind that often these services require a minimum 24 hours to wash and return your clothes. So if you’re after a quick turnaround, this might not be an option. However, it is convenient and one less thing you need to worry about while holidaying.
Hand wash items in your sink
What to pack: Laundry soap, pegs to hold clothes in place while drying (optional), travel washing bag (optional)
As the cheapest option available, washing your clothes in a sink in your hotel room is a valid option. All you need is a sink, some soap and a bit of rigour in your handwashing technique.
Once scrubbed clean, you should be able to find a location to hang your clothes in your room. Great locations for hanging clothes include the edges of baths or showers, towel racks or using a chair on a balcony (if you have one).
Depending on the climate and your room facilities, your clothes may even be ready in less than 24 hours making this a more palatable option. This depends on how heavy your clothing is, and the climate you’re staying in. For example, lighter microfibre clothing in a climate with dry heat is likely to dry faster than that in a tropical climate.
Note that due to safety concerns (making a mess with potential damage) not all hotels allow you to hand wash items in your sink. So make sure you check first before starting to wash.
Go to a laundromat
What to pack: Washing bags, detergent (optional, may be able to purchase)
If you’re staying in a metropolitan location, finding a nearby laundromat or coin laundry can be a great way to use a washing machine at an affordable price.
While many are still self-service, the machines typically hold a larger load of washing than you’d be able to do when hand-washing. While you wait you might even get the chance to mingle with other fellow travellers.
Note that you’ll want to consider bringing coins or cash to the laundromat - most still operate on a cash basis. Most laundromats won’t provide the laundry detergent but they’ll have on-site vending machines where you can purchase it.