travel wash clothes

6 Products for Washing Clothes While Traveling

By Bailey Berg

If you’re going on a long trip, be it a summer in Europe or a cross-country road trip, it can be tempting to bring your whole wardrobe. But between baggage fees and weight restrictions, that’s not always possible or practical. One way to avoid overpacking is to wash your clothes while you travel. That’s often easier said than done: Laundromats can be hard to track down or inconveniently located, laundry services at hotels and on ships can be prohibitively expensive, and if you’re spending time in the backcountry, neither are an option.

Taking matters into your own hands isn't as much of a chore as you might think, though: There are plenty of tools that make doing laundry while traveling cheap and simple (and we're not just talking about Tide to Go pens ), without adding too much extra bulk to your luggage. Below, six on-the-road laundry hacks.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Scrubba Portable Wash Bag

The Scrubba is basically a dry bag with a ribbed interior that functions like a washboard. You put your clothes, some clean water, and detergent in, and rub the garments against the bumps for a few minutes before rinsing everything out. Not counting drying time, the whole process takes about five minutes—and it actually does a good job of cleaning your clothes. It’s fabulous for long-term travelers and for those on days-long camping trips , where packing light is optimal. Plus, it folds down to the size of a deck of cards, so it won’t take up valuable suitcase or backpack real estate.

Nasdom Travel Clothesline

If you’ve ever done laundry in a sink, you’re familiar with the creative exercise in finding enough surfaces to drape your dripping clothes over. This 13-foot clothesline, which comes with built in pins, is easily packable. The hooked ends make it sturdy enough to connect between bed posts, across a balcony, or even from the shower curtain rod to a towel bar in a pinch.

Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets

These laundry soap sheets dissolve in water, so there’s no chance of spillage in your bag (you won't have to worry about the TSA's liquid restrictions either). There are 50 sheets in a box slightly bigger than a raisin container, so you’ll be able to get a lot of mileage out of each pack. Toss one sheet into whatever vessel you’re doing laundry in—a sink, tub, or scrub bag—and it’ll turn into suds. Just be careful to handle the carrying case with dry hands, so you don't accidentally dissolve any of the delicate sheets.

PackTowl Personal Towel

It might not be the most high tech option, but a microfiber towel can dry your sopping wet laundry faster than a clothesline. Start by spreading the towel out on a dry surface. After you wring out as much excess water from your clean clothes as possible, lay a few items on top of the towel. Then tightly roll up the towel with the clothes inside and squeeze. The microfiber fabric will sponge up more of the water (it can actually absorb four times its weight in water). This is a good method for washing heavy garments like jeans or thick sweaters when you need them dry by morning. In addition to its normal functions, this easy-to-pack towel can double as a lightweight blanket on a plane or something to sit on at the beach .

Mudder Silicone Tub Stopper

For some reason, it always seems that when you actually need a plug for your hotel room or rental's sink, there isn’t one to be found. Use this universal drain cover in any sink or tub: It is heavy duty enough that it won’t move as you soak your clothes, reducing water and soap waste, but light enough that you won't mind tossing it in your suitcase on trips when you know you'll want to do laundry.

Urpower Garment Steamer

Sometimes doing laundry while traveling comes out of necessity; but other times, it just feels good to freshen up your outfits. Some fabrics, like linen, love to wrinkle in transit; use this travel steamer to smooth out delicate outfits. It’s fairly portable, clocking in at just over eight inches tall and two inches wide. We think it’s worth the luggage space to make sure your outfit looks smart, especially if you’re traveling for a destination wedding or business trip .

Packing List

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Savvy Travel Advice

Travel Tips: A Guide to Doing Laundry While Traveling

Last updated: March 4, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 102 Comments

Travel is fun but doing laundry while traveling can be a tedious chore. However, washing your clothes during a trip gives you the advantage of being able to pack less, rewear your favorite travel clothing, and return home with less dirty laundry.

If you are going on a trip of more than a week, you’ll probably be thinking of laundry options. It can be difficult to figure out the best way to wash your clothes on a trip, and you don’t want to waste much of your vacation time on laundry. We’ve done trips of 6 months or more at a time, so doing laundry while traveling was essential!

We’ve put together a guide to washing clothing while traveling for all budgets, whether you are a backpacker or luxury traveler. We cover all your options from hotel services to laundromats to hand washing in the hotel sink to camping solutions.

We also list several products that we have found helpful in doing laundry while on the road that you may want to include in your own travel laundry kit. We also provide laundry product suggestions and tips for those traveling in an RV, campervan, or motorhome.

Table of Contents:

How to Do Your Laundry While Traveling

There are a number of options of how to wash your laundry while traveling, and it depends a lot on your budget, where you are going, and your travel style.

Use Hotel Services

Most full-service hotels (and cruise ships) offer laundry services, which generally include washing, drying, ironing, and hanging or folding your clothes. Many also offer dry cleaning services.

There is normally a laundry bag in your room that you can use to place your dirty laundry inside and you then fill out a form to let the hotel know what you need done. The forms normally includes the rates charged for each service. Directions of where to leave your laundry are normally on the laundry bag (e.g., leave it in your room for housekeeping, call front desk).

Normally you need to allow 24 hours to get your clothes returned to you clean although some hotels offer express same-day service. Sometimes the hotel has its own in-house laundry services it will use, and other hotels send out your laundry to an outside service.

This is normally the most expensive way to have your clothes laundered while traveling. Hotel laundry costs in the United States and Western Europe are often around $3 to $5 per shirt, $6 per dress, and $2 to $3 for underwear. Adding these up, you are looking at $30 to $50 for a load of laundry (we’ve seen prices as high as $70!) whereas you can do a full load of laundry at a laundromat for about $6.

The trade-off of course is the convenience as hotel laundry services are easy and convenient. However, they are also your most expensive option. If you are on a budget, we’d recommend another option.

However, in some countries, such as many in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, prices for laundry are very inexpensive. So you may pay only a few dollars for a load of laundry to be washed and dried and this is both a convenient and inexpensive option. However, luxury hotels in these countries often still have fairly high prices.

Note that in some places, this may be your only option. For instance, in a national park in Africa, we had not other options for laundry services outside of our lodging. However, prices are generally much more reasonable in developing countries.

Hand Wash Items in the Hotel Sink or Bath Tub

Another way is to hand wash your dirty clothing in the hotel sink or bath tub. This simply means filling up the sink with water, adding laundry soap, and hand washing your dirty clothing items. Then you can hang them up over the bath tub or shower to dry. If you are new to hand washing, you can skip ahead to read our detailed step-by-step guide to hand washing your clothing .

This is great way to do smaller items like socks, underwear, hosiery, tank tops, tee shirts, etc. However, it may be less effective for larger items and more soiled clothing. It also works best with items made of quick dry fabrics that are able to hang and dry overnight (or at least within 24 hours). Items hung in humid environments, such as tropical countries, are going to take longer to dry.

If you plan to do a lot of hand washing, we recommend packing clothing made of quick dry fabrics. Synthetic fabrics typically dry faster than natural fibers, and quick dry fabrics include polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics. Synthetic blends combine natural fibers with synthetic ones.

Columbia , Ex-Officio ,  prAna , and Adidas are a few well-known brands that produce a lot of quick dry clothing that is well-suited for travel and sports. You can see more examples of quick dry clothing items here .

You’ll need to bring your own laundry soap and any other products you need. We’d also recommend bringing a sink stopper and a travel clothesline . Some motels around the world have a retractable clothesline installed over the bathtub so guests can do hand laundry but the majority do not.

For those who plan to do a lot of hand washing or are traveling for a longer period of time, we also recommend considering a Scrubba  travel washing bag or a mini washboard to get items cleaner.

Note that some hotels strongly discourage guests doing laundry in sinks and hanging it in the rooms, and it may be against the hotel policy. The main reason is that some guests make a wet mess all over the bathroom and cause extra work for the housekeeping staff and possible damage. Other reasons may be related to saving water, the extra humidity that may damage walls, hygiene, and getting lint stuck in drains. Hotels with their own laundry services may also want to encourage you use them instead.

Hand washing laundry is a great way to save money and is common among budget travelers; however, be sure to be a good guest and do it without making a mess or wasting water. Don’t hang wet laundry anywhere where the dripping water may cause damage.

Book Accommodation with a Self-Service Laundry Option

Another option is to book lodging with some sort of self-service laundry option whether it is an apartment, campsite, or hostel. The laundry facilities may be free or require a small fee.

You can book apartments, rooms, vacation homes, or other types of accommodation that come with a washing machine (and possibly a dryer) in the apartment or home. These are typically free to use in apartments and Airbnb properties if they are private, or are coin-operated if shared within the building. Laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and other products may be left to help you do laundry or you may need to bring these with you, so it’s good to check ahead.

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 .

Self-service laundry facilities are also often available in hostels, apartment complexes, cruise ships, nicer RV and campsites, resorts, and some motels. These may be free to use, but they usually require a fee (often around $2.00 per load). Typically they work with coins or cash. You will also normally need to bring your own laundry detergent and other products or buy them on-site.

Find a Laundromat

Laundromats, also commonly known as coin laundries, launderettes, and laundrettes, are facilities where people can wash their laundry on their own or with little professional help.

These may just offer self-service washing and drying machines (typically coin-operated), or they may offer additional services such as drop off laundry services where someone else washes, dries, and folds you laundry. They may also offer other services such as dry cleaning or tailoring. Some have an on-site staff member to provide help and to provide change, but some are now totally self-service.

Laundromats are common in some countries but nonexistent in others, so you will want to do your research in advance to see if there will be laundromats along your travels. Also, most laundromats exist in cities and larger towns, but you’re unlikely to find them in small towns or rural areas even in countries like the United States where laundromats are relatively common.

Machines typically work with coins or tokens, so it is a good idea to bring cash. If you have cash but no coins, many coin-operated laundromats have coin machines on-site you can use to get coins or an assistant who can exchange cash for coins. A few newer laundromats have machines you can pay for using a phone app.

It is typically about USD $1.00 to $3.00 per wash and $1.00 to $3.00 per dry if you use the coin-operated machines, and machines will typically hold a large load. You can use multiple machines at once so you can do all your washing at once and then all your drying at once if you have multiple loads. Most laundromats have heavy-duty professional machines which can hold larger loads and wash or dry laundry faster than a typical home machine.

Another option offered by many laundromats is a drop off option where you drop off your laundry and a staff member will wash, dry, and fold your laundry for you. You just need to pick it back up. Although more convenient, this service is normally 3 to 4 times more expensive than doing your laundry yourself.

There is always seating available in laundromats, but there may or may not be any other amenities.  WiFi is fairly common these days. You are wise to bring along a book/magazine, headphones, tablet/laptop, cards, etc. to keep yourself occupied while you wait. We played a few games of UNO (a card game) the last time we were in a laundromat while traveling with my brother. Some newer laundromats offer wide screen TVs, work desks, arcade games, coffee, etc. but these are not typical.

The main advantage is that laundromats are inexpensive and they allow you to do all your laundry at once. It can also be a place to meet other travelers and locals while waiting.

However, the main disadvantage is that it takes time out of your vacation to do the laundry. We recommend planning your trip around your schedule so doing it after you are done sightseeing for the day or when you need a break from the sun in the middle of the afternoon. Or you can consider the drop off/pick up option if you don’t have time to wait at a laundromat.

If you plan to use laundromats, it is a good idea to check on their locations before your trip so you know they are available and you can get an idea of what hours they are open.

Local Laundry services

If you don’t want to pay for hotel laundry services and are in an area without laundromats, you might want to see out local laundry services. These are services where you drop off your laundry and someone does it for you and you either pick it back up or it delivered to you.

In some countries, they may be attached to dry cleaners or tailors, or they may simply be a local family or just a single woman who does laundry from their home or shop. These can be difficult to find, especially if you don’t speak the local language, so you may need to ask around at your lodging and local people. Costs will vary greatly by country for such services, but can be very inexpensive in certain parts of the world.

In our experience, when we’ve needed laundry in places where there are no laundromats or specific laundry services, our hotel or guest house has either suggested someone or offered to do the laundry for us for a small charge. Generally local people know someone locally who is willing to do laundry for a small fee. This has happened to us in both Africa and Asia.

Travel by RV or Campervan

If you are traveling by RV or campervan, you have most of the above options such as stopping at laundromats or hand washing items. One advantage for those who want to hand wash is that RV travelers have more space for laundry supplies than regular travelers, and often have the ability to wash and hang laundry outdoors. Many RV sites and campgrounds have coin-operated laundry facilities you can use along the way.

There are also all kinds of mini movable compact washing units that are designed for compact spaces like RVs and small apartments. Some are run by electricity and others work without electricity.

For those traveling more long-term, some larger RVs, particularly in the United States, even have washing machines and dryers installed in them that tend to be smaller versions of regular home machines.

Hand Wash Outdoors (Camping, Hiking, Backpacking)

If you are going on a camping, long-distance hiking, backpacking, or other type of outdoors holiday, you can do your laundry using natural water resources outdoors. People have been hand washing clothing using water directly from rivers, streams, and lakes for centuries.

Since your waste water will be going directly into the environment, be sure to use biodegradable environmental-friendly laundry soaps such as those offered by Campsuds or Sea to Summit . Many of these laundry soaps are multipurpose and designed to be used for all kinds of cleaning purposes including as a shampoo, dish soap, hand soap, and shaving soap.

One strategy to wash clothes in the outdoors is to use a Scrubba washing bag to help get clothes cleaner. Find relatively clean water, fill up the bag, add clothes and soaps, scrub, and rinse. Or a cheaper option is to use a regular dry bag in a similar fashion.

Of course, if you are staying at campsites during your trip, campsites normally have laundry facilities or at least a sink where you can hand wash laundry.

6 Things We Recommend for Washing Clothes While Traveling 

If you are planning on doing your own laundry on the go, we recommend putting together a lightweight travel bag of all your laundry items. All the things you need can be put together in your dirty laundry bag, dry bag, or in a Ziploc bag so you have them when you need them.

If you plan to use laundromats, you probably just need to bring a pack of detergent and maybe some dryer sheets. But if you plan to hand wash items, you may want to bring along a few more of the laundry items below.

Here are some items you may want to put in your travel laundry kit:

Sink Stopper

A sink stopper or bath stopper will help you plug the drain in the hotel sink or bath tub so you can hand wash your clothes. Although many hotels and apartments of course have a stopper, you might be surprised to know how many do NOT have one.

Here are a couple of options:

• Do it Best Rubber Stopper – This simple 5 inch rubber stopper lies flat and fits most sink and bath tub drains. This is the one we have and it has worked with the vast majority of drains we’ve tried it on.
• Mudder Silicone Stopper – This well-reviewed 6 inch sink stopper lies flat and is made of food grade silicone.

Most options lie flat (such as the suggested options above) and take up very little space. If you have one like we do that just lies flat but doesn’t work with suction, you need to hold it flat until the sink or tub has a bit of water in it first and the stopper is completely submerged. The weight of the water keeps it down.

There is no sink stopper or drain plug that will work on all sinks or tubs, but we recommend getting a good universal one that will cover most drains effectively. We like the ones that lie flat over the drain.

If you are bath lover, this is also a great item to take with you if you enjoy taking baths when you travel . As a bath lover myself, I always have a flat bath stopper at the bottom of my luggage after numerous experiences finding myself with a bathtub but no stopper or convenient way to plug the drain!

Travel Clothesline

A travel clothesline lets you hang up your clothes to dry while you are traveling. You can use it in your hotel bathroom, rented apartment, campsite, or RV/campervan.

You can check out a range of travel clotheslines here but here are a few options:

• Going in Style line – This travel laundry clothesline is made of surgical quality braided rubber tubing and comes with loops as well as ties and a Velcro closure. Stretches up to 7 feet (2.1 meters).
• HAWATour portable clothesline – This travel clothesline is made of plastic and stainless steel and includes attached clothespins. It attaches using hooks. It stretches to about 10 feet (3 meters).
• solotrekk Deluxe Washing Line – This travel clothesline is made of interwoven elastic and has durable metal hooks on the ends. It stretches to about 10 feet (3 meters).
• Coghlan’s Bungee Clothesline – This travel clotheslines is well-reviewed and made of twisted nylon covered elastic with carabiner like hooks on each end. Stretches to 10 feet (3 meters).

We recommend avoiding the travel clotheslines that attach only with suction cups. Although suction cups can work well on some smooth surfaces, they will be more limited than ones that come with hooks, carabiners, or stretchy loops at the ends. So we suggest getting one that has loops or hooks or has both suction cups as well as loops/hooks.

The trickiest part of these clotheslines is getting savvy at how to use them. The first step is to find a place to attach the two ends. This may require hooking it, looping it, or wrapping it around something and attaching it to itself. Depending on where you are this could be a towel rack, shower rod, door handle, tree, RV ladder, etc.

I’d test using the travel laundry line at home before your trip so you understand how to do it. Depending on the line you have, packing a couple extra lightweight carabiners or velcro straps can help so you have more attachment options.

To hang your clothes, for the braided elastic lines, you insert the fabric of the wet laundry between the braided elastic parts when the line is stretched to hang it. So for a shirt, you’d probably want to attach it at both shoulder areas. No clothespins or pegs are needed. For the lines with clothespins attached, you simply attach the clothes to the pegs.

Note that if you plan to wash a lot of clothing or heavier clothing, you might consider packing two lines. Most of the travel lines stretch out to 7 to 15 feet (2 to 3 meters) and can only tolerate so much weight.

Travel Sized Laundry Detergent

If you are going to do laundry, the one thing you definitely need to have is some sort of laundry detergent. Using hotel soap is not always a great idea as it not meant for clothing, can take a long time to rinse out, and can leave clothes feeling scratchy.

One option is to get travel-sized bottles or tubes  and fill them with existing laundry soap you have at home. I’d recommend this is you have a brand you really love. Or you can buy travel-sized laundry detergents.

Most laundry detergents come in liquid form. We generally recommend liquid as it is most effective, but if you want to avoid carrying liquids, laundry detergent sheets, powders, and laundry soap bars are also available. Just note that most non-liquid laundry soaps can only be used for hand washing.

Here are several options:

• Woolite travel packets – Individual packets of pre-measured liquid detergent. They pack well and the detergent is phosphate-free and biodegradable. Work well in any water temperature and on both types of fabric. These have been my go-to for years when doing laundry on the go, but it’s difficult to find travel sized packets, especially outside the U.S.
• Sink Suds – This is a good potential replacement if you are looking for Woolite packets and can’t find them (or they are super expensive online). These are pre-measured liquid detergent packs that work well in any water temperature; detergent is phosphate-free and biodegradable.
• Tide Packets – If you use Tide at home and want to use it on the go, this is a good option. Comes in multiple individual packets. Biodegradable and contains no phosphates.
• Sea to Summit –  The Laundry Wash is concentrated liquid formula that is bio degradable, phosphate-free, and paraben-free. Comes in a 3 fl. oz bottle (and 2 other sizes) and is unscented. They also have a multi-use Wilderness Wash that can be used for washing your body, clothes, dishes, and gear.
• Campsuds – This well-known American camping brand wash liquid is meant to be used as any kind of soap, including as a shampoo, laundry soap, dishwashing soap, and shaving soap. Biodegradable and eco-friendly. Good option for those who have limited space.
• Dr. Beckmann Wash – A concentrated laundry gel option in a 100 ml (3.4 oz) tube. Non-bio formula. Can do up to 20 washes.
• Dry laundry soap sheets – If you are looking for a non-liquid option, you might want to check out laundry detergent sheets that dissolve in water from TravelOn or Sea to Summit . Just be careful to use completely dry hands to use these as any moisture will make all the sheets clump together.
• Laundry bars – Laundry bars can be a good option for those who are looking for a non-liquid option for hand washing, but don’t want to mess with laundry soap sheets. A couple of options are The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar and this one by Aleva (no fragrance).

If you or a fellow traveler have sensitive skin or a skin condition like eczema, I’d test the laundry soap before you travel if it is a brand you don’t normally use. The non-bio, fragrance free, and enzyme-free formulas are best for those with skin conditions.

Note that most travel detergents sold for handwashing are more gentle than the average detergent on the market and may not be great at getting out tough stains. So you may need to wait until you get home, have them laundered in a machine, or use a stain remover.

If you like your clothes to be soft, you might also want to bring along a travel sized bottle of fabric softener as doing laundry by hand often leaves clothes a bit stiffer and scratchier than doing it by machine. You can add in a little fabric softener in the final rinse if hand washing.

If you plan to use specific washing machines during your travels (e.g., at a vacation home), you might want to ask before your trip if there is specific type of laundry detergent that is needed or recommended (e.g., liquid versus powder, high efficiency versus standard).

Remember that if you are flying, you will want to use bottles or tubes that hold 3.4 fluid ounces (100 ml) or less to satisfy TSA rules and airline regulations if they are going in your carry-on luggage. If the container will hold more than 3.4 oz. be sure to put it in your checked luggage.

Travel Washing Bag

Hand washing clothing in the sink does an OK job of cleaning and rinsing your clothing, but it doesn’t really compare to a machine wash. If you plan to hand wash a lot, we’d recommend checking out a hand “washing machine” bag which is more effective than hand washing.

The Scrubba washing bag is billed as the world’s smallest and lightest washing machine. You can wash small loads of clothing in it in 3 minutes. The texture in the bag is similar to an old-fashioned flexible internal washboard which helps scrub your clothes and get them cleaner than just squeezing, swirling, and rinsing them in a sink.

To use the Scrubba, you just follow the directions on the bag. First you fill it with the water, laundry detergent, and clothing. Then roll and clip the bag, and remove the air. Then you rub the clothing for about 3 minutes. Then release dirty water, rinse clothing with clean water within bag, and then remove clothes and hang up to dry.

The Scrubba doesn’t take up too much space and you can use it to store dirty laundry or your laundry supplies when it is not being used. Just be sure not to put in anything that might tear the bag.

We have found that the Scrubba is best for doing smaller items like socks, underwear, shirts, camisoles, hosiery, sportswear, shorts, baby items, etc. Several pieces of clothing can fit in it at once. You wouldn’t want to use it for large or bulky items or for items that have sharp or jagged elements which could puncture or damage the bag.

The Scrubba is basically an innovative dry bag for laundry. Dry bags have been used by campers and outdoor enthusiasts to clean laundry for years, but the design, drain, and internal washboard of the Scrubba make it more ideal for laundry. However, if you on a tight budget or need something that is more dual purpose, a dry bag can also be used.

Dryer Sheets

If you are planning to use dryers during your travels, you might want to pack along a few of your favorite dryer sheets. They take up almost no space and can help keep clothes soft and static-free. As a bonus, they can also help freshen up the scent of your luggage!

Note: Many brands of dryer sheets and fabric softeners contain toxic and carcinogenic substances (can read more about that here ). We recommend choosing a brand that uses non-toxic ingredients or choosing a eco-friendly  reusuable dryer sheet .

Travel Laundry Bag or Cube

When traveling, you will also of course need a place to store your dirty laundry and keep it separate from your clean clothes. You can use a drawstring bag, a packing cube, a special pouch in your backpack, or anything else you might already own that would do the job.

Here are a few travel laundry bag options:

• Wash Me Bag –  This bag has a fun design and is made of a microfiber material and has a drawstring closure. The bag  opens up to 21”L x 22”W size, but when not in use it folds up to about 6 inches and zips shut.  You can see more fun designs of these bags here .
• Map Drawstring Bag – This laundry bag is made of polyester with a map design and a drawstring closure. Capable of holding up to 6.6 pounds of laundry. Folds up small.
• Large Mesh Bag – This simple white bag is made of a strong mesh material and has a drawstring closure. Bag can hold us to 3 washing machine loads of laundry, so a good option for those who need a larger bag! Folds up small when not in use.

Laundry Items for RV / Campervan / Caravan Travelers

If you are traveling by RV or caravan, you have more space than someone traveling with just a suitcase or those traveling by car. Although many of the previous mentioned laundry items and products may be helpful, with an RV you can save money by purchasing larger containers of laundry detergent, consider more effective methods of hand washing laundry, and even consider a portable or permanent washing machine solution.

RV Drying Racks

RVers can take advantage of being able to dry clothes both indoors or outdoors. There are a number of collapsible drying racks designed for RVs and motorhomes, some are free standing while others attach directly to the ladder on the back of the vehicle like this one and this one .

Plastic Basin or Dishpan

Sinks in many RVs are small and some campervans may not have one at all. It can also be difficult to clean and utilize a kitchen or bathroom sink for laundry purposes.

An easy solution for hand washing is to get an inexpensive plastic basin or dishpan like this one . These all-purpose basins come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used for washing laundry, soaking, dishes, etc.  When not in use, you can store your laundry supplies in them.

If you are planning to do a lot of washing by hand, you might want to pack along an old-fashioned washboard. These can help you get clothes cleaner and help scrub out stains.

The less expensive washboards are made of plastic but there are also ones made of wood. Many come in compact sizes so that they are easy to stow away and store. You can see some washboard options here .

If you don’t have room for a full washboard, there are also these mini handheld scrubbers that fit into the palm of your hand.

Portable Washing Machines

If you want something more convenient and have a bit more space in your RV, you might consider a portable and  compact washing unit . Some of these are essentially mini spin washing machines that work with electricity and some are electricity-free washing machines that are powered by a hand crank.

Washing Machine and Dryer Units for RVs

Larger RVs and motorhomes may have space for compact or full-size washing and dryer machines. A number of washing and dryer units have been designed to work aboard RVs, such as the washer and dryer units by Splendide . You can see a list of models here .

Of course the downsides of installing a washer or dryer is they are expensive, take up a lot of space, and will require maintenance.

Ultrasonic Cleaning Washing Machines

We wanted to make a note about the use of ultrasonic cleaning technology as there have been a recent flood of ultrasonic cleaning products marketed towards cleaning clothes while traveling. The technology of using ultrasound for cleaning is a sound technology and has been used for decades.

Ultrasound is combined with a cleaning solvent or just water to provide cleaning. The technology has been used to effectively clean and sterilize a number of different types of hard-to-clean objects including watches, jewelry, lenses, medical instruments, fountain pens, sports equipment, CDs, eyewear, etc.

So it is not surprising that there has been numerous attempts to try to apply this to washing clothing and laundry solutions. Lately, there have been a number of portable units developed and marketed for travel and quick laundry solutions.

These portable ultrasonic washing machines are usually in the form of a wand or disc attached to small handheld unit that you place in a sink or container of water and leave for a certain amount of time to clean. You can see a good selection of these units here .

There are four main problems so far with these units. First, the technology work best on hard surfaces so the porous and flexible surfaces of clothing is not ideal. Second, the more clothing you try to clean, the more the cleaning ability is dulled. Third, many are too small or don’t have enough power to really work effectively. Lastly, they are rarely dual voltage meaning they only work for 120V or 230V normally so are not ideal for international travel.

Overall, we personally can’t recommend these products. Our experience and the reviews of others so far do not support these as effective laundry solutions for those wanting to wash clothing while traveling. We have had multiple companies contact us about trying to get their product included in our article and we can’t recommend any of them so far.

If you do decide to try one, be sure to read recent reviews and the return policy information carefully before making your purchase. Also be sure the product you are buying will work in the places you want to use it (e.g., a 120V product is not going to work well in Spain without needing a converter).

However, this is a space to watch as being able to have a portable and effective laundry wand that just needs to be added to water would be an ideal travel laundry solution for many people.

If you have used such a product that you believe is effective, do let us know about it. We’d love to find an effective product in this category!

How to Hand Wash Clothes While Traveling

When discussing the topic of laundry with others, we found that some people had never hand washed their clothes before. If you have never hand washed clothing before, or are wondering if you are doing it properly, here is a step-by-step guide. This will work whether you are hand washing some delicates at home or washing your clothing by hand on a trip.

Step 1: Sort your Clothing

Grab your dirty laundry and sort clothes by color (like you would with machine washing) and wash dark and light colors separately.

Check your clothing labels. Lay aside very delicate items to do on their own.

Step 2: Clean the Sink, Tub, or Basin

Always wash out the sink or bath before using it for laundry. Dirt or residues can be in the sink, such as from bleach cleaners, that can stain or discolor clothing.

Step 3: Fill the Sink & Add Detergent

Fill the sink with lukewarm water (don’t use hot water). Add your laundry soap to the running water. Read directions on how much you need to use. For most, you just need to add a few drops of a regular liquid detergent or a capful of travel-sized hand wash laundry soap.

Step 4. Add Clothing

Now place you dirty clothing in the sink. Don’t put all your clothing into the sink at once, wash only a couple of items at a time for best results. Try to use a bath tub or basin if you have a lot of clothing to wash.

Step 4. Swirl, Swish, and Scrub

Swirl, swish, and knead the clothing in the soapy water for about 2 minutes to get them clean. If there are any more soiled areas or stains, you’ll want to spend extra time on the stained area and do some light scrubbing with your hand to try to get the soil off.

If the items are soiled you may want to use a laundry scrubbing brush or washboard. For longer term travels, you may consider getting a small bamboo washboard or one of these mini handheld scrubbers .

If you are using fabric softener you may want to drain the water after the wash, and fill up the sink again and add a couple of drops of the fabric softener to the water.

Note: If you have more than one sink full of clothing, we would recommend doing all your washing first, and then rinse out the sink and rinse all the clothing. This will make things faster and help conserve water.

Step 5. Rinse.

Next rinse the clothing in clean water. If you only have one sink or basin, you’ll need to drain and rinse the sink first and then place the clothing back in to rinse. Be sure to rinse out the soap suds in the sink basic before filling it up again with clean water.

Place clothing back in and swish around until there are no more soap suds coming from them. This may take a couple of rinses, so you may need to fill up the sink a couple of times. Repeat until water runs clear from clothing.

Step 6. Gently Squeeze or Pat Out Water

After all the soap is rinsed out, gently squeeze the water out of the clothing. Be careful not to wring delicate items or items made of certain fabrics (like wool) as it can damage the fibers and cause them to lose their shape.

For delicate fabrics or heavier items, you may want to place them in a thick towel and then roll up to absorb the water before hanging or laying flat to dry. This will help remove excess water and can be used for any clothing item.

Step 7. Hang Clothing or Lay Flat to Dry

Hang your clothing up to dry on a travel clothing line, shower bar, or clothing dryer rack. We generally use a travel clothesline in either the bathroom or outside on a balcony.

Try to hang in a ventilated space for best results (outdoor spaces are great if an option), and make sure that any dripping water will not damage surfaces.

Read care instructions. Some items like a wool sweater should be laid flat to dry to keep it from losing its shape.

Our Traveling Laundry Kit

Sometimes we are asked what we pack. To be honest, this really depends on the destination, type of trip, and length of the trip. If we are going to be in an apartment with a washing machine is going to be different if we plan to hand wash along the way at hotels.

But the one thing we always carry is a sink stopper. I actually own two of these and one I keep in the back of a suitcase and the other lives in our little travel laundry kit bag. I not only use if for laundry, but also it often comes in handy in doing dishes, taking baths, etc. as we have found many sinks and bathtubs are often missing working stoppers.

If planning to use washing machines or laundromats on trip, we’d recommend packing at a sink stopper and some laundry detergent. You might also want to bring optional extras like softener, stain remover, etc. You probably would not need a clothes line as there is usually also either a drying machine or some sort of clothes dryer or line where you can let your clothes air dry.

If planning to handwash your clothing as you, then you probably want to bring a sink stopper, laundry detergent, and a clothing line. Some people may also want extras like a clothing washing bag like Scrubba, mini-washboard, stain remover, etc.

Here is what we currently have in our travel laundry bag (for a trip through Uganda and Rwanda) where we mostly relied on handwashing with a few instances of having access to our clothing being washed as part of a free service offered at a hotel or apartment.

• A Sink Stopper – we specifically have this one which we have found works on about 90% of the drains we have tried it on. But anything with a similar design should work just as well.
• Laundry detergent – we normally use either liquid or gel ones and we have used ones by Sink Suds, Woolite, Sea to Summit, and Dr Beckmann – currently have a couple of bottles of Sea to Summit Laundry Wash in our bag.
• A travel clothesline – we own two of these, but normally just pack one. On trips where we know we will be doing big loads of laundry, we will pack two. We have one that I think was by Magellan’s but is no longer available (purchased back in 2011, still works!) and this very similar bungee stretch one by Coghlan’s.
• Carabiners – We keep a couple of extra carabiners in our laundry kit bag to be able to have more options to attach our clothes line and they can also stretch the length by a few inches if needed. But we pretty much always travel with a few of these anyway as they can be handy for a variety of things like attaching things to day bags or backpacks.
• I sopropyl alcohol – We also currently have a a little bottle of isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol used for disinfectant when washing reusable face masks as well as for tweezers, nail clippers etc. Just note there is often limitation on how much of this can be brought in luggage on planes due to its flammable nature.

I keep any liquid products in a Ziploc bag and then put everything together in a little mesh zipper bag. We have this little mesh bag set that we used to keep small things in such as our laundry kit, medical supplies, journal and pens, extra cash, etc. in when traveling.

Tips for Doing Laundry While Traveling

Below are some tips, advice, and reminders about washing clothes when traveling to help you get your clothes clean while minimizing the headaches and time spent doing laundry.

• Consider where and how you are traveling to determine the best way to do laundry during your trip. What will work at one destination may not work well in another.
• Spend a few minutes thinking and researching how you will do laundry while traveling. Doing it before your trip will keep you from wasting valuable vacation time figuring out how and where to do laundry. For example: Plan may be to stop at laundromats in City X and City X, and you’ve checked that laundromats exist in these cities. Or your plan may be to book an apartment every 6 days that has a washing machine and dryer. Or to pack laundry soap and supplies to hand wash your smaller items every few days.
• Always read the care labels of your clothing before you pack or wash them. Most garments, even silk, wool, and linen, can be handwashed, but they need to be hand washed with a gentle laundry soap. Best to leave delicate, expensive, and “dry clean only” items at home.
• If you or a member of your family has sensitive skin or a skin condition like eczema, be sure to pack a gentle laundry soap that you’ve tested at home. You don’t want an allergic reaction or rash to deal with while traveling.
• If you are planning to air dry your clothing, be sure that you time your washing so there is enough time for your clothes to dry completely before you need to move again. Traveling with damp clothing is not fun, and clothing tends to become smelly and wrinkly when not dried properly. Remember that clothes will dry more slowly in humid climates than in dry climates. Some thicker clothing, like sweaters and winter socks, can take up to 3 days to dry naturally, especially if it is drying in a damper cooler place.
• If you are planning to hand wash your clothing or letting it air dry, pack quick drying clothing when you can. Clothes that dry overnight or within 24 hours will give you much more flexibility in timing and doing laundry. Remember that synthetic fabrics typically dry faster than natural fibers, and quick dry fabrics include polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics.
• If you are going to be doing big loads of laundry, especially if traveling as a family or group, you’ll probably want to bring a couple of clotheslines if you bring travel-sized ones. It can be challenging though to find space to hang huge amounts of laundry so best to do it more often than wait a long time in between loads. Or consider alternating between handwashing and laundromats or hotel services.
• If your plan is to use laundromats, do a little research before your trip to make sure laundromats are available in the places you are traveling. Some countries don’t have them and they can be difficult to find in certain areas even in countries where they are fairly common.
• If you plan to rent places with private laundry facilities (e.g., an apartment, room, or vacation home with washing machine) in a country where this is not that common, it is wise to book such properties in advance. Remember that although most homes in your home country may have washing machines, most families in the world do not have access to a washing machine and have to wash their clothing by hand.
• For Americans traveling aborad, while washing machines are common throughout households in the UK and most of Europe, tumble dryers are not. Washing machines and dryers are also usually smaller. Also be warned that the washer/dryer combo units crammed into small apartments often don’t work as well (especially the dryer) as full-sized separate machines.
• If you have booked places to stay which have private or shared laundry facilities, you can ask in advance of your trip what you should bring. For instance, laundry soap may or may not be provided or available.
• Remember that washing machines and dryers can make a lot of noise. So be sure to be respectful of your neighbors and do your laundry during acceptable hours if staying in a rented apartment or shared housing area!
• If you are packing liquid or gel items and flying, the majoirty of countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union countries, have restrictions on the size of liquid containers you can pack in your carry-on luggage. Be sure that any items in your carry-on are in 3.4  oz. (100ml) or smaller containers and packed in a transparent liter sized bag. If the container is more than 3.4 oz., you will need to pack it in your checked luggage or it will be confiscated by security.

So that’s our guide to doing laundry while traveling! We hope you have found it helpful, and you might want to check out more of our travel tips .

Planning to do laundry during your next trip? PIN this article to Pinterest to read later:

Have you had experience washing clothing while traveling? If so, please tell us about your travel laundry experiences and what you have found helpful. Any special items in your travel laundry kit?  We’re always looking for recommendations!

If you have a question about doing laundry while on the road, just leave us your question in the Comments section below!

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James Post author

May 2, 2024 at 8:10 am

We usually travel twice a year, on transAtlantic cruises spending about a week in Barcelona or Rome before or after the cruise. We look for laundromats before leaving home and usually find one near our hotel.

We are generally away for about a month each time. Needless to say we have to do laundry at some point. We’ve tried almost every way you mention to do laundry, including taking extra clothes to avoid the task. We’ve finally settled on taking fewer clothes and opting for self-serve laundromats in places we visit. We use 1 or 2 of the 8-10 kg washers (about 4€ each and 1 dryer (about 1€ per 10 minutes). The washers dispense liquid detergent, fabric softener and disinfectant during the apropriate cycle. No fuss, no mess, just the time it tskes to run the cycles which is about 30 minutes per machine.

We stopped doing hand was many years ago. It’s too messy and takes too long for clothes to dry. Hotels often have ironing boards and irons for the things we need to iron, but cruise ships do not. We never use the kzundry services at hotels or on cruise ships. It’s far too expensive and we’ve had things go missing. We prefer taking the time to go to a laundromat and doing it ourselves.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 7, 2024 at 8:47 am

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and let us know about the different ways you have washed your clothes over time during your travels. And yes it obviously depends a lot on where you are traveling and how you are traveling. Laundromats are a really effective way, especially if you have a lot of clothes (whereas hand washing is often better for smaller amounts) and are traveling in larger towns and cities. Most laundromats have the detergent and such as well as you noted which is convenient.

Just a note on cruises for future readers, while some cruises only offer the regular paid laundry services that can often be pricey, I know the Cunard RMS Queen Mary 2 (transatlantic cruise ship) does offer a few little laundrettes areas on the ship which have clothing irons and boards (free to use, but only in those areas due to fire hazards) and washers and dryers where you can do your own laundry. They also provide free laundry soap (best to use the provided rather than your own if you can as it works best for those machines). I beleive all the Cunard ships have these free self-service laundrettes (as well as the regular paid professional laundry services) on board. Laurence just used one last week to iron his shirts on the Queen Mary 2 when we got on. But this is increasily uncommon on cruise ships but always good to check ahead. Our stateroom also had the drying line in the shower as well so if have a few pieces to hand wash or swimwear to hang, you could dry them there.

Best, Jessica

May 8, 2024 at 1:41 pm

Thanks for the note about Cunard Cruise Line. We have never sailed with them. NCL used to have free self-serve laundromats on some of its ships, but they have got rid if them. I have yet to find such on RCCL or MSC, and I doubt they have them. At a certain loyalty status, NCL used to offer one freebag of laundry to guests of that ststus or higher, I don’t know if this is still the case. My sister has told me there are paid self-serve laundromats on Princess.

As we frequently stay in big cities on our travels in Europe, it is not too difficult to find lsundromats near our hotel. We prefer this option to handwandwashing, and it’s chesper snd faster than hotel or cruise ship services.

May 13, 2024 at 2:47 pm

Yes, I don’t think most cruise ships have free self-service laundries. I think they are most common on larger ships that offer regular world cruises or other long crusies from what I’ve heard. This makes sense as it gives people a place to do their own laundry on months-long voyages if they want. Laurence and I were just on a 1 week transatlanic cruise aboard the QM2 earlier this month, but some people on the ship had been on since January as part of a world cruise (so about 5 months). But always a good idea for cruisers to check options in advance.

Yes, in larger Western Europe cities we’ve also had very good luck on doing laundry at laundromats as well as needed. There’s usually one nearby if staying in central areas. Similarly, usually easy to find a laundromate in large cities in the USA like NYC or San Francisco. I think we were staying at a hotel within walking distance of at least 3 laundrettes (around Chinatown) a couple weeks ago when in NYC.

Thanks again for sharing your experiences and tips on doing laundry on your travels!

Mohamed Hashi Post author

March 14, 2024 at 5:32 am

Jessica and Laurence, your guide is a treasure trove of practical advice for travelers grappling with laundry challenges on the road. The detailed breakdown of options from hotel services to hand washing in sinks, and the inclusion of innovative solutions like the Scrubba wash bag, provides valuable insights for both novice and seasoned travelers. Your emphasis on eco-friendly practices, especially when washing clothes in natural water sources, is particularly commendable. This guide not only helps travelers pack lighter but also encourages a more sustainable approach to travel. Thanks for sharing these invaluable tips and product recommendations to make travel laundry less of a chore.

March 21, 2024 at 10:26 am

Hi Mohamed,

Glad you found our guide to doing laundry on the go practical and helpful. If you have any questions about laundry while traveling, just ask us!

Jennifer Post author

September 21, 2023 at 8:35 am

Could you give me an idea of how much we should budget for doing laundry with machines (laundromats) in Italy? I think we’ll need to stop and do it every 5-7 days. Thanks for this great article on laundry when travelling!!

September 21, 2023 at 3:07 pm

Hi Jennifer,

Sure, happy to try to help. So based on our last time using a laundromat in Italy which was fairly recent (Spring 2023), prices ranged from around 4 euros to 8 euros per wash (usually depends on size of washer and part of Italy) and about 1 euros per 10 minutes worth of drying. If you buy laundry detergent/washing powder at the laundromats, it generally costs about 1 euro for a small pack for a wash or two. So I would probably estimate at least 10 euros per wash but you’ll likely pay a little more in some places.

Although Rome has some of the highest prices we’ve seen (10 euros for a big washer) we’ve also seen small no-frills places in Rome that still have 4 euros per wash and 4 euros for a dryer, so reading recent reviews can be useful in places where there are multiple options.

You can save money by packing your own laundry detergent and/or air drying the laundry if that is an option where you are staying. Some travelers like put it in dryer until damp (so not real wet) and then hang it up back in their hotel bathroom or balcony (pack a travel clothesline) or on an apartment drying rack to finish drying.

So we didn’t have any issues finding a laundromat on our last trip but it really depends in what part of Italy you are traveling. So it is good to investigate ahead of time to know where on your trip would be best to do laundry if you are going to multiple cities so you can plan and pack accordingly. To search for a self-service laundromat, I’d put in a search for lavanderia a gettone as that is the Italian term for a laundrette. Plural term is lavanderie.

If you can’t find something, I’d ask your hotel or the owner of the apartment/home you are staying in where the nearest one is located as they should be able to help with local advice as some are not easy to locate online.

Some machines are operated by coins only but many now also take these little cards you load with credit at the laundromat (you can usually pay for these cards by credit card or cash). Some take credit cards directly. Many have change machines if you only have bills but still good idea to have coins just in case. It is a good idea to bring along coins/cash and a credit card, so you know that payment type won’t be an issue. There is normally someone around to help if you are confused by how to pay or work the machines. In big cities instructions are often somewhere in English, but in smaller ones it will probably only be in Italian.

The length of time really depends on the type of machine, your wash cycle, etc. but when Laurence last did laundry it was relatively fast to do a full load to wash and dry. But sometimes the machines can be slower than people are used to back home so best to bring some things to do to kill time while you wait such as a book, puzzles, headphones to listen to music/watch videos, etc.

You’ll definitely save money using a laundromat compared to a hotel service as most Italian hotels that offer the service (generally nicer ones) charge by the article of clothing and is generally pricey.

Anyway, hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip to Italy!

Jason Lucas Post author

August 30, 2023 at 12:59 pm

hello! thanks for all this advice. my family and i (wife and two kids) like to go on a lot of shorter trips, a week or less. they generally involve camping or staying at budget motels or hotels. we have the sink stopper thing, a couple of laundry lines, and a bag to store dirty things in now thanks to your advice but wandering thoughts on what i can buy that can be multipurpose for doing hand laundry and other types of cleaning (such as dishes, camp stuff, hands etc.) without having to buy those tiny bottles. also needs to be biodegradable. we rarely fly and those little bottles are too small for us and seems wasteful to keep buying them for our kind of travels

August 30, 2023 at 3:53 pm

Yes, that totally makes sense for wanting something in a bigger container and something more versatile, especially for camping. In reality, most of the travel laundry soaps we recommend could be used in a multipurpose way.

But two brands that I know sell bigger bottles (16 oz or more) are Campsuds and Dr. Bronner’s. Both of them are sold as multipurpose and biogradable, and can be used for a range of things like washing dishes, body soap, hand soap, laundry, washing your dog, etc.

Campsuds is very popular among campers and hikers so you’ve probably used this one before and while it mostly sells in smaller bottles for travel, I know they come in at least 16 oz. size on Amazon .

But if you want an even larger size I’d consider Dr. Bronner’s. I personally have used the Dr. Bronner’s Baby one (unscented) that I have used for dishes, hand soap, hand washing laundry in sink, and general cleaning. I have a 32 oz size bottle at home and find it works really well although it can leave white spots (especially on glassware) if you are working with hard water but never found it a bit deal for the kinds of situations I have used it. Also the unscented is better for sensitive skin and more multipurpose in my opinion (but if you like scent the peppermint is very popular). It comes in a bunch of sizes from small bottles to giant gallon jugs. I’d recommend starting with a mid-sized bottle and test it and see if you like it before getting the largest size. But one of the big ones will last a long time and you can decant it into smaller bottles you already own for your travels. You can find Dr. Bronner’s at lots of stores from Walmart to Whole Foods, but for the largest sizes, you might need to look on Amazon or their website.

Another option is to check out a local bulk store or low waste shop as they often have some kind of laundry or multipurpose soap you can decant into your own containers you bring to the store. The only issue I have with these personally is they typically only stock soaps that include some kind of fragrance or essential oils which sadly irritate my skin.

Anyway, hope that helps give you some options to consider.

Happy travels! Jessica

Jason Post author

August 31, 2023 at 3:46 pm

thanks so much for your helpful reply Jessica – the dr bronners looks perfect for us and already placed an order!

August 31, 2023 at 3:50 pm

Glad to be helfpul, and hope you find that the Dr. Bronner’s soap works well for your upcoming family trips!

Carol T. Booker Post author

August 28, 2023 at 12:31 pm

Tackling laundry while traveling is such a pain and especially when its a one or two month trip to another country. Much needed blog, I am sure now I can confidently travel anywhere while making my laundry day hassle-free. Thanks for sharing!

August 28, 2023 at 4:13 pm

Thanks for taking the time to comment, glad you found our tips helpful.

Kimberly Post author

August 3, 2023 at 12:12 pm

I tried one of the suggested travel sized laundry detergents – the Sinksuds – and I tested in a sink with a couple of laundry items before our trip. But it doesn’t foam very much like I expected or have much of a scent. I guess I was expected something more foamy like handsoap. I imagine the foam makes things cleaner? So just wondering if I got a bad one or maybe I’m not using enough?

August 3, 2023 at 2:37 pm

Hi Kimberly,

Yes, the Sink Suds (at least the ones I’ve used) are normally unscented and fragrance free, so the smell of it to me just smells a bit like fresh soap. Like many of these specific sink laundry formulas, it is a gentle formula as it is supposed to be able to allow you to wash any kind of garment, be OK for most people with sensitive skin, and also be biodegradable.

So it should produce a bit of suds in our experience. Try running the water directly over the soap and then swishing it around a bit and you should have some suds. But no it shouldn’t foam much.

The amount of foam is not really important. Foam (caused by foaming agents) just allows the surfactant to sit longer on a surface (this is important in cases when washing something vertical, e.g., a wall, car tires, a hanging rug). So you don’t need foam to clean clothes in a sink so it should not make any difference how much or how little there is as most more natural detergents don’t foam, we just associate foam and lots of suds with cleaning because of advertising 😉 The most important thing is that you use enough of it and its dispersed throughout the sink/tub so it gets on all your clothing during the soaking/washing.

But if you really want foam or something with a stronger scent, you might try using a detergent you already use and like or a gentle foaming hand soap – just test it out in the sink before you go!

Hope that helps! Jessica

Marty Gibson Post author

July 27, 2023 at 7:56 am

Thanks for this, 2 questions:

1. I use an All laundry soap powder – will this work for handwashing in sinks or tubs? I noticed most of what you listed are liquid detergents? 2. I want to try to pack carry-on only but how often can you rewear the same things before washing?

Best, Marty

July 27, 2023 at 8:57 am

So please that you found our travel laundry post helpful! And happy to try to answer your questions.

1. So liquids or gels generally work much better for handwashing just because they are easier to get mixed with the water by hand in a smaller space such as a sink. Powders tend to be hearder to get dissolved and are more likely to leave residues on clothes based on our experience with handwashing. So I’d recommend a liquid detergent and there is an All liquid laundry detergent that you could get (just be sure to put into a refillable 3 oz/100ml or smaller container if doing carry-on on a plane). I have used the All Free & Clear liquid detergent for handwashing and found it works well and is great for those with more sensitive skin (I have eczema). However, you can always test the powder you have by trying to do a sinkload of handwashing in your home bathroom sink and see how it works as some powders work better for handwashing than others.

2. So I think that is a very personal and subjective question. Some people like to wash all their clothes after one wear, but obviously this doesn’t work if you want to travel carry-on only and do not want to do laundry every couple of days (nor is it very environmentally friendly). Most clothing can be reworn at least a few times and some people can wear items (especially sweaters, jackets, trousers/pants) several times or more before washing. If something doesn’t smell or isn’t noticeably soiled or stained, it is probably fine to keep wearing. The only things you probably need to wash regularly is underwear and socks. You can also get fabrics, like merino wool items, that are designed to be reworn more often. I’d look at brands like Smartwool, ExOfficio, and Darn Tough for some ideas of items that are meant to stay drier and fresher longer. But again how much you decide to rewear things is going to be up to your personal preferences and your specific travel situation. I would just make sure to take items that are easy to handwash and air dry quickly.

WS Post author

July 20, 2023 at 8:09 am

This laundry guide for travelers is incredibly useful, offering a range of practical options for handling laundry on the go. From using hotel services to hand washing techniques, the article covers all the bases to cater to different budgets and travel styles. The tips provided can help me pack less and rewear my favorite clothes during my journey.

July 27, 2023 at 7:58 am

Thanks W.S., glad you enjoyed our travel laundry guide! Wishing you happy travels and clean clothes 😉

Adrienne Crawford Post author

July 10, 2023 at 12:35 am

These laundry tips for traveling are a game-changer! The practical suggestions, like packing a portable laundry kit and researching laundry facilities, make doing laundry on the go so much easier. Thanks to the author for sharing these valuable insights that can help travelers maintain fresh and clean clothes while exploring the world. Happy travels and clean laundry to all!

July 10, 2023 at 2:42 am

Hi Adrienne,

So glad you enjoyed our travel tips, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

Happy travels, Jessica

queenslanddry Post author

May 8, 2023 at 10:13 pm

We got free washing on the trip I once took, which was AMAZING. Over the years, I’ve done a lot of laundry in the washbasin. I adore the soap sheets since you can travel with them without worrying. No matter where you go, keeping the water in the sink is always a struggle, so having a sink stopper is a fantastic idea!

May 16, 2023 at 8:37 am

Thanks for sharing your experiences with soap sheets, and yes we find having a sink stopper very helpful. Just used it in our rental apartment bathtub only last night in fact 😉

Sarah H Post author

April 10, 2023 at 12:28 pm

Thanks for all these great laundry tips and letting us know what you use – do you travel with a laundry bag or something? If so, can you tell me which one? How much does it hold? Trying to pack for first big trip and just want some advice. ~ Sarah

April 10, 2023 at 1:16 pm

You’re very welcome. Yes, the clotheslines and sink stoppers are the main items that don’t change for us when we travel, but we do change the laundry soap depending on what is available. We’ve also used a few different bags for laundry.

Currently for a travel laundry bag, we specifically have this one at the moment. It is lightweight, has a drawstring, and seems fine so far (only had it for about 6 months) and hold about 5 days worth of laundry for us. Our one concern is that it seems a bit flimsy but so far no tears or anything after months of travel. But to be honest, the best laundry bag for you will depend on what size you need. Also take into account that a bag will hold more or less clothing depending on what you plan to wear at your destination (for example you may want a larger bag if traveling with bulky clothes versus more lightsweight hot weather clothes). You should also consider if you have anything at home already that will work as a laundry bag as you may have something that will work well. Basically something lightweight, big enough, won’t tear, and will close (such as via a drawstring or zipper) are the main things you probably want.

Hope that helps and just let me know if you have further questions as you pack for your trip.

Wishing you some wonderful travels!

Elle Jones Post author

April 4, 2023 at 3:46 am

I appreciate that you pointed out that laundromats occasionally provide dry cleaning services. You could also locate a nearby dry cleaner if you require these services. Finding one that provides pick-up and delivery services may be helpful if you want to schedule having your clothing cleaned as needed throughout your trip. I’ll make sure to pass this along to my sister, who travels frequently, so she can wash her clothes herself. Thanks for the suggestion.

April 4, 2023 at 12:34 pm

So glad you found some our tips helpful about doing laundry when traveling! Sometimes it can be helpful when traveling to have someone else do the laundry (and dry cleaning if needed – we rarely travel with clothing that requires dry cleaning ourselves) for you and have them pick up/drop it off for you.

Gomer Reyes Post author

January 5, 2023 at 11:07 pm

Good day! Just want you to know that your blog article on travel laundry is really helpful in my end. Thanks for this information.

January 7, 2023 at 3:33 am

You are very welcome, and wishing you happy travels (and clean clothes)!

Kevin L. Enriquez Post author

November 30, 2022 at 3:38 am

Thanks for this informative article about travel laundry, It would be very helpful for me on my next trip which I am planning for next week.

December 3, 2022 at 10:12 am

You’re very welcome and thanks for taking the time to comment. If you have any questions about doing laundry while traveling, just ask!

Wishing you a great trip! Jessica

Laura G. Post author

July 26, 2022 at 8:43 am

I just wanted to stay thanks so much for these tips. We just came back to London after travelling for 3 weeks in Southeast Asia and these tips for doing laundry were so helpful. I especially love the tip about packing a rubber sink plug – that really saved us in a couple of places and make doing hand laundry much easier on the go!

July 26, 2022 at 8:54 am

So glad to hear and yes, those sink stopper/plugs things are great for doing laundry as you go when traveling. We are currently traveling in Italy, and just used ours a couple day ago to wash out some socks and reusable face masks in Italy as the provided sink stopper didn’t hold water in the sink.

Thanks for taking the time to comment!

Henry Killingsworth Post author

July 25, 2022 at 11:58 am

Thank you for helping me to understand that laundromats exist in cities and larger towns. I am going to be moving to a new state in the U.S. soon, and I won’t have access to a washing machine or dryer. I will have to see if there is a laundromat nearby that I can use to do my laundry.

July 26, 2022 at 8:38 am

Yes, if you are moving to a city of any size in the U.S. you shouldn’t have much problem finding a laundromat to use. It is also common for many apartment complexes that don’t have washing machines in apartments to have an on-site shared laundry machines (often coin or credit operated) so I would ask about that first. But if not, I am sure you can easy find a local laundromat or laundry service.

Fiona Post author

June 26, 2022 at 7:02 am

Great blog about laundry care! This is good to know for the people that’s travelling all around the world a lot.

June 26, 2022 at 8:12 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment, and glad our article was helpful to you! Just let us know if you have any questions about laundry when traveling and happy to try to help.

Shanta Jacobs Post author

June 18, 2022 at 12:59 am

How would you recommend removing stubborn stains from clothes when traveling? I want to not worry about stains.

June 18, 2022 at 8:24 am

First, I would recommend packing clothes for travel that are easy care and would be easy to clean (either washing or just spot cleaning). Darker clothes will show less stains. There are also fabrics and certain fabric treatments that make clothes more stain resistant.

But if you are worried about stains, you can also pack along some sort of stain remover liquid, pen, or wipe. There are lot of travel-friendly stain remover options from brands like Tide, Shout, Dreft, and OxiClean.

Hope that helps and happy travels! Jessica

Laura Post author

June 16, 2022 at 7:33 am

Planning a 2 week trip from USA to Africa (Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania) later this summer. Thoughts on laundry facility options and hand washing as we go? Mostly will be staying in safari hotels and tented camps in national parks. Prefer to avoid high fees for laundry. First time in Africa. Two of us, my husband and I, and would need to do some laundry as we go, particularly underthings, socks, t-shirts, face masks, etc. – any expert advise appreciated!

Thanks, Laura & Josh

June 16, 2022 at 8:19 am

Hi Laura & Josh,

That sounds like a great trip!

What we would recommend, based on our own travels in East Africa, would be to pack about 7 days worth of clothing and plan to do one big load of laundry once (around the 7 to 10 day point in your trip) and smaller loads via handwashing (socks, underwear, masks, etc.) along the way as needed. The less you have to pack, the better, especially on an international trip like this where you will be making a lot of stops. We’d recommend choosing to pack clothes that are easy care (so can be handwashed or machine washed) and made of fabrics that will dry farily quickly. We’d also recommend packing items that you can wear multiple times before they need to be washed.

It is going to depend partly on how long you stay at any one place, but generally you will need at least 2 nights (3 is even better) to be able to do handwash laundry and give it adequate time to dry. For this, we’d recommend packing a sink/tub stopper, a travel laundry line, a couple of carabiners, and some laundry detergent. That should be all you need.

Many hotels and safari camps offer guest laundry services. Many hang laundry to dry (or run dryers using solar power) so you generally need to be staying at least two nights for that as well to guarantee the laundry will dry before you leave. Many charge a fee (sometimes low, sometimes high), but some places do offer laundry free to guests, so you can check to see if any of the places you are staying offer that as an option.

So I’d take a look at your itinerary and see when you have 2 nights or more stops in any location that would allow you time to do laundry. We would make a note on our itinerary that we needed to do laundry after check-in so we wouldn’t forget.

When we were in East Africa for about a month, we did handwashing at any place we stopped for 3 nights. Hung laundry either in or around showers or on outdoor hotel balconies or outside tents. We also did one big proper wash with a washing machine around the middle of our trip. But since you are going to only be traveling for 2 weeks, you should be OK with either handwashing laundry as you go and/or doing one big wash around the middle of your trip.

Anyway, hope that helps. Let us know if you have any further questions and wishing you a wonderful trip this summer!

June 17, 2022 at 4:54 am

thanks so much Jessica!! Should I buy detergent or is that something I can buy when I am there? Also do you know if there are laundromats? Thanks again!

June 17, 2022 at 5:46 am

You’re very welcome. For only 2 weeks, I would recommend packing a small thing of detergent that would be enough for how much laundry you plan to do on your trip. We generally prefer liquid, but bars, powder, or strips are also options. Just make sure it is something that works for handwashing in a sink or tub. I’d try it out first.

You can of course buy laundry detergent in any of those countries but unless you are already planning a trip to a grocery store, I would not waste your vacation time going to a store just to purchase detergent. Also it can be hard to find a small bottle and you don’t want to carry around a full size thing of laundry detergent on your trip. If you do plan to go to a supermarket, Carrefour (a French supermarket chain) is a good options and there are locations in Nairobi, Kigali, and Dar es Salaam – we have purchased small bottles of Dettol laundry detergent there. Prices were similar to what we pay in the UK/Europe.

There are laundromats or laundrettes in the big cities like Nairobi, Dar es Saleem, Arusha, Kigali, etc. Some have the self-service machines like in the USA but many are ones where you drop off your laundry for washing/dry cleaning and pick it up later. But again, if you don’t have a lot of time, it probably makes more sense to hand wash as you go and/or have a hotel service do it for you. But laundrettes and local laundry services are a good option for those with longer trips who have more time as these services can be found at very good prices. But most of the hotels/camps you stay will offer laundry services to guests and that is probably a much more practical option.

Also, a quick note that in many places in East Africa like Kenya, it is often not considered culturally appropriate to wash someone else’s undergarments (“smalls”), such as panties, bras, etc. This is particularly true of women’s underwear. Some hotel services will accept these (you can check their laundry lists to see if accepted) but generally I would plan to hand wash these yourself. Most places that don’t accept these will give you a small thing of laundry soap to do them yourself in the sink if you ask.

Rick Jones Post author

November 29, 2021 at 5:19 pm

I will do some research to find a laundromat before going somewhere. I would hate to go somewhere that doesn’t have one. So I’ll make sure I always have somewhere to clean my clothes.

November 30, 2021 at 5:43 am

That is a good idea, especially if you plan to be in a certain area for a longer time and know you’ll need to launder your clothes 😉 It is generally pretty easy to research laundromat locations online for most parts of the world.

Margaret Post author

April 10, 2021 at 11:46 pm

I travel a lot and always wash as I go. I try to book at least two nights in each place to make sure laundry has time to dry. When not on the move, each night I strip off and wash what I wore that day, plus sometimes also the previous day. I don’t bother with a stopper or detergent. I just use the bar soap provided, I wet the clothes, rub soap in stinky spots. Swish around as best I can for several minutes, then drain, rinse, drain, and wring. If I can’t hang clothes over the tub or shower until the drip stops, I roll wet clothes in a towel to soak up excess moisture, I bring regular paracord or lightweight rope (nothing elastic with suction cups or hooks) and find two attachmenT points in the room. The Upper hinge of the bathroom door usually works for one. I also bring plastic clothes pins and a couple of plastic coated wire hangers. As soon as they are done dripping they get pinned on the line. Hanging on radiator or heated towel rack, or using hair dryer can help hasten dry time. Traveling with easy quick-dry clothing helps, although my husband won’t wear anything but the heaviest wool socks. 15 minutes a day for my husband and me is all it takes. Who wants to waste time on vacation trying to find a laundromat, or paying huge sums to laundry service. Make it a habit to do laundry every night.

April 11, 2021 at 5:17 am

Hi Margaret,

Thanks for sharing your travel laundry routine with us! I am glad that you have found a system of doing laundry on the go that works well for you and is inexpensive. Yes, you definitely do not have to spend a lot of time or money on doing laundry while traveling.

I would just recommend that people do use a sink stopper (either one in sink or one you bring) as otherwise you are likely unnecessarily using extra water that is not needed and won’t have the ability to soak clothes.

I would also caution people with sensitive skin from using hotel bar soap or hand soap for laundry as it can cause skin irritation (and potentially stain clothing). This might work OK for some people, but most hotel and motel hand soaps have ingredients that may cause skin irritation for me (I have sensitive skin) so I would not wash my clothes with them unless I didn’t have a gentle laundry detergent available which is why we’d recommend bringing along a little bottle of a detergent that you have already tested at home.

Carl Green Post author

September 23, 2020 at 10:07 am

I liked how you mentioned that you can get laundry done quickly by going to a laundromat. My wife and I are moving to a new area and we were wondering how we could get laundry done quickly at the new house. I’ll be sure to tell her that we should try going to a laundromat to do our laundry quicker.

September 24, 2020 at 7:07 am

Our article is more about doing laundry when traveling, but if you don’t have washing facilities at your new house, then a laundromat can indeed be an efficient option. Just be sure to take something to do at the laundromat while you are waiting 😉

Alice Carroll Post author

July 9, 2020 at 12:51 am

Thanks for the tip that going to a local laundromat would be totally reasonable when doing laundry during a trip out of town. My husband and I are planning to go on a two-week honeymoon once travel restrictions have been lifted. Perhaps using self service laundry cleaning would be the most economical way to do our laundry during those two weeks.

July 9, 2020 at 4:48 am

If you are planning to travel this year, I would check ahead at your destination before your trip, as a lot of shared laundry facilities like laundromats may be closed or have more limited services due to the pandemic. Until the pandemic is over, you may be better off hand washing, having it done by the hotel/resort services, or staying in a vacation rental that has a washing machine than going to shared facilities like laundromats where social distancing can be difficult and there are a lot of shared high-touch surfaces. Just something to consider!

Wishing you a wonderful honeymoon trip!

Homer Post author

April 20, 2020 at 10:00 pm

Hi there, I just read your blog, really awesome post about laundry cleaning. Could you tell me if it is easy to find laundromats in the UK and Ireland?

April 21, 2020 at 5:23 am

Laundromats here in the UK and Ireland are often called launderettes or laundrettes. They used to be very common, but are definitely on the decline. But you can still find them in just about any larger UK or Irish city – they are usually coin operated or use a card that you put credit on to run the machine. So you should not have much of a problems finding one as long as part of your trip will be to cities. You can easily search for options online or in a local phone book once you know your trip itinerary.

Many hostels in the UK offer a laundry room with coin-operated washing machines. There may also be a coin-operated tumble dryer, or if not, a drying room where you can leave your laundry to air dry. So if staying in hostels, that is an option as well, I’d just make sure to check to make sure the hostels you book have laundry facilities.

Frank Ball Post author

January 20, 2020 at 8:59 am

It’s great to learn that laundromats are inexpensive and allow you to do your cleaning all at once. My wife and I are going on a vacation soon and we were wondering where we could wash and dry our clothes. I’ll be sure to tell her that we should look for a laundromat in the city we’re going to.

January 20, 2020 at 9:47 am

Yes, laundromats can be a great way to do laundry if want to machine wash and dry your clothes as it is often much less expensive to do it yourselves than to have a hotel service do it for you. Although some motels and hotels do offer self-service machines as well.

I’d just check ahead and make sure that there are laundromats available in the destination to which you are traveling as they are not very common in some regions. For example, we are heading to Switzerland next week for 2 weeks and have noted down the location of a 24-hour laundromat at a small hotel near where we are staying as a possible place we could do laundry if needed at that point on our trip.

John Martin Post author

January 4, 2020 at 10:54 pm

First of all i would like to A big Thanks for awesome guideline regarding laundry while a journeymen therefore once I went on we had toughest laundry, which was splendid. We’ve done a lot of laundry. I love too much to the soap sheets because we should not get worried about flying with them. So having a sink stopper is a great idea because the sinks always drain… I do not care where you are, keeping the water in the sink is always a challenge!!

January 5, 2020 at 5:47 am

Hi John, Glad you found our tips helpful and yes, a sink stopper is a must-have travel item for us. Soap sheets can be great to travel with, especially if you have limited space in luggage. The cons though of the soap sheets is that they are a bit harder to use (have to be delicate and keep them from getting wet in the package) and you often need to use more to get stuff clean compared to the liquid and gel options. But I am glad that they have worked well for you! Best, Jessica

Yuki Post author

January 1, 2020 at 11:48 am

Really helpful article – helped us figure out what to do on our month long trip with laundry and be abel to better research and understand our options, thanks!

January 1, 2020 at 12:20 pm

Hi Yuki, Glad it was helpful and wishing you a wonderful trip! Best, Jessica

Saurabh Post author

August 24, 2019 at 1:21 am

This is very Informative, I like to travel a lot and its really expensive to do laundry in Hotels… I will try to implement some of these tips on my next trip. Thanks, guys.

August 24, 2019 at 3:15 am

Hi Saurabh, Yes, there are a lot of alternatives to expensive hotel laundry fees, and hope you find one that works well for you. Happy travels, Jessica

Adrienne McGuire Post author

August 20, 2019 at 2:28 pm

Thanks for your super helpful tips on doing laundry while travelling. It’s such a common problem in the current day, but your tips are great! Keep up the good work!

August 21, 2019 at 3:33 am

Thanks Adrienne, glad our tips were helpful! Happy travels, Jessica

Skylar Williams Post author

July 31, 2019 at 9:33 am

Thank you for your tip to use a laundromat to clean my clothes when traveling. I have been thinking about going traveling to another country where hopefully they do have laundromats. I will make sure to keep this tip in mind as I travel.

August 1, 2019 at 1:48 am

Hi Skylar, Glad it was helpful, and happy travels! Best, Jessica

Tyler Johnson Post author

July 26, 2019 at 11:27 am

That’s a good idea to take your clothes to a coin laundry to clean them. I would thin kt hat would let you pack fewer clothes and smell better. I’ll have to consider doing that next time I take a trip.

July 27, 2019 at 1:08 pm

Hi Tyler, Yes, doing laundry at a laundromat is an easy thing to plan into your travel itinerary – just be sure there are coin laundry facilities available where you are traveling. Best, Jessica

Brian Lu Post author

July 24, 2019 at 6:26 am

Your tips to wash the laundry while traveling are so helpful for me. Such a Great Share. Keep it up.

July 24, 2019 at 10:15 am

Hi Brian, Glad to hear our laundry tips were helpful. Wishing you happy travels and clean clothes! Best, Jessica

Oliver Finch Post author

July 19, 2019 at 4:07 am

It might be difficult to find any laundry servicing firm nearby. In case I don’t find any, need to make sure wash in bathroom in tub in place where staying right now.

July 20, 2019 at 9:44 am

Hi Oliver, Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and yes, if you can’t find a laundry service in a particular travel destination, doing them in the hotel or apartment where you are staying is always a good option and a good reason to travel with a small bottle of laundry soap 😉 Happy travels, Jessica

Erika Brady Post author

April 1, 2019 at 9:35 pm

I like that you mention how laundromats can sometimes offer dry cleaning services. If you need these services, you could also find a local dry cleaner. When choosing one, it could help to find one that offers pick up and delivery services so you can schedule to have your clothing properly cleaned whenever you want during your trip.

April 2, 2019 at 9:33 am

Hi Erika, Yes, definitely, a laundry / dry cleaning service that picks up and drops off is about as convenient as a hotel service, and will likely be less expensive than a hotel if you are in a country with a weaker currency. But these can be more difficult to find and arrange in countries where you don’t speak the local language. Thanks for sharing your tip! Best, Jessica

Rahul Post author

March 25, 2019 at 6:43 am

While I always opt for professional laundry when I travel, I do agree that knowing some laundry tips can come in handy. So thank you Jessica for sharing this amazing guide! really helpful!!

March 25, 2019 at 9:41 am

Hi Rahul, Glad it was useful. Professional laundry services are obviously ideal for convenience but not affordable (or worth the cost) for many travelers and not always available in some parts of the world, so it is good to have options 😉 Best, Jessica

Mark Murphy Post author

February 28, 2019 at 11:53 am

I really appreciate your tip to avoid buying products that have any toxic chemicals in them. My wife and I recently got married, and we have never had to buy any of our laundry soap before. I will be sure to tell my wife that we should find a soap that isn’t toxic.

February 28, 2019 at 12:54 pm

Congrats on the recent wedding and welcome to the newlywed life 😉

We specifically mention dryer sheets and fabric softeners, but yes many laundry soaps also include toxic chemicals. While some of the chemicals in laundry detergent are probably not harmful, some have been linked to cancer and many can cause other health issues and skin issues, and are not good for the environment. For instance, I have fairly sensitive skin and certain detergents made me break out in rashes. This article gives a quik overview and an Internet search can help you find brands that don’t contain these (or at least contain less!). Jessica

Levia Lee Post author

January 24, 2019 at 2:25 am

great tips. thanks for sharing

February 22, 2019 at 7:22 pm

You’re very welcome! ~ Jessica

Kerry Forrest Post author

January 16, 2019 at 3:31 pm

I just saw you on House Hunters International. At the end, you were shown removing your washing from a clothesline. I laughed when you said it was old fashioned. With our clean environment and plentiful sunshine, line drying is normal practice here in Australia. It is superior for many reasons, but most importantly, it is better for the environment. There is an Australian invention called Ezyline ( https://www.ezyline.com.au/ ) which I thought you should also be aware of. I have no affiliation with them, but use their product over my bath.

January 16, 2019 at 4:29 pm

Yes, that scene on House Hunters International was quite contrived and the “laundry” was just clean dry clothes I was hanging 🙂 I am from the USA and we often hung laundry out to dry growing up but here in Scotland often just dry it inside as the weather is often not ideal. Thanks for the rec about the clothesline, it looks like a great local product. But they don’t seem to be able to ship outside of Australia yet but perhaps they will in the future.

Jordan Post author

December 22, 2018 at 10:02 am

I was concerned about doing laundry when traveling from Germany to new places, but this has helped me. Thank you for posting.

December 22, 2018 at 12:04 pm

Hi Jordan, Thanks for taking the time to comment, and we are always happy to hear that our travel articles have been helpful. Wishing you fun travels and clean laundry 😉 Best, Jessica

Agness Post author

December 17, 2018 at 6:40 pm

Thanks for sharing, guys. I am a real retard when it comes to cleaning and doing my laundry. Although my boyfriend usually does it for both of us during our travels, I feel like I should help me out a bit more. Saving this post for my Sunday read. Keep your fingers crossed for me so I finally learn how to do laundry properly 🙂

December 18, 2018 at 7:32 am

Hi Agness, At least your boyfriend seems to have a good handle on doing laundry while traveling, and it is not difficult to learn how to hand wash laundry on the go. Or you can always find a laundromat or laundry service 😉 Best of luck! Jessica

Betty Schmidt Post author

December 10, 2018 at 12:35 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence,

Great practical tips on doing laundry on the road. We are relatively new and recently retired RVers in the USA, and were looking for some info on handwashing and doing laundry in the confines of a RV. We have a very tiny sink so loved the suggested about the large dishpan, washboard (never would have thought of this one!), drying rack, and travel washline. All are going onto the list of things to buy now! Thanks so much for this very practical article.

Warm regards, Betty

December 10, 2018 at 4:28 pm

Hi Betty, So glad you enjoyed our post on doing laundry while traveling! Yes, laundry can be challenging in a RV but I think you will develop your own methods and routines once out on the road. Sounds like you have some fun RV travel coming up, and wishing you some grand adventures. Best, Jessica

Catherine Post author

December 2, 2018 at 1:06 pm

Great suggestions, we always try to have at least one accommodation with laundry facilities!

December 3, 2018 at 5:59 am

Hi Catherine, Yes we usually do this as well and try to book accommodation with washing machine at least every week to 1.5 weeks if we are doing a longer trip. Best, Jessica

Anda Post author

December 2, 2018 at 11:08 am

Great suggestions, Jessica. I tried all these methods, except for a Scrubba washing bag. We usually rent apartments which are equipped with washers and dryers. However, I don’t like doing laundry when I travel. That’s why I prefer carrying a bigger bag.

December 3, 2018 at 5:58 am

Hi Anda, Yes, apartments with washers are a good idea, especially if you don’t like to hand wash laundry. A larger bag is also a potential solution but perhaps not the best solution for long trips 😉 Best, Jessica

Anisa Post author

December 2, 2018 at 7:21 am

Such a thorough article and great tips! When I traveled for work, I used to do laundry at the hotel and some of them charged crazy amounts. Now for longer trips I would try to find an airbnb that had a washer. I agree small items are easy enough to wash by hand.

December 2, 2018 at 10:06 am

Hi Anisa, Yes, using laundry services at hotels can be crazy expensive! But I guess if a lot of people using them are traveling with business expense accounts, that may be one reason they can maintain the high prices. Yeah, on longer trips we normally do a mix of hand washing and find a proper washer/dryer in an apartment or laundromat. Best, Jessica

Deborah Regen Post author

December 2, 2018 at 5:44 am

I was wondering when someone was going to tackle this subject in a travel blog post. Unless your holiday trip is short, like 7 days, where you can wait to clean your laundry once you are back home, it will become necessary to wash clothes on the road. These are all good tips. It seems washing bags are becoming more popular. I will have to try that in the future.

December 2, 2018 at 9:04 am

Hi Deborah, Yes, doing laundry while traveling is not exactly a fun or sexy topic, but one that many people face if they take longer trips. How people do it seems to mainly depend on the destination and one’s budget. The washing bags like the Scrubba are convenient but not necessary – the internal washboard in them helps get stuff a little cleaner. If you want to try one out, I think the Scrubba gives a 30 day money back return policy. Best, Jessica

Tammy G Post author

December 1, 2018 at 6:31 pm

What a fantastic guide to doing laundry on the road!! I usually take a two week summer vacation each year and pack about 7 days worth of clothes, so always need to do laundry while traveling at least once. Used many of your solutions – including coin laundry, campsites, hand washing etc – even own a Scrubba and travel clothesline. But you know I’ve never taken a sink stopper even though I have run into the same problem where there is no plug for the drain!, urgh! Thanks for this reminder as I need to get one for our next trip!

December 2, 2018 at 8:57 am

Hi Tammy, It is really surprising how many sinks don’t have any sort of drain plug. Similarly, even more surprising, is how many hotels have a bathtub but no plug to actually take a bath. We had a funny incident in Egypt at a hotel where I requested a plug for the bath tub but they could not figure out what I was saying or what I wanted…turns out they did not have them available at all. I always keep a flat sink stopper at the bottom of my luggage now – cheap, convenient, and take up almost no space. Happy travels, Jessica

Seana turner Post author

December 1, 2018 at 4:45 pm

The once cruise I went on we had complimentary laundry, which was AWESOME. I’ve done a lot of laundry in the sink over the years. I love the soap sheets because you don’t have to worry about flying with them. Having a sink stopper is a great idea because the sinks always drain… I don’t care where you are, keeping the water in the sink is always a challenge!!

December 2, 2018 at 8:54 am

Hi Seana, Ah, you were lucky having free laundry services on a cruise. We were surprised to find that the Queen Mary 2 had a self-service laundry option with coin operated machines which was of course much less expensive than the laundry services offered. I haven’t use the soap sheets for laundry but good to hear a positive endorsement as I have avoided them because of the fear that I’d get them wet and ruin them. Best, Jessica

November 22, 2023 at 7:32 am

You’re very welcome, and hope you had a wonderful trip! Thanks for taking the time to leave us a comment to let us know that you found our travel laundry tips helpful.

Best, Jessica & Laurence

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The 13 Best Travel Laundry Bags of 2024

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In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

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Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

When it comes to the gamut of travel essentials, a laundry bag often goes unnoticed until it’s needed (usually at the point in the trip when your soiled clothing items begin to outnumber your clean ones.) However, the right travel laundry bag can transform your journey from a cluttered mess to an organized adventure. 

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The Details: 10 x 14.25 x 4.5 inches | 100 percent polyester ripstop | 2.7 ounces

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Travelon set of 7 packing envelopes.

A variety of seven different sizes makes it easy to find the right place for all your soiled items.

The plastic construction of these bags makes them sturdy rather than flexible.

Rather than one larger pack, this set by Travelon includes seven envelopes of ascending size. Each envelope is crafted to accommodate different types of clothing or travel essentials, from wet bathing suits or underwear to hiking shoes or sweatshirts, ensuring an organized approach to packing your belongings big and small. Whether separating clean clothes from dirty ones or categorizing items by type or usage, these envelopes provide an easy solution for travelers trying to keep track of their belongings on the go. The durable construction of these packing envelopes also ensures longevity throughout countless journeys — crafted from clear printed mesh PVC, they’re great for protecting clothing and accessories. The transparent design of the envelopes allows for easy identification of contents, so you don’t waste time rummaging. 

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These compression cubes ensure your soiled clothing doesn’t take up the bulk of your luggage space.

Be careful not to clamp your clothing with the zipper, or it could get stuck.

This set of four expandable packing organizers by Gonex allows you to maximize space in your luggage by compressing clothing, reducing bulk, and optimizing the storage capacity in your suitcase or duffel. The compression feature not only saves valuable space. but also helps to keep belongings neatly organized and odor free throughout the journey. They also prevent clothes from shifting and becoming wrinkled during transit. Crafted from premium nylon material, these packing cubes ensure long-lasting performance trip after trip, and each feature a handy top handle that makes them easy to individually carry. The set includes four cubes of ascending sizes, helping with the separation of various types of soiled linens. Since dirty clothes tend to take up tons of space as a trip goes on, these compression pouches ensure that they stay tidy and unobstructed. 

The Details: 4 bags | 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (extra-large), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (large), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (medium), 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (small) | Ripstop nylon | 0.75 pounds

Best Odor Blocking

Stnky bag pro.

Crafted with health workers in mind, this bag keeps your soiled linens (and their odors) from interacting with your clean ones.

While it has a small carrying loop, there is no larger handle.

This unique laundry bag by STNKY incorporates both an inner mesh bag and an outer layer made from odor-resistant polyester material. The clever design ensures that travelers never have to touch their soiled clothing, since dirty laundry is cradled by the inner layer, attached at the top of the bag’s interior. The inner mesh bag is made with zippers at both the top and bottom, so when travelers arrive home from a trip or pay a visit to the laundromat during their travels, they can simply unzip the bottom zipper and then unattach it from the outer. The entire mesh pouch can be thrown in the wash and in the dryer. It makes sense that the bag is favored by health care professionals such as nurses, doctors and EMTs who rely on the bag to keep themselves and their loved ones safe when bringing home scrubs. For those on the go, it means never having to come in contact with used airport outfits (or their odors) until they are fresh out of the wash. 

The Details: 16 x 14 x 0.3 inches | Polyester | 0.26 pounds

Best Durable

Thule clean/dirty packing cube.

Crafted from ultra rugged materials, this travel laundry container was designed with durability in mind.

Some might wish it could fit more inside, due to its dual compartments.

Crafted with high-quality materials, this packing cube by Thule ensures longevity and reliability for travelers entering even the most rugged of conditions. Its durable construction, featuring waterproof 100D ripstop nylon, YKK zippers and reinforced stitching, withstands the rigors of constant travel, ensuring that it remains intact trip after trip. Whether tossed into a suitcase, backpack, or carry-on, the Thule Clean/Dirty Packing Cube maintains its structural integrity, safeguarding your garments throughout your journey. Separate compartments meant for clean and dirty laundry allow for effortless organization while on the go, and the waterproof lining in the dirty clothing compartment locks in odor and moisture. 

The Details: 7.87 x 9.45 x 13.39 inches | Nylon | 0.4 pounds

Best Large Capacity

Aurflo jumbo mesh laundry bag - set of 2.

This dual set of extra large laundry bags is perfect for a longer trip.

There is no outer layer, so it might not be best for wet items.

With its spacious design and breathable-yet-tough material, this duo of laundry bags offers ample room to accommodate tons of dirty clothing, making it perfect for extended trips or family vacations. Since there are two that come with your order, it’s also easy for a couple to separate their soiled linens, or to separate dark and light colors. The latter is especially helpful as these are machine washable, so pre-sorted laundry post-trip becomes a breeze. Once in the washer and dryer, the bags help to protect your clothing as well. It’s also a plus that the mesh material not only provides breathability to prevent odors but also allows for easy identification of contents, ensuring efficient sorting. The inclusion of a sturdy drawstring closure and a loop for hanging or carrying adds to its versatility and usability while on the go. 

The Details: 24 x 20 x 0.5 inches | Polyester blend | 0.3 pounds

Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes

This travel organization set will not only keep your dirty laundry sorted, but your entire suitcase.

The laundry bag itself is not machine washable.

For travelers looking to hit eight birds with one stone, this complete set includes not only a laundry bag, but also four packing cubes, a shoe bag, a toiletry bag, and a small pouch. The packing cubes come in various sizes, allowing you to efficiently utilize every inch of your luggage space. A classic drawstring laundry bag can be used for all dirty clothes on short trips, or can function as the bag for storing your smelliest items. The other cubes in the set can be set aside for sorting other types of soiled linens. 

The Details: 20 x 14 inches (laundry bag) | Polyester | 1.26 pounds

Best Machine Washable

Grove co. laundry bag set.

This machine washable set will also protect your delicates when not traveling.

They may not be spacious enough for longer trips.

This duo of delicates bags is great for use at home and while traveling, providing you with a way to sort and protect your laundry all year round. Crafted from sustainably sourced machine washable mesh, they’re created by Grove Collaborative, which specializes in green household and personal care products. The machine washable mesh material makes it easy to see what’s inside, but contrasting colorful zippers also make it easy to identify which bag is which, in addition to their different sizes. While traveling, the bags are a great way to sort your dark and light-colored clothing, keeping them separate from your clean clothes and from one another before popping each into the wash. The bags are also dryer-friendly, which makes wash day much more seamless. 

The Details: 16 x 18.25 inches (large), 11.5 x 14.5 inches (medium)  | Polyester mesh | 0.16 pounds

Best Collapsible

Honoma sturdy mesh laundry hamper basket.

It’s not only super portable, but incredibly affordable.

It can take up a lot of room if overstuffed.

Affordable, light and collapsible, this laundry bag provides some major bang for your buck without taking up virtually any room when empty. It’s constructed from thick mesh with sturdy side paneling, and can be purchased in a horizontal or vertical configuration. Its large capacity means it can hold tons of soiled laundry, making it a good option if you plan on staying in one accommodation for an extended period of time, and doing your laundry while traveling. An additional side pocket is perfect for stowing a travel-sized laundry detergent, and sturdy carrying straps make it easy to take it from point A to point B. The sturdy nature of this laundry bag might not make it the best option for shorter journeys or those where you might be moving around frequently, as you won’t be able to easily pop it into a suitcase when full. 

The Details: 23 x 14  x 14 inches | Polyester | 0.5 pounds

Quiet Town Re:Canvas Laundry Bag Pine

It is both colorful and well-constructed.

There is only one large compartment, which doesn’t allow for sectioning laundry.

Crafted from durable, heavyweight cotton canvas, this bag by Brooklyn-based brand Quiet Town exudes playful elegance with its minimalist design and bold colors. The thoughtful inclusion of sturdy bright blue backpack straps ensures easy portability, so locals will be none the wiser that you’re toting dirty laundry around. The spacious interior provides ample room for stowing away your unlaundered garments, but be aware that there is only one large compartment. There is a small compartment on the front of the bag for laundry detergent, though, and a smaller one at the top of the interior compartment that would be perfect for coins or dryer sheets. Its collapsible design allows for effortless storage in your bags when not in use, making it an ideal choice for space-conscious travelers, and its attractive design means you can even use it as a normal backpack when the laundry is all done. 

The Details: 31 x 15 inches | Cotton canvas | 2 pounds

Dagne Dover Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag

This small travel bag is perfect for transporting a wet swimsuit or sweaty garments.

It won't fit more than a few garments.

This compact laundry bag features a roll-top design that not only maximizes space, but also ensures a secure closure, keeping odors and moisture at bay. Constructed from durable waterproof nylon with a roll and clip closure, it’s perfect to pop into your backpack before traveling to the beach or lake, or for use after a strenuous, sweat-inducing hike. Despite its petite size, the Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag boasts just enough room for storing dirty garments, making it ideal for short trips or as a supplemental laundry solution in larger luggage. A wipeable interior also means you can get multiple uses from it on one trip — if you aren’t using it for laundry at any one time, it can also store snacks for a hike or produce picked up from the local market.

The Details: 5.25 x 1”x 11 inches | Nylon | 0.21 pounds

Best for At Home and On the Go

Crate & barrel white canvas hamper liner.

This simple but effective laundry bag easily works for both home and travel use.

It’s not waterproof.

For those who don’t have the storage space for multiple laundry bags, or simply want one that can do double duty, this classic laundry bag from Crate & Barrel is a great option. Made to fit inside of a hamper, it has drawstrings at the top and a sturdy carrying strap that also makes it easy to tote your laundry from the hamper to the wash, or to the laundromat while you’re traveling. Crafted from cotton canvas, it’s also machine washable, and can pack up tightly to fit into your suitcase or duffel bag. 

The Details: 15.5  x 15.5  x 27.5 inches | 100 percent cotton

Tips for Buying a Travel Laundry Bag

Prioritize materials the suit your needs.

When shopping for a travel laundry bag, it's crucial to pick one crafted from a material that aligns with your specific needs and travel style. Firstly, consider the durability of the bag. Opt for high-quality materials like ripstop nylon or polyester that can withstand frequent use and potential rough handling during travels. A durable laundry bag ensures longevity and reliability, preventing unexpected tears or damage that could compromise its functionality mid-journey. Additionally, prioritize water-resistant or waterproof materials if you anticipate exposure to moisture or inclement weather. This feature helps safeguard your clean clothes from accidental spills, rain showers, or damp environments, ensuring they stay dry and odor-free until laundry day. For those not anticipating rugged travels, and or anyone who prefers to prioritize washability, look for breathable mesh.

Consider the bag’s features

Each type of material presents an advantage. Polyester and nylon are both lightweight synthetic fibers that are designed to endure wear and tear. Polyester will repel water while nylon will absorb water. Neither are breathable, but natural fibers such as cotton are. Pay attention to what material best suits your needs and style of travel.

Those who travel with delicate garments will likely want a breathable, protective bag that can fold or hang. Others who travel under intense weather conditions should look for a durable, waterproof option. Adventure enthusiasts will likely want a laundry bag that allows clothing to breathe and prevents bacterial growth between adrenaline-pumping activities. You'll also want a bag that has a secure closure that's easy to use and won't break even if you fully stuff the bag with dirty items.

After investing in an excellent travel laundry bag, the last thing you want is to buy another one due to a defect or a short return period. Check the company policies to ensure you can get a refund should you need to exchange the laundry bag for a different option that better suits you. It is always worth noting the warranty as well as learning about free replacements and the corresponding time frame of availability.

Using a laundry bag while traveling is helpful for several reasons. First, it helps to keep your clean clothes separate from the dirty ones, maintaining organization and hygiene in your luggage. It also prevents odors and stains from spreading to other items, preserving the freshness of your garments throughout your trip. Many travelers find that using a laundry bag facilitates efficient unpacking, and it also helps speed up your wash if you have opted to use machine-washable, color-sorted bags.

Most mesh laundry bags can be thrown directly into the washer and dryer, solving the problem of washing the bag itself. Nylon and polyester laundry bags can usually be wiped clean with a wet cloth and mild soap. Before washing your travel laundry bag, make sure to double check the manufacturer's care instructions.

Some laundry bags can go in the dryer, but it depends on the material they're made of. Mesh or fabric laundry bags are generally safe for dryer use, but it's essential to check the care instructions first. Some laundry bags may be more prone to shrinking or melting in high heat, so it's crucial to follow the recommended drying settings to avoid damaging the bag. Additionally, if the bag contains any plastic components like zippers or drawstrings, it's usually best to air dry them.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Austa Somvichian-Clausen is a travel writer and published author living in New York City. She has been covering travel and lifestyle content since 2017, and travels frequently for work, often for long periods of time. Her irregular travel schedule makes it necessary for her to organize and clean her clothes on-the-go. To find the best travel laundry bags, she also relied on research, gear tests, and more.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Washing Clothes When Traveling

One-bag travel offers plenty of benefits . But by necessity it forces you to pack less and be smart with your packing choices. Depending on the length of your trip, you might end up needing to wash items during your travels. And even if you bring a larger clothes selection with checked luggage, some items may still need to be washed mid-trip.

This may initially seem like a hassle. But with some planning and a few suitable supplies on hand, it can be a fairly quick and efficient process. And one that will ultimately let you pack less while still traveling for extended periods of time. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered with this beginner’s guide to washing clothes whilst traveling…

Picking suitable travel clothing

Doing laundry on your travels doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does take at least some time. So the less you need to do it, the better. Now we’re not advocating venturing around with dirty, smelly gear. But picking clothing items that are designed to thrive in travel situations will help keep your laundry requirements to a minimum.

Packing clothes that can be worn at least a couple of times before they need to be washed is helpful. Underwear is the exception here – keep it fresh each day, folks! Keep an eye out for materials that resist odors, wick moisture, offer breathability, are wrinkle resistant, and that ideally come with stain-resistant finishes if possible. Materials like merino wool offer a lot of these features, though regardless of what you pick you need to consider how these fabrics can be washed. Do they need a special soap or delicate treatment? Do they require hand washing only? All easy enough to work around, as long as you’re aware from the start.

Another key tip, try to pick quick-drying fabrics . These are handy if you can’t afford to wait a long time for laundry to dry. Sometimes you might not be able to avoid bringing certain garments but you can give yourself a helping hand with at least a few that are travel-friendly.

It’s also worth noting that while merino wool is pretty much a traveler’s dream, thicker garments can take a long time to dry. So you might want to opt for thinner wool items to cut down on drying time. And if you can, try to avoid clothing with a lot of cotton in it. Generally, the more cotton it has, the slower it will take to dry and you might notice a weight penalty compared to other materials. Synthetic fabrics will dry faster than cotton. And with the world of travel clothing really heating up, new fabric blends are regularly being developed that offer a host of features to help keep your laundry down. So it’s worth keeping an eye on established travel clothing brands and perusing crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter to see what brands are coming up with.

If possible, avoid packing heavy or bulky items that might take longer to dry. Lighter items generally tend to dry faster and you can layer clothing items to keep warm, while leaving particularly bulky outer layers at home.

Once you’ve gathered a selection of travel clothing , why not test them out before your trip? Wear them for a week or a few days and see how they perform and hold up in day-to-day use. You’ll get a fairly good idea of how long you can wear them before they need to be washed. If they work well, keep them on your packing list. If they don’t, consider swapping them out for another item.

What laundry supplies to use

Before you purchase any laundry supplies, make sure you check the washing guidelines on each of your travel clothing items. Some fabrics might be fine with a variety of laundry options, while others might require specific products (for instance, detergents specifically designed to wash wool).

Here are a few options you may find helpful. And remember, numerous brands will offer variations on the below, so a quick Internet search or visit to your local outdoor or travel shop will likely offer up suitable alternatives if desired.

Liquid detergents:

If you’re after an easily portable option for all fabrics, even delicates, consider something like the SinkSuds Liquid Laundry Detergent . Suitable for use in sinks, wash bags and washing machines, this option provides individual packets that are lightweight and easy to store in luggage.

Another liquid option is the multipurpose Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap , which comes in various scents. This serves as a multipurpose cleaner that can be used on your clothes, your body, as shampoo, for dishes and more. Pretty handy all round for travel purposes.

You could also go with a gel detergent such as Dr Beckmann Travel Wash, which comes in a travel-friendly 100ml container. Or stash a few Tide Travel Sink Packets in your luggage which will take up minimal space.

Wool and delicates:

If you want to wash wool and other delicates, you can go with an option such as Woolite Delicates which is suitable for both machine and hand washing. Simply decant the amount of liquid you’ll need into a smaller, travel-friendly container (which you can label if desired) and leave the larger bulky container at home. You might also like to try something like Eucalan No Rinse Delicate Wash or Kookaburra Wash . Additionally, you can use sprays such as the The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Spray to freshen up clothing between washes.

While merino wool clothing may require more gentle treatment than other travel items, its odor-resistant and antibacterial properties mean it can go for longer between washes than a lot of other fabric types. So unless you’re getting really sweaty and dirty while wearing it, it can help keep your laundry to a minimum. Plus many wool items are suitable for washing on a gentle wool setting in a washing machine if one is available. However you choose to wash wool, don’t use hot water. Stick to warm or cooler water as hot water can damage the wool and potentially cause it to shrink. Also avoid wringing out wool items when washing, as this can damage them too. And when it comes to drying larger items, lay them flat rather than hanging them to avoid stretching and dry wool items away from direct heat.

Laundry sheets:

Laundry sheets and leaves take up minimal luggage space thanks to their flat forms and compact storage containers. And if you want to, you can store just the amount you need in a ziplock bag for even more compact packing. A few options you may want to consider include the Lifeventure Fabric Wash Leaves , the Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Laundry Wash , the Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets , or the Finzy Washer Sheets . Just remember to handle them with dry hands when removing them from your storage container!

Solid soap bars:

Solid soap bars are a good option if you don’t want to worry about luggage liquid restrictions. Check out options such as the Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar and Stain Remover or the Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap (like the liquid option, it’s available in a range of scents and can be used on your body or hair). Another hair, body and laundry multipurpose option is Friendly Travel Soap .

Body soap or shampoo:

In a pinch body soaps and shampoo can double as laundry detergent for a lot of clothing (again, check the labels), allowing you to keep packing to a minimum. Additionally, your accommodation may provide complementary soaps and shampoos you can use to wash clothing.

Stain removers:

If you need to remove a stain but don’t want to wash the garment, you can try a stain remover product such as the Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Liquid Pen . Compact enough to store easily in luggage or a day bag, it’s a potential quick fix without having to resort to doing laundry.

Alternatively you can spot clean the stain area using a soap bar or liquid detergent and some warm water. The trick is to gently dab rather than scrubbing the stain hard as this will force it into the fabric fibers rather than removing it.

There are several options for washing your clothes during trips. But they fall into two main categories: washing them at your accommodation or finding an external source such as a laundromat. As mentioned above, however you choose to wash them, always check the washing guidelines on the individual clothing items. With that in mind, let’s delve a little deeper into the first option.

Your accommodation may have a washing machine or offer laundry services (for example, some hotels may provide this though they’ll likely charge a fee for this service). And bear in mind, you don’t have to stick to one accommodation type for your whole trip. You can plan a mix of locations and accommodation for your travels and ensure at least one of them offers a washing machine, laundry services or a nearby laundromat. If these options aren’t available or you simply want to wash clothing yourself, you’ve got a range of methods to choose from.

Some helpful hints: whichever method you choose, treat washing clothes like washing dishes. If you have an assortment of cleanish and dirty items to get through, wash less dirty items first if you’re restricted in water and/or cleaning supplies. Otherwise consider doing separate washes if warranted. And if you’re using a sink or bag of some sort, give the clothes a few minutes to soak with your detergent of choice to assist in the washing process. Also don’t go too wild with the detergent. A little tends to go a long way and the more you add, the more rinsing you’ll need to do.

In the sink:

Washing clothing in the sink sounds pretty straightforward. But there are a few things to consider. First, is there a plug? It might sound odd but not all sinks come with plugs (or the plugs don’t seal properly). If you find yourself in this situation you can try to make your own plug using a sealed small plastic bag filled with a cloth or small item of clothing. You could also roll up a pair of socks to create a makeshift plug you can wedge in the drain hole. Alternatively you can bring a universal plug or sink stopper with you.

Use warm water rather than very hot water to avoid the risk of colors running (not to mention, you obviously won’t be able to hand wash if it’s too hot). You should follow the instructions on your chosen detergent but in general you’ll add it to the water, then move your clothes around in the sink for a minute or so (you may want to scrub particularly dirty items and add more detergent to them if required), and leave your clothing to soak for a few minutes. You shouldn’t need to leave clothes to soak for longer than ten minutes in most cases. Rinse and wash again if necessary (unlikely unless clothes are particularly dirty), otherwise continue rinsing until you’ve removed any trace of detergent and your rinsing water is clear. You’ll probably need to rinse two or three times at most, assuming you didn’t use a lot of detergent.

Just remember that you (and anyone else traveling with you) won’t be able to use the sink for other purposes while washing clothes, so time your laundry accordingly. And depending on where you are, you might need to give the sink itself a clean before using it for laundry.

In a dry bag or washing bag:

Dry bags aren’t only useful for keeping items dry. Since they’re designed to keep water out, they also do a great job keeping water in and can double as a washing bag. Simply add water (don’t completely fill the bag as you’ll need some air space for shaking the contents), your detergent of choice and your dirty clothing. Make sure you seal the bag securely and then give the clothes a few minutes to soak. You can then either shake the bag or open it and move the clothes around by hand for extra cleaning. Once you’re happy they’re sufficiently clean, empty the water and refill the bag to rinse the clothing. Repeat the process until all of the detergent is suitably rinsed away. It’s important to choose a dry bag large enough to fit your laundry items. Though you still might need to do more than one load depending on how much you need to wash.

There are a variety of brands offering lighter-weight and more heavy-duty dry bags depending on your requirements. The likes of OverBoard , Sea to Summit , Ortlieb or a simple Amazon search are all good places to start.

Alternatively you can use a specifically designed washing bag such as the Scrubba Wash Bag or the Allurette Wash Bag for delicate and hand wash-only items. Both wash bags feature an interior flexible washboard to aid in cleaning clothes. And their versatile designs can also serve as dry bags to keep valuable items dry or as laundry bags to store dirty clothing.

If you don’t have access to a dry bag or wash bag, you can create your own with a ziplock bag that should be able to handle smaller items such as socks, underwear or a t-shirt. You can also use a plastic shopping bag, which you can place in the sink and secure the handles over the tap to help keep the bag in place.

And if you’ve got the space to pack two dry bags or wash bags, you can use one for washing and the other for rinsing. This allows you to wash multiple loads fairly easily, rinsing one load while the other load is soaking.

In the shower:

If you’re a fan of cleaning efficiency, simultaneously washing your clothing when you shower is a good way to multitask. Multipurpose soaps that suit you and your clothing come in handy here, or you can simply wash your clothing with separate cleaning supplies. And if your clothing isn’t delicate and needs a fairly good scrub, you can place it on the shower floor and tread on it with your feet.

Find a laundromat :

Depending on your trip, finding a laundromat nearby might not be an option (such as small villages, wild camping in the mountains or stargazing on desert dunes). Even trekking across a city to get to one might be too time-consuming for your schedule. And of course, using one is going to require spending money that you might prefer to spend on other things. But if you’re happy to spend the time and the cash getting to and using one, it’s a good way to clean and dry your gear during your travels. Plus the trip to the laundromat offers the potential for good sightseeing and explorations along the way. A quick Internet search should reveal options (and if you’re set on this option, search beforehand to confirm you’ll be able to access one at your destination reasonably easily).

Drying your clothes

Timing is key

Drying your clothes while traveling requires forethought and preparation. Before you even begin washing your clothes, you need to be sure you’ll have enough drying time before you need to wear or pack them. One option is to wash clothing before you go to bed and leave it to dry overnight. This should work fairly well in warm, drier climates with quick-drying items. Ideally though, the longer you can leave it to dry, the better. So if you’re based somewhere for a few days, you can plan outfits ahead of time to ensure you have clothing to wear for a couple of days while your laundry dries.

However, sometimes you’ll be short on time or traveling during cooler months when clothes won’t dry as quickly. So if you need to speed things up, you can use a hairdryer or travel iron (either one you bring yourself or your accommodation may have one). Additionally, your accommodation may have a heater you can position clothes in front of. And if you’re traveling in your own or a rented vehicle, you may be able to string up a clothesline or use hangers near an open window to help dry clothes on the move. If push comes to shove and you’re in a warmer climate, you could simply wear the clothing if it’s still slightly damp. Your body heat and the surrounding air will help dry it as you go about your day.

Remove excess water

The more water you can get out of clothes before you hang them up, the faster they’ll dry. After rinsing, you can squeeze out as much water as possible by hand. You may want to wring out more durable items, though keep in mind that wringing clothing might damage it depending on how delicate it is. Another option is to roll the wet clothing in a towel and then apply pressure with your hands or stand on the towel to squeeze out excess water which the towel should absorb. You may be able to use a towel from your accommodation or you can pack your own quick-drying microfiber towel or shammy towel. These towels are highly absorbent for their weight and tend to pack down small to store conveniently in your luggage. Check out the likes of Matador , Rumpl, Lifeventure , PackTowl or again a simple Amazon search (or your local adventure, outdoor or travel gear shop) if you’re keen to pick one up.

Positioning your wet clothes

If you can position your clothes in a ventilated area, it will really help cut down on your drying time. If you have accommodation with an outside drying area, check with the host or other relevant party ahead of time to see if you can use it. There may be an existing clothesline or somewhere where you are able to hang up your own travel clothesline. Alternatively you may be able to bring a plastic chair outside to hang items on (or in a pinch, hardshell luggage). Be cautious if you opt for help from a tree branch as this may stain your clothing and undo all your previous effort.

If you don’t have an outdoor space you can try positioning your wet clothes near an open window in your accommodation, in front of air conditioning, a fan or even a heater if one is available. Be careful not to damage items or furniture in the accommodation by placing wet laundry on them (a plastic chair should be fine but avoid wood or fabrics). If there are clothes hangers in the accommodation, you can hang the wet items on these before positioning the hangers on furniture or other suitable spots in your accommodation in order to prevent water damage. And obviously if there’s a built-in or self-standing drying rack on hand, you’re all set.

Coming back to travel clotheslines, there are many options available for highly packable, lightweight clotheslines you can store in your luggage and set up in your accommodation. Different designs will feature different attachment options (such as hooks, suction cups, Velcro or a combination of options). You may also be able to attach your own carabiners to the clothesline for added options. Depending on the design you may be able to secure the clothesline on bathroom walls, handles of doors or windows, between furniture pieces or outside on branches. If you want to keep your packing down, opt for a braided clothesline (such as this Lewis N. Clark clothesline, Flexo-Line or inexpensive Solotrekk washing line) that allows you to secure clothing to it without the use of pegs. Alternatively the beaded cord design of Sea to Summit’s Lite Line Clothesline also lets you leave the pegs at home. If you’re keen on pegs, you can find some pegged clothesline suggestions here . Another option is a folding peg dryer such as this one , though the bulky design makes it better suited when you have some space to spare, such as traveling with checked luggage or with a campervan or caravan. And stashing a trusty piece of versatile paracord or some dental floss in your luggage gives you the option to create a makeshift clothesline if required.

Additionally, you may like the option of inflatable hangers, which you can use to hang up dry and wet items alike as required. Useful if your accommodation lacks its own hangers and you won’t damage them with wet gear. And they help with air circulation to dry clothes faster.

If you’re not already using packing cubes in some form, give them a try. Use them once and you’ll probably be converted – and not only do they organize your gear, but they can double as laundry bags to store dirty clothing separately from clean gear. And as mentioned above, if you’re using a dry bag for laundry, it also serves as storage for dirty clothes – so you don’t even need to do a transfer on wash day.

Another useful trick is to opt for darker-colored clothing over lighter-colored garments. Get dirt or a stain on dark clothing and you won’t notice it nearly so easily as you would on white garments or other lighter colors.

Sometimes your luggage may start to take on some undesirable smells if you’ve been on the go for a while. You can combat these with a variety of options such as stashing a dryer sheet in your luggage, spreading a few drops of scented essential oil in it, spraying it with an equal mix of water and white vinegar using a spray bottle, and giving it an opportunity to air without any gear inside.

Hopefully the above guide will encourage you to get out there and not worry about getting a little mucky along the way. Sometimes the best travel fun comes with some sweat, dirt or stains and you’ll be suitably prepared to handle it all.

If you have any other useful travel laundry tips, help fellow travelers by sharing them below!

Liked this article? You might enjoy these too:

The Best Men’s Travel Shirts and Jackets for One-Bag Travelers

The Best Travel Shoes for Every Type of Traveler Right Now

The Best Clothes for a Men’s Travel Capsule Wardrobe

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Catherine Baecker-Khoury

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Best Travel Laundry Soap in 2023

Need to find travel laundry detergent? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this guide features all the top options for travel laundry soap.

At A Glance: Best Travel Laundry Soap

• Most Portable Travel Laundry Detergent Breezeo Laundry Detergent Sheets Jump To Review
• Best Travel Laundry Detergent For Camping Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash Jump To Review
• Best Value For Money Finzy Laundry Soap Sheets Jump To Review
• Best Laundry Soap Bar The Laundress Wash And Stain Bar Jump To Review

Not everyone has the luxury of using hotel laundry services and if you usually do your own laundry while traveling, you’ll find plenty of useful options right here. Biodegradable soap, laundry detergent travel packs, and even detergent strips are all included in this review. Read on to see the top options for travel laundry soap and find the best solution for you!

Top Product Overview

Top products, breezeo laundry detergent sheets.

The Breezeo Laundry Detergent Sheets  are an amazing solution for travel laundry soap. They’re literally strips of detergent, so they’re incredibly compact and portable. One strip equals one load of laundry, and one tiny box holds 48 strips!

It’s worth noting that you can use multiple strips at once, and it’s actually recommended to use two strips for medium-large loads, or just clothes that are very dirty.

The detergent strips work best when used in a washing machine, so they’re certainly not the perfect option for hand washing dirty clothes. However, they will dissolve completely in hot or cold water, so you could try to use them in the sink and see how well they perform when used for handwashing.

Also, it’s worth noting that the detergent strips are just the best value for money you will find. It’s a little less than $10 for a box of 48 strips, which comes down to just some 20 cents per load.

• Great value for money
• Lightweight and portable
• Plant-based composition
• Clumping issues

Product Information

• Weight: 3.52 oz
• Laundry Loads: 48

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash

If you’re looking for travel laundry detergent that’s great for camping, the Sea to Summit wash is one of the best options. It’s a thick and concentrated formula that’s both paraben-free and biodegradable. The laundry soap is very gentle on your hands and you can get away without using any gloves when doing laundry.

It also has a fresh citrusy smell, and it helps keep the bugs away from you outdoors. It’s easily one of the best travel laundry detergents, but it’s also one of the priciest.

The 3-ounce bottle has limited availability and it sometimes costs more than the 8-ounce bottle, which makes no sense. It’s better to just buy the bigger bottle and transfer the soap to a smaller container so you’re not paying $1 per load.

• Great for camping
• Repels bugs
• Biodegradable and paraben-free
• Not the most portable option
• Weight: 8.5 oz
• Laundry Loads: /

Finzy Laundry Soap Sheets

The Finzy Laundry Soap sheets are perfect if you’re looking for value for money. A pack of these includes 32 detergent sheets, which is enough to do 32 loads of laundry. And the box costs only some $9, so the total cost per load is just a little under $0.3.

Also, it’s important to note that one sheet is enough to do a classic load of laundry that you would be doing at home. If you’re washing a smaller load or just a couple of items, you can cut the detergent sheets into halves and even quarters.

They’re suitable for both washing machines and hand washing, but it’s worth noting that you won’t need an entire sheet to hand wash some laundry in the sink. A quarter of a sheet should be enough, just make sure to let it dissolve entirely before you add any laundry to the sink.

Additionally, you should know that these detergent sheets are phosphate-free and biodegradable, so they’re completely safe for use outdoors.

• Suitable for machine and hand washing
• Can be cut into pieces for smaller loads
• Very strong scent
• Weight: 3.2 oz
• Laundry Loads: 32

The Laundress Wash And Stain Bar

The Laundress Wash and Stain Bar is an interesting solution for travel laundry detergent. It’s a soap bar that functions as a magic eraser – it’s made to easily remove spots and stains from clothes, carpets, and upholstery.

This works even with oil-based stains, so you can easily get out makeup, pit stains, and even cooking grease out of your clothes. It’s also perfect for those moments when you just need to get a stain out, plus it doubles as a classic laundry soap.

Also, it’s entirely biodegradable because it’s made from plant-based ingredients, so it’s perfectly safe for your hands and eco-friendly. The only downside is that it’s a soap bar, so it’s not quite as convenient as liquid soap and you’ll need to find better packaging for it. But other than that, it’s certainly one of the best laundry soaps for travel you can get your hands on.

• Plant-based ingredients
• Great for spot treatment
• Soap bars can be clunky
• Only for hand washing
• Weight: 2 oz

washEZE Laundry Sheets

The WashEZE laundry sheets are a good option if you’re looking for something ultra-compact and portable. They’re 3-in-1 laundry sheets that include detergent, softener, and static control, plus they’re phosphate-free.

The laundry sheets are compatible with all kinds of washing machines, plus they’re suitable for handwashing. If you’re using the sheet for handwashing, just let it dissolve in the water entirely, before you add your laundry to it.

What makes these so great for travel is that there won’t be any soap accidents in your suitcase, which could happen with classic laundry soap. It’s worth noting that the box includes 20 detergent sheets for some $15, so it comes down to about $0.75 per load. That’s not too bad, considering that the strips also include fabric softener and that they’re suitable for larger loads.

• Suitable for washers and handwashing
• Includes detergent and fabric softener
• Not the best for heavily soiled clothes
• Weight: 3 oz
• Laundry Loads: 20

Tide Sport Travel Sink Packets

The Tide travel sink packets are worth considering if you prefer using liquid detergent. These are tiny (0.17 fl oz) packs of liquid laundry detergent that take up practically no space in your luggage. They’re extremely portable and excellent for those of you who are used to hand-washing your clothes when traveling.

They’re called sink packets because the amount of detergent is just enough to wash a sink full of dirty clothes, or just a laundry bag. That means that one packet should be enough to hand wash a small load of laundry, but keep in mind that you’d normally use a lot more liquid laundry detergent when washing clothes in a machine.

The downside is that these are quite pricey. It’s a little more than $1 per packet (and load), which definitely isn’t budget-friendly. On the other hand, it is Tide detergent, so at least you can be certain that it’s going to perform well and actually clean your clothes, instead of just making them smell nice.

• Quality detergent
• Great for washing clothes in a sink
• Small and portable
• One of the priciest options
• Weight: 2.08 oz
• Laundry Loads: 3

Lazy Coconuts Eco Laundry Detergent Strips

The Lazy Coconuts Eco detergent strips are an excellent option if you want a sustainable solution for doing laundry while traveling. These are eco-friendly laundry strips in recycled packaging, and they’re suitable for hand washing and machine washing.

One strip is enough for a daily wash of a small-medium load, but you’ll need two strips for a bigger load or heavily soiled clothes. When using the strips for hand washing, you should add the strip to the water and let it dissolve before adding the clothes. Also, it’s best to let heavily soiled clothes soak for a while, to ensure you can wash them properly.

It’s also worth noting that the strips are free of plastics, paraben, and phosphates, plus they’re vegan and hypoallergenic. They’re safe for your hands and the environment, which makes them suitable for use outdoors as well.

• Good value for money
• Not great for very dirty/greasy clothes
• Weight: 4.7 oz

What To Look For

Machine or hand washing.

Do you plan to wash clothes in the washer or by hand? Depending on what you usually do, you should choose the appropriate travel laundry soap.

Pods and soap sheets are the most portable option for machine washing, while plastic packets of soap are more suitable for handwashing. Laundry strips can also work for hand washing, but it’s best to cut them into smaller strips since they are made for larger loads. That way you don’t waste anything, and you get more use out of a single strip.

It’s also easier to pack laundry detergent when it’s in the form of strips because it takes up much less space in your luggage.

Indoor or Outdoor use?

Are you washing the clothes indoors, or are you doing it outdoors?

If it’s the latter and you’re going to be dumping that water outside, you should look into biodegradable soaps. They’re safe for the environment and don’t have any toxic chemicals, so you can safely dump the water anywhere, without having to look for chemical dump tanks.

They’re also a lot easier on your hands, and you don’t have to wear gloves when doing laundry. This is especially convenient for using laundry bags or doing laundry at campsites.

If you’re washing the laundry at home, you don’t have to look at the chemical composition as much. Plus you have more options at your disposal, especially if you have access to a washer.

Best Travel Laundry Soap: Our Top Picks

Not sure what kind of travel laundry soap you should get? Go with one of our top three picks, depending on how you usually do laundry while traveling.

Sea to Summit wash is one of the best travel laundry detergent options if you prefer liquid soap. It’s biodegradable and paraben-free, so it’s a great option for camping. The citrus-scented wash is also quite versatile, since it’s suitable for clothes, dishes, and even as a hair/body wash! Also, it’s available in several packaging sizes, but the largest one is the best value for money.

• Super thick concentrated formula with the fresh scent of Citronella
• Biodegradable and Paraben-free

If you just want a cheap solution, go with the Finzy portable detergent sheets . They’re by far the best value for money out of the bunch since the total cost comes down to less than $0.3 per load. They’re also biodegradable and phosphate-free, plus you can use them for either hand washing or machine washing.

If you mostly wash clothes by hand when traveling or camping, pick up the Laundress Wash & Stain Bar . It’s a stain remover soap bar that works for both getting out stains and just classic laundry washing, and it’s excellent value for money. It’s also allergen-free, made from plant-based ingredients, and biodegradable, so it’s safe for both your hands and the environment.

Head over to Amazon to see the prices and packaging options of all the travel laundry soaps featured in this review. And check out our related posts for ideas on other items that might make doing laundry while traveling a bit easier!

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Everything You Need to Do Laundry While Traveling, According to Globe-trotters

Expert travelers know that one way to avoid overpacking , especially on longer trips, is washing your clothes while you’re away. Doing laundry mid-trip lets you get more wear out of your outfits, while still packing light. And “a lighter suitcase helps you avoid extra airline fees — and leaves more room for souvenirs during your trip,” according to Judy Perl, president of the Judy Perl Worldwide Travel agency.

Hotel laundry services, however, can be prohibitively expensive, and likely won’t even be an option if you’re camping , backpacking , or staying in hostels or Airbnbs. But with the help of a few handy items, Perl and the three other frequent travelers we spoke with say that it can be just as easy to wash your clothes on your own, allowing you to pack light and save money. As Stephanie Flor, the founder of Around the World Beauty , says, “When you do your own laundry, you’re in control.” Below, our experts recommend their favorite detergents , garment steamers , laundry bags , and more to stash in your carry-on so you can do a load (or two) on your next trip.

An odor-fighting detergent

Flor told us, “When doing my own laundry, I always bring my own detergent because the last thing I want to do is run around looking for a laundry place at midnight.” Most of our experts agreed, offering up a number of different options depending on what you may need to wash. No matter the detergent you choose, Perl notes that “small travel packets of detergent are wonderful because you can stash them in your suitcase without taking up too much space, and you can easily wash your smaller items in the hotel sink [or] bathtub .” For something that cleans well and can tackle odors on any garment, Flor loves these travel-size pouches of Defunkify powder, a detergent specifically designed for laundering sweaty activewear . She adds that Defunkify is made from plant-based, ecofriendly ingredients that won’t pollute local water systems. “In many parts of the world you have to take into consideration what you’re putting into the water-filter system,” she explains. “It’s all about traveling consciously.”

A detergent for delicates

For hand-washing delicates like underwear or bathing suits that need extra attention, travel writer Beth Sandland uses Soak detergent in convenient single-use packets. There’s no need to rinse or scrub, she says, so you won’t risk tearing or pulling your garments. “Just put a teaspoonful in a sink of water and soak,” Sandland explains.

A mess-free detergent

While the above liquid and powder detergents are fairly spill-proof, if you’re very wary of messes, try these soap sheets recommended by Perl. The solid sheets dissolve in water so, as she says, there’s “no risk of them spilling in your bag on trips where your bag is getting tossed or jostled around more frequently.” Plus, the tiny pack of 50 biodegradable sheets will take up minimal room in your luggage . Whichever detergent you use, Perl stresses the importance of bringing a sink stopper in case your hotel’s or other home-away-from-home’s bathroom doesn’t have one (or it isn’t working).

A detergent dupe

Although it’s meant for hair, Sandland calls this shampoo bar her “secret weapon” for washing clothes away from home. “I used it to wash a hand-wash-only dress in the shower in Indonesia, and discovered it works really well for freshening up clothes,” she says. “It only takes a few minutes, smells lovely, and is totally plastic-free.”

A washing add-in

Even if you’re fastidious about separating your dark- and light-colored clothes at home, it’s not always feasible to wash two separate loads while traveling. If you’re planning to do laundry while on the road and don’t want to restrict yourself to a monochrome wardrobe, Perl says these dye-trapping sheets are a “must” because they “prevent dyes from bleeding so you can still wash light and dark colors together.” Simply toss one in the sink or bathtub while you’re washing your clothes to avoid staining whites and other light-colored fabrics.

A mini-steamer

Nail artist and frequent traveler Julie Kandalec , the creator of blog Julie Off Duty , told us she always packs this mini-steamer to give clothes a quick refresh after unpacking. Traveling with the steamer allows her to “bring thinner fabrics that would normally wrinkle like crazy,” she adds. Kandalec says that this one is “compact and super simple to use,” and that it “heats up in 30 seconds and is very, very efficient — even on hard-to-steam fabrics like linen.” Flor also brings a steamer with her on work-related trips when she can’t look rumpled, and Perl says that, in a pinch, you can use your “shower time as an opportunity to de-wrinkle your clothes” by simply hanging wrinkled garments in the bathroom while you shower and letting the hot steam do its work.

An all-in-one washing bag

When she doesn’t have access to a sink or tub, Sandland relies on this innovative washing bag that’s perfect for camping, backpacking, or van-living . Just add water, detergent, and clothing, then give the bag a vigorous rub against a flat surface so that the hundreds of mini nodes inside can scrub away at your dirty gear. When it’s not in use, the washing bag folds down small enough to slip into any pocket of your luggage.

A washing bag for delicates

We’ve previously written about using these mesh bags to protect underwear in the washing machine, and Flor says the same idea applies when you’re hand-washing delicates on the road. To save space, she’ll also pack her undergarments in these bags before putting them in her suitcase.

A laundry bag for dirty clothes

For separating your dirty clothes from clean stuff until you have a chance to wash them, Perl recommends this strong and durable laundry bag from the German brand Reisenthel. She says that the packable mesh sack “fits nicely in a suitcase and is extra functional, with a zipper and a loop to hang it when needed.” Even if you don’t plan on doing laundry during your trip, a bag like this is useful for keeping dirty clothes together so they’re ready to wash once you get home.

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Today’s Top Clicked

Laundry packing list and laundry tips while travelling

by Anne Betts | Oct 23, 2023 | Luggage and Packing | 7 comments

Updated October 23, 2023

One of the strategies, and challenges, of packing light is to manage if, how, and when to do laundry. The clothes you aren’t wearing are the clothes you need to schlep around from place to place. An essential key to packing light is to pack fewer clothes in fabrics and colours that don’t need to be washed as often, have a plan to keep them clean, and have a laundry packing list to make the task as convenient as possible.

Table of Contents

1. Assemble a travel wardrobe with laundering in mind

2. familiarize yourself with care labels, 3. adopt odour-reducing strategies, 4. plan when to do laundry by the load, 5. handwash regularly   , 6. suss out drying options in your accommodation, 7. fast track drying, 8. conduct a handwashing test, 9. book accommodation with washing facilities, 1. detergent, 2. stain removal, 3. odour removal, 4. dry-bag ‘washing machine’, 5. sink stopper, 6. travel clothesline, 7. travel hangers and clothes pins, 8. laundry bag, packing tips for doing laundry while travelling.

Consider how easy, and how often, something needs to be washed. For example, travel pants and leggings in darker, neutral colours can be worn for several days without washing. Chances are anything in white or light colours will need to be laundered more often and washed separately from darker colours.

Panties don’t take up much space but when washed daily, three or four pairs can suffice. Reusable panty liners worn on long travel days can help underwear (and trousers or leggings) remain fresher. To help tops remain fresher, underarm sweat vests work for some people.

For travel clothing, choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics. Anything in merino is a good choice. Not only is it lightweight and perfect for layering, but its odour-resistant properties are legendary. For socks, the same pair of merino socks can be worn for several days, so there’s never a need to pack more than two pairs (in addition to compression socks for long flights). The same holds for base layer shirts that can be worn several times without washing. Merino can be pricey, but laundering less means it lasts longer.

Speaking of merino, let’s talk about shoes. If there are more comfortable walking shoes than AllBirds Wool Runners , I’m yet to find them. My Wool Runners are lightweight, eco-friendly, washable, and in the right colour, blend well with a capsule wardrobe. For sandals, I love my Teva Tirra . They’re also washable and spruce up nicely after time on a sandy beach or dusty trail. Havaianas Slim flip flops are lightweight and durable, and work well as shower shoes, indoor wear, or around water.

Become familiar with the care labels of your clothing. Know which pieces must be washed in cold water or laid flat to dry. Anything that can’t be washed (except for outerwear) or dry-cleaned deserves to be left at home.

As previously mentioned, reusable panty liners and underarm sweat vests help reduce odours and extend the time between washing.

Another strategy comes from the performing arts community where costumes need to be worn multiple times. Vodka is a perfect odour remover. It’s odourless, colourless, and has a sanitizing effect. Spritz the offending area with vodka and as it evaporates, the offending odours are removed.

Visiting a self-serve laundromat can be a cultural experience by chatting with locals and learning more about the neighbourhood. However, it consumes valuable travel time that could be invested elsewhere. It also involves figuring out machines and having coins and detergent to operate them.

Another approach is to have a laundry service wash, dry, and fold your clothes, but this requires trust that their products and methods won’t be detrimental to you or your clothes. And charges for services offered by hotels can be excessive.

When staying in holiday accommodation, doing laundry by the load means you’re in charge of detergents and drying methods. It also allows you to do other things while a machine is doing its thing. If there’s no dryer (or air drying is preferred), there will probably be a drying rack and plenty of other places to hang damp clothes and string your travel clothesline.

Handwashing takes a few minutes each evening, and for lightweight and quick-dry fabrics, they’re usually good to go the next day. Unless you’re accumulating laundry to wash by machine at a future stop, washing one or two items daily feels less overwhelming and requires less drying space.

If you like to soak and wash things in a sink, you may have to plan for sinks without plugs, or plugs that don’t work. Also, it’s a good idea to give a sink a good scrub to remove dirt or residue from cleaning products that can stain or discolour clothing.

For areas needing extra attention, such as collars, armpits, and crotch, work on those first. Spend extra time on stained or soiled areas. Then, swirl, swish, and knead the clothing in soapy water for about two minutes.

Another approach is to take dirty items into the shower with you, especially if the sink is lacking in some way. Lather them up, and rinse them off while showering. If the accommodation has a ‘shower bath,’ (bath and shower combo), start by adding a little water and preferred detergent to the tub. While showering, trample, squish, and agitate the clothing with your feet. This works well with larger pieces. 

Hostels, hotel rooms, and holiday apartments offer a variety of places to hang laundry to dry. When staying in a women’s dorm in a hostel, my travel clothesline finds attachment points on the bunk frame. Wooden hangers in hotel rooms and holiday apartments that can be removed from a closet can be hung on a door frame, curtain rod, ironing board, table edge, towel bar, or shower head. Some hangers have clips from which to hang socks or panties. A travel clothesline can be stretched between two stationary objects such as a bed frame, door knob, luggage rack, wall lamp, balcony rail, faucet, towel bar, bathroom hook, dresser handles, or chair. 

To expedite the drying process, squish or wring pieces out to remove as much water as possible. Smooth out any twists so clothes dry faster, keep their shape, and have fewer wrinkles. Take a towel, lay it on a flat surface, and place your pieces of wet clothing flat on top of it, separating each item. Then tightly roll the towel with the clothing inside. Once rolled, apply pressure, or step or kneel on the towel to help it absorb more moisture. Unroll the towel to remove your clothes and hang them to finish drying.

If your accommodation has an iron and ironing board, iron those pieces that could benefit from having additional moisture removed. Or use a  hairdryer for a similar purpose.

Hanging clothes outdoors in fine weather or near a fan, window, or heat source will help them dry faster. Keep in mind that clothes dry more slowly in humid climates.

On a recent trip to Poland in September, I packed two bottoms: lightweight travel pants and Lululemon leggings. I was surprised to discover that the leggings needed more than an overnight to dry. Fortunately, I was staying several days in that location, but had I washed them before a travel day, this would have been handy to know. Taking a handwashing test at home might have given me the intel I needed to choose the best time to launder different pieces of clothing.

Another consideration concerns new purchases and how they react to laundering. If they bleed, it’s better to know this before mixing them with other pieces of clothing.

If daily hand washing isn’t your thing, mix up your accommodation bookings to ensure you have access to a washing machine on a schedule that works for you. When I travel with a group of friends, we book accommodation that invariably has washing facilities. We’ll choose a ‘wash day,’ get ourselves organized, and pool our laundry into loads of lights and coloureds.

Laundry packing list

Many travellers take advantage of what’s available at their accommodation: body wash, shampoo, or bar soap. 

If you have a favourite liquid detergent, decant some into travel-sized bottles no larger than 100 ml for carry-on travel. Or purchase packets of travel-sized laundry detergent before leaving home. One advantage, especially for those with skin conditions, is that you can have confidence in a tried-and-true product.

I’m a fan of an all-purpose bar soap. My favourite is Dr Bronner’s 18-in-One Pure Castile Soap. However, the more I use it for laundry, the less I have left as bath soap. It fits perfectly in a Matador Flatpak Soap Bar Case where the bar dries while it remains sealed away. Dr Bronner’s offers the same product as a concentrated liquid in a travel size.

Better still, laundry eco-strips are a carry-on traveller’s dream. They’re ultra-concentrated, biodegradable sheets of ‘liquidless’ laundry detergent that dissolve in water. Use one for a load, two for heavily soiled laundry, or cut them in halves or quarters for laundry in a sink, shower, or a DIY dry-bag ‘washing machine.’ I’ve used Tru Earth with success, but there are many choices on the market, including Earth Breeze that gets excellent reviews and is on my list to try. Laundry sheets are lightweight, earth friendly, take up very little space, don’t leak, and a small piece goes a long way to meeting handwashing needs.

For stain removal, a Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover Pen does a decent job. It’s cheap, easy to carry, and perfect for removing stains as they appear.

Or, use hand sanitizer. In an interview with the New York Times, cleaning expert Jolie Kerr stated, “If I had to tell people to carry  just one thing  with them to handle stains on the fly, it would be hand sanitizer. It has a high concentration of alcohol in it, which is a very good stain remover and will work on everything from pen to food spills to blood.”

As soon as possible, use warm water and regular soap if you don’t have other options at your disposal. Be gentle. You’re trying to tease the stain out of the fabric, not push it deeper. Make short, quick motions as if you’re tugging the offending stain out. It’s not the time for elbow grease.

Decant a couple of shots of vodka into a travel-sized spray bottle. Or carry an empty bottle and pick up a miniature bottle of vodka during your travels. 

A dry bag is a versatile multipurpose item that can serve as a DIY washing machine. It’s especially useful when camping, and a hygienic choice when staying in facilities with communal sinks. Add laundry, water, and detergent, roll out as much air as possible, then shake, toss, tumble, agitate, and massage the bag to replicate the action of a washing machine. Repeat with a rinse cycle.

A dry bag is a more durable and earth-friendly alternative to a plastic zip-top or garbage bag. For a commercial option, some travellers choose the ‘Scrubba,’ a bag with a handy built-in washboard, air valve, and see-through window. If you’re likely to get enough use of a Scrubba to justify the space, weight, and price, here’s an excellent review from Pack Hacker that explains how to use it. The Scrubba Mini is a smaller, lighter version.

Also, a dry bag is handy when freshly washed laundry isn’t quite dry on a travel day. Packing almost-dry laundry in a dry bag is better than hanging individual pieces from a travel bag. On arrival at your new digs, remove items from the dry bag to finish the drying process.

Not all sinks have a plug, and a rubber universal sink stopper doesn’t work in all sinks. I’ve used duct tape and cling wrap with some success, and Blu Tack works well as a reusable plug. I pack a small amount, about the size of a golf ball, stored in a lightweight sealable container. At 0.8 oz / 24 g, it’s one gram lighter than my universal sink plug and much more versatile.

A retractable clothesline might be available in some types of accommodation. However, a travel clothesline takes up so little space in a travel bag that mine is packed for every trip. It’s lightweight (0.8 oz / 23 g) and doesn’t require clothespins. The hooks at both ends are more serviceable than suction cups. They loop back into the braid, expanding options for setting up the line. My favourite is the Go Travel Pegless Washing Line , with the suction cups left at home. When I stay in hostels, my travel clothesline doubles as a washing line and privacy curtain rod.

Hangers that can’t be removed from a closet rod reduce drying options. For this reason, travelling with your own offers a tried-and-true approach to hanging laundry. My experience with inflatable hangers didn’t end well when the set of two both developed leaks and were useless. However, they are lightweight and improve airflow by separating layers of clothing from each other.  Folding hangers are more reliable. There are a host of possibilities with variations in sturdiness, size, and weight. If hanging clothespins are more your style, these can be hung from a shower rod, towel rack, or back of a chair.  

Separating dirty clothes from clean ones makes it easy when it’s time to do a wash. Choose a bag that’s a good fit for you. I wash daily, so a small, lightweight handmade item made by a friend is all I need to stow one or two pairs of panties, a reusable panty liner, a couple of socks, and a merino base layer. An added advantage is that I think of my friend, Rose (who made the gift), whenever I use it.

When my handmade laundry bag can’t accommodate damp or dirty items, a dry bag is a useful backup.  Might you be interested in this related post?

• 10 Reasons to travel with dry bags

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. What are your strategies and packing tips for planning to do laundry when you travel? Please share your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.    

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I bring a small vial of concentrated liquid laundry soap and am mindful of bringing only clothes that are fast drying (NO all cotton anything…ever). Most of the time I’ll do a few pieces in the sink and hang/drip dry (if I even end up doing any laundry at all 😉 As for MUST HAVES on my packing list, one thing I use daily is PortaPocket. It’s a multi-functional wearable that keeps my vital items safe, secure & discreet… it’s easy to use, lightweight & versatile, plus works w/almost any outfit at all, from casual to fancy. Happy new year and Cheers to you, from Chicago!

I love how you’ve broken down the list into categories and provided helpful tips for keeping laundry organized and manageable while traveling. The idea of using dry bags for packing clothes is so clever and I’ll definitely be using that for my next trip. I also appreciate the tips for machine washing clothes and how to quickly dry them. This post will be a great resource for anyone planning a trip and looking for tips on how to stay organized with laundry. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

This is a great post. I especially found the tip about using sanitizer as a stain removal helpful. Something I will be putting into practice right away as my go to has been to use dish-soap but that doesn’t seem to be working this trip.

I love the pictures that accompany this post.

Hey Anne, You know with every article you have so many tips to share that it intrigues me every time. These laundry techniques during traveling are spot-on. It is crazy that some people do not wash their clothes at all during traveling and pack so many things that it becomes hectic to move to places.

The realistic pictures that you shared also help.

This comprehensive guide to doing laundry while traveling is a treasure trove of practical advice and ingenious tips. The insights about assembling a travel wardrobe, using care labels effectively, and optimizing drying methods are invaluable. The packing list for laundry essentials is a must-read for any traveler aiming to stay fresh on the road.

I take a Ziploc bag with a couple of laundry pods. Each time I use one my luggage gets lighter.

Love this comprehensive guide on managing laundry while traveling. These tips are so useful! It is also worth considering packing a small mesh laundry bag to keep your clean and dirty clothes separate in your luggage – it’s been a lifesaver for me! Thanks for sharing these insights!

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Home » Gear » The Best Wash Travel Bags – Laundry Bags For Travel

The Best Wash Travel Bags – Laundry Bags For Travel

There are two types of backpackers in this world: organized packers and disorganized packers. When all you have is a backpack to store all your travel belongings, it’s safe to say you won’t be traveling with an extensive wardrobe.

Simply put, travel is dirty work, and without stable accommodation, a personal laundry machine, or a daily routine, laundry might just be one of your biggest problems on the road. Traveling with only the essential clothing combined with daily hikes and adventures, you’re bound to charge through your clean clothes quicker than you can say ‘washbag.’

Lucky for you, modern adventurers have designed a nifty bag device that makes it easy to wash your clothing on the go. Lightweight, small, and easy to pack with you in your backpack, there is no excuse to wear your dirty clothing over and over (and we could not be more thankful).

To clear things up, a wash bag is by no means a toiletry bag to hold your toothbrush and hair products. Nope, these are different products with their own article. Instead, I’m talking about a bag that makes it possible to wash your clothing on the go.

Don’t let some smelly t-shirts ruin your buzz. Take your pick from these ten best travel wash bags on the market today, and get your order in quick:

These Are The Best Travel Wash Bags

How to keep clothes clean when traveling, what to look for in a wash bag for travel, the best travel laundry bags, final thoughts on laundry bags for travel.

REI Co-op Laundry Pack

• Size > 22 x 13 x 6 inches
• Weight > 6.5 ounces
• Capacity > 35 liters
• Price > $29.95

Scrubba Wash Bag

• Size > 54 x 32 cm
• Weight > 5.3 ounces
• Capacity > 3 gallons
• Price > $54.95

GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag

• Size > 50 x 74 cm
• Weight > 79 grams (2.8 ounces)
• Price > $34.95

Scrubba Wash Bag 2.0

• Size > 15.2 x 40.6 x 15.2 cm
• Weight > 141 grams
• Capacity > 150 grams
• Price > £45 ($55)

Scrubba Mini Wash Bag – Ultra Compact

• Size > 12 x 12 x 2.5 cm
• Weight > 0.08 kg
• Capacity > 85 grams
• Price > £35 ($43)

Patagonia Black Hole Cube

• Size > 12.25 x 6.75 x 4.5 inches
• Weight > 7 ounces
• Capacity > 6L
• Price > $45

Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set (US)

• Size > 9 x 7 x 6 inches
• Weight > 2,08 ounces
• Capacity > 1, 2, and 3 liters
• Price > $39.99 – $66

Mammut Travel Washbag

• Size > 10 x 3 x 21 cm / 18 x 3 x 26
• Weight > 66 g (small) or 165 g (large)
• Price > £17 – £36 ($21 – $44)

Osprey Ultralight Washbag

• Size > 15.24 x 12.7 x 20.32 cm
• Weight > 376 grams
• Capacity > 2 liters
• Price > $30

Go Travel Laundry Bag

• Size > 40 x 60 x 0.8 cm
• Weight > 71 grams
• Capacity > 15 liter
• Price > £9.99 ($12.20)

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Whether you’re exploring a new European city on foot at ten miles a day, hiking a bucket-list volcano in New Zealand, or partying the night away in Thailand , clothing gets dirty especially fast, when we’re on the road. 

There are various ways to keep your clothing clean while traveling:

Firstly, you could make use of hotel and hostel laundry services. However convenient, with hotels charging per piece of clothing, this service adds up fast. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather spend my vacation savings on street food and adventures than the convenience of clean clothing. 

A slightly cheaper option would be to outsource laundry services. There are plenty of laundromats in backpacker hubs that charge a smaller fee per piece of clothing. That said, I’ve had countless items lost by laundry services before. And the worst part is, you’ll only notice you’re missing something when it’s too late. Self-service laundromats are another option, but sitting around and waiting hours for your clothing to wash and dry is an absolute no-no. 

One of my favorite ways to keep clothing clean is to wash it in the hostel shower and leave it to dry overnight. This is easy and convenient with things like travel underwear, swimwear, and light t-shirts, but it won’t cut it for heavy clothing. If you have the energy to scrub away at a pair of jeans, chances are they will not dry fast enough and will end up smelling even worse than they did before you washed them – no, thank you.

One thing you can do to keep your bag organized and your clean clothes clean is to keep your dirty clothing separate from your clean clothing. For basic hygiene reasons that I shouldn’t have to explain, this is where the iconic travel laundry bag comes into play. Not only are they useful for separating clothing, but they’re also necessary when it comes to transporting your dirty goods to get cleaned.

Space is tight; I get it. So, the first thing you’re going to want to look at in a wash bag is its size and weight. Sure, the smaller, the better, but you’ll also want to consider the volume each bag holds and how much washing you can do per load. Of course, you’ll also want to look for a bag that is easy to use and uncomplicated to clean.

Second, if you’re using your wash bag in the bush, outback, or mountains, you’re going to want to find a bag that helps reduce microplastics in each load. Microplastic-minimizing bags can also be used in washing machines since they catch most of the microplastics that are released from any synthetic materials before they end up floating in your local river. 

Going one step further, I would also recommend purchasing a bag made from eco-friendly materials that don’t lose fibers and microplastics themselves.

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Mostly used by hikers, trekkers, backpackers, and eco-warriors, there are more travel wash bags out on the market than you might expect. Sure, you might have to hit the right shops and scour the web to find the best ones. But they are out there, keeping travelers fresh and reducing microplastics, one bag at a time.

To make your search for the perfect wash bag easier, we’ve put together a list of ten products that we have tried and tested. As always, these are the best of the best wash and laundry bags for travel:

• Size: 22 x 13 x 6 inches
• Weight: 6.5 ounces
• Capacity: 35 liters
• Price: $29.95

Ah, the classic laundry pack. Whether you’re an overly organized packer or a clean freak like me, a laundry pack is an essential accessory for outdoor enthusiasts or backpackers looking to maintain organization during their adventures.

Empty, the REI Co-op Laundry Pack is as lightweight as it gets. Designed with mesh sides and thin material, you’ll hardly notice its weight at all. Packed full, it can fit up to 35 liters of dirty laundry (or clean clothes). Made from durable ripstop nylon and mesh sides for breathability, you can stuff in your dirty laundry without worrying about breaking the bag. Close it up with the easy-to-use drawstring, and you’re good to go.

My favorite thing about this bag is that it doubles as a little travel backpack . It features webbing straps to allow you to carry it like a backpack to and from the wash. Heck, you could even use it as a day-pack and double its usage. I can’t promise you it’s the most comfortable backpack, as the product prioritizes being practical and lightweight over comfort, but it sure does do the job!

It’s also easy to wash. I put it on a gentle machine wash, and it worked wonders (but maybe check the inside label before following my lead). Best of all, it’s super affordable, selling for around $30.

• Size: 54 x 32 cm
• Weight: 5.3 ounces
• Capacity: 3 gallons
• Price: $54.95

Useful for backpacking adventures, hikes, and camping trips, and even to use at home, the Scrubba Wash Bag is one of the world’s lightest and most affordable wash bags for travel. This small bag is designed to wash your clothing – yes, I mean restoring your dirty clothing to clean – without the use of electricity or the heavy machinery you may be used to.

In just three to five minutes and using between three and six liters of water, you can wash a small load of laundry on the go. It’s also priced at just $55, affordable enough for just about all travelers and campers can pack less bulky clothing and survive on just the essentials on an adventure. 

Sound too good to be true? Convenient, light, and pocket-sized, this little companion really will help you save money, water, and time while remaining fresh as a daisy. The modern take on the good old-fashioned washing machine, the undyed and unbleached bag, uses a washboard mechanism that allows you to wash clothing without electricity. 

Aside from how lightweight and convenient it is to use, it’s an incredible product to use in places where water is scarce. AND it’s more hygienic than a dirty hostel sink.

• Size: 50 x 74 cm
• Weight: 79 grams (2.8 ounces)
• Price: $34.95

Weighing less than three ounces, the GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag is one of the lightest and most compact washing bags on the market. It’s also one of the most effective solutions against microplastics.

If you weren’t already aware, synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and acrylic are made from microplastic materials , of which tiny pieces are lost every time you wash your clothing. Microplastics? In my clothing? Yup! Especially when washed in a rough washing machine, these tiny particles eventually make their way into rivers and oceans, and we all know how the rest of that story goes.

But with a GUPPYFRIEND laundry bag for travel, you won’t have to worry about your micro-footprint. Not only does the bag reduce synthetic fibers from shedding during washing, but it also filters any microplastics out before they make it into the water. 

The bag is made from high-tech recycled polyamide materials that don’t lose fibers themselves, all while protecting your clothing and reducing pilling. It’s as easy to use as any washing bag. All you need to do is pack it with synthetic clothing and throw it in the washing machine. Clean the filter and dispose of the microfibers correctly, and you get a big old thumbs up from Mother Nature.

Unlike the product above, you’ll still need a washing machine to wash your clothes. So, it might not be as water and electricity (and therefore budget-friendly) as we could hope.

• Size: 15.2 x 40.6 x 15.2 cm
• Weight: 141 grams
• Capacity: 150 grams
• Price: £45 ($55)

Would you ever believe that you can hold a manual washing machine in the palm of your hand?

Built on the concept of the original Scrubba Wash Bag, the 2.0 is an upgraded product that allows you to wash your clothing on a patented washboard mechanism from just about anywhere in the world. On top of a mountain? In the snowy Alps? On a boat trip? No problem! This lightweight and small eco-friendly wash bag is a hiking and camping essential.

It is so small and light that the flexible washboard bends and folds into a compact, pocket-sized device and takes up almost no space in your backpack. This wash bag for travel is also super easy to use, with simple instructions showing you how to wash your clothing in just six steps. 

The best thing about it is its eco-friendly commitment. With just three to six liters of water and a bit of arm power, you’re stinky clothes will be as fresh as new. It’s also super convenient for backpacking trips where space is limited. Instead of packing multiple options of clean clothing, you can pack less and wash clothing along the journey.

Sure, it might not be as effective for bulky jerseys and heavy jeans, but the product can efficiently wash small to medium loads of t-shirts, underwear, delicates, and gym clothing. 

I also love that with the correct eco-friendly detergent , you can even wash your clothing with salty water and dispose of the dirty water without worry.

Scrubba Mini Wash Bag – Ultra Compact

• Size: 12 x 12 x 2.5 cm
• Weight: 0.08 kg
• Capacity: 85 grams
• Price: £35 ($43)

The smallest and lightest washing machine on the market, the Scrubba Mini Wash Bag is the compact version of the original Scrubba Wash Bag. The difference? It’s 50% lighter than its big sister, weighing less than 2.5 ounces, and only uses between one and two liters of water per load.

Of course, it doesn’t fit as much into one load and is more convenient for washing socks and underwear than larger pieces of clothing. Perfect for those on the go, staying in hostels, dorms, or camping, the patented washboard-in-a-bag design allows you to give the effectiveness of a machine wash in under five minutes. 

How does it work? Well, you simply fill it with water and a small amount of eco-friendly detergent (not included in the price), seal it like a dry bag, and deflate the excess air, rubbing your clothes against the washboard for under three minutes. It really is as easy as one, two, three.

Designed for the ultra-light packing hiker, this travel wash bag can fit a few pairs of underwear and socks into one load or one t-shirt. Between washes, you can even use it as a mini dry bag or to store your dirty laundry. Heck, I even used it as a pillow once – oh, how we love a good multi-functional product!

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

• Size: 12.25 x 6.75 x 4.5 inches
• Weight: 7 ounces
• Capacity: 6L

It’s hard to beat the style and elegance of a Patagonia product, and the same can be said for the Black Hole Cube. Whether using it to help you fit what you need into a small bag or suitcase, as storage in the back of your RV, or even to store clothing at home, the medium-sized Patagonia Black Hole Cube fits six liters worth of clothing in it, making it one of the most convenient packing devices on the market – and ill say it again, it’s damn good looking too,

It comes in a variety of color combos, from plain black to perennial purple and classic navy blue. Following Patagonia’s commendable commitment to the environment, the bag is made using recycled materials and fabrics. 

With a simple zip mechanism, it’s easy to get into the main compartment, which is then divided into equal halves with inner zip pockets. This shallow-pack design makes it easy to access your clothing without digging and disturbing your beautifully folded on-the-go wardrobe. Use it to store clean clothing and dirty clothing or to separate your clean from your clothing in each side of the bag.

This was my first time using a packing cube, and now that I have, I don’t know how I ever traveled without them! The convenience is unparalleled and makes packing up and moving a breeze. 

I find the exterior daisy chain design super convenient for connecting it to bags with a clip. The durable, water-repellent exterior finish is so weather-resistant that you could secure it onto the outside of a bag. It also has a large handle that makes the travel wash bag easy to grab on the go. 

• Size: 9 x 7 x 6 inches
• Weight: 2,08 ounces
• Capacity: 1, 2, and 3 liters
• Price: $39.99 – $66

Osprey makes great gear and has wowed the packing cube market with its Ultralight packing cube set, which features three different-sized cubes designed to make your packing experience as convenient as possible. Easy to use when packing a backpack, a suitcase, or just storing things at home, the cubes come in three colors (grey, blue, and white), are super lightweight, and fit one, two, and three liters worth of clothing in them, respectively.

As a matter of fact, don’t limit the bags to pure clothing storage. They can be used to store and keep anything organized on the road, from your electronics to your dirty laundry to your toiletries.

Osprey prides itself on innovation and quality, which is exactly what these packing cubes are. Their perfect rectangular design allows them to be packed together, wasting no space or time. 

The cubes may look small, but they really do fit a lot in them. I love that these products are made from a super lightweight yet durable material, which allows you to pack them as full as possible without them losing their shape too much. What’s the point of a packing cube if it morphs into a blob when packed full, right?

• Size: 10 x 3 x 21 cm / 18 x 3 x 26
• Weight: 66 g (small) or 165 g (large)
• Price: £17 – £36 ($21 – $44)

It might be small in size, but this doesn’t mean the Mammut Travel Washbag doesn’t pack a punch when it comes to convenient storage. Available in two different sizes and color options, this polyester wash bag for travel will become your best friend on the road.

The larger bag has three foldable sections and comes with a mirror and a metal hook for hanging up. It’s the most practical toiletry bag on the market, with two zippers and mesh compartments creating considerable storage space for your toothbrush, hair products, and sunscreen. The small bag is more compact yet has the same features of a hanging hook, mirror, and zipper compartments.

Perfect for a hiking trip or to store your essentials in the cabinet of your car, the bag weighs between 66 and 165 grams (depending on its size). I use it as advertised, to store toiletries, which I decant into small travel bottles. The bottles sit neat and upright and are always kept dry because of the mesh pocket storage. 

I like that the fixtures are made of a solid-feeling metal. The mesh also makes it super easy to see what is what and who is who in the zoo of your toiletries! One worry was that the elastic pocket tops might not last forever- especially with so much versatile outdoor use.

• Size: 15.24 x 12.7 x 20.32 cm
• Weight: 376 grams
• Capacity: 2 liters

And Osprey is at it again with a highly convenient padded washbag. Let’s get one thing straight: this bag won’t wash your clothing for you. Rather, it’s a toiletry bag that makes it easy to pack all your products and essentials into one small and organized space. 

The bag comes in one size and is made from a ripstop nylon fabric. The ultralight fabric is padded on the inside to make sure your products are well protected (super useful if traveling with small glass bottles, I must say). 

The Osprey travel wash bag has a rectangular form and is closed with a zip. It features multiple pockets and a dedicated space for certain items. One of my favorite features is the straightjacket compression system, which allows you to compress the bag to get rid of any space that isn’t being used. 

No doubt a handy bag for a camping trip or as your general medicine or toiletry bag, I found it really easy to find my things and keep everything well organized and in its place. Once wet, the bag dries fast, which is convenient when camping in all weather conditions. 

On the downside, some of the inner pockets are really small but are useful for things like earbuds or small containers. I would even recommend using it as a small electronics bag if the pocket sizes don’t suit your toiletries. I’m not entirely sure the top needs to be padded since most products and toiletries that one would camp with wouldn’t be too fragile in the first place. 

• Size: 40 x 60 x 0.8 cm
• Weight: 71 grams
• Capacity: 15 liter
• Price: £9.99 ($12.20)

It might look like a traditional dry bag, but the Go Travel Laundry Bag was designed for a different purpose. Its primary use is as a laundry bag, fitting as much as fifteen liters of clothing into the bag. Designed for all my clean-freak travelers who can’t stand dirty clothing rubbing shoulders with their clean clothing, the bag is designed to separate dirty from clean clothes.

Other than storing your dirty clothes in a breathable laundry bag for travel , the container has a buckled loop that makes it easy to hang on any hook or tree. The drawstring closure is great for sealing the dirty clothing inside the bag and protecting your clean clothing from contamination. 

When empty, the bag is lightweight and compact – so small you’ll hardly notice it in your bag. It’s also easy to wash and can be thrown in the same machine load as your dirty clothes. I can even recommend using it as a packing cube equivalent before you gather up the dirty clothing to fill it with. At the end of the day, it’s another bag that can help you stay organized on an adventure.

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Let’s be honest: general hygiene aside, there is not much worse than wearing dirty clothing. From personal experience, it dampens my entire mood and confidence. Paying hostels to wash your clothing is expensive, outsourcing laundry companies is risky, and washing clothing in the shower is just plain effort…

Instead, traveling with a lightweight and compact travel wash bag offers an easy, convenient, and affordable way to keep your clothes clean while on the road. Some of the bags on this list are specially designed to wash your clothing using minimal water and no electricity. Other bags are ideal for storing and packing your items in a systematic and organized manner. I even threw in a few toiletry bags to store either your toiletries or electronics. 

Conveniently, a bag is a bag, and storage space is always welcome when on the road. Whether you’re going on a camping trip, backpacking through a foreign country, or staying in well-to-do hotels, there are numerous ways to use the bags on this list on your next adventure. 

With bags designed to separate your laundry from your clean clothes and wash bags inspired by the good old washboard of our ancestors, you’ll never be left to wear the same stinky t-shirt three days in a row again. Phew!

Aiden Freeborn

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Doing Laundry While Traveling: Essential Step by Step Guide

Doing laundry while traveling is one of the fabulous parts of traveling but it is part of everyday life on the road.

It does not matter if you’re staying at a five-star resort on a two-week vacation or a budget option accommodation during a long-term trip, dealing with laundry while traveling is something you will have to address.

Living out of a bag while traveling is hard. In my backpack, I travel with 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of swimming trunks, 2 t-shirts, 3 collared shirts, 1 sweater, 4 pairs of underwear and 3 pairs of socks.

Anyone who knows me knows that I have to be clean and this goes for my clothing while traveling. I’m not that stinky backpacker and I refuse to be.

While it took Lina and I a while to get into a groove and figure out what kind of laundry options would work best for us, we’ve certainly tried everything and can speak from experience.

Doing laundry while traveling has now come second nature to us and is not something we worry about anymore.

How To Wash Laundry While Traveling

Table of Contents

Below are different ways to wash your laundry while traveling. We have used all the listed methods while living full time on the road and living out of backpacks.

Heck, we even implement some of these methods on shorter trips so we don’t have to carry as much clothing with us.

Each method has it advantages and disadvantages, which I will highlight below. It’s actually surprisingly easy to keep your clothing nice and clean while you are traveling.

There’s no need to be a stinky traveler or that person on the bus no one wants to sit next to.

Sink Wash: Washing Your Clothes in a Sink

The sink wash method has worked for years and is one of our top picks. Plug the drain of the sink, add soap, fill up with hot water and hand wash your clothing.

Let everything soak for a while before using your hands to massage and work the material.

When you’re done washing, rinse your clothing with clean water. This is the most popular way to clean clothing for travelers. I will admit, it can take forever if you have put off your laundry and have a lot to do, but it still works great.

Wash Time: 10-20 minutes including the soak Cost: Free

Soak Bag: Washing Your Clothes in a Bag

This method uses a plastic, waterproof bag to act as your own personal washing machine.

There are official products available, such as the Scrubba Bag , that have been designed specifically for washing your clothes while traveling.

However, we have also found that any decent waterproof bag will work just as good. You can purchase a variety of bag sizes and I would recommend something that can fit at least half of the clothing you plan to carry with you when traveling.

Throw your clothing into the bag, add a pinch of laundry detergent, fill with hot water and seal the bag.

Shake or mix everything up for a few minutes and then let soak. Once cleaned dump the clothing into the sink and rinse in the bag or in the sink.

Wash Time: up to 30 minutes with a soak. Cost: Free

Shower Wash: Washing Your Clothes in the Shower

This method is your practice for when you’re going to be crushing grapes in France. Plug your shower drain, run hot water, strip off your clothing or place your clothing into the shower.

Then move your feet over the clothing like your crushing grapes and rinse each garment under the showerhead until the water runs clear. This works well if you do it daily or even if you have a large amount of clothing to wash. I use this method all the time.

Wash Time: Takes a few minutes Cost: Free

Things you need to Shower Wash while traveling: universal drain stopper

Wash Bin: Washing Your Clothes in a Bucket

For this method, you will need one or two wash bins or even trash cans will work, anything that will hold water. Fill up the bin with soap and hot water, use your hands to wash the clothing by squeezing and ringing them like a washing machine.

If you have two bins fill the other bin up as your rinse bin and rinse your clothing until the water runs clear.

This method is very similar to the sink method except it allows you to choose a bigger bin for washing. We used this method weekly while traveling through Africa .

Wash Time: 10-15 minutes Cost: Free

Visit a Local Laundromat

Coin-operated laundromats can be found all around the world, even in the smallest of towns. Many hostels and hotels will also have coin-operated machines to use.

This is a great option if you have something nasty that needs a good deep clean or you just don’t feel up to washing them yourself.

Many are safe to use and to leave your clothing until they are done without fear of your items being stolen. If you’re lucky, some even offer WiFi.

Wash Time: Takes about half a day. Good for a rainy day. Cost: $1-$8

Send It Out: When You Have Money to Spare

Have a pile of laundry to deal with but having a bad day? No worries, send it out and stop worrying about it. Regardless of the accommodation class you choose, there is always an option to send your laundry out.

In some countries, this can be an affordable option but no matter where you are, this is the most expensive way of dealing with your laundry while traveling.

It always takes 24 hours and most places will charge you per item or based on your weight of clothing. It is important to clarify how they will be washing your clothes for you.

While many times you will have a standard option of machine washing and drying, don’t assume this.

In many parts of the world, sending out the laundry will still result in hand washing and line drying. Just something to keep in mind.

Wash Time: 24 Hours but is quick and easy for you to deal with. Cost: $4-$20, varies on items and weight, also which country you are in

Wear Them Till They Walk: If You Can Stand It!

Honestly, I’ve never met a traveler that doesn’t do this and we are certainly guilty of it as well. Wear your clothes multiple times until they become dirty or start to smell. 

This method helps reduce the amount of laundry you will do while traveling and also save wear on your clothes. This might sound odd, but washing your clothes can be hard on the fabrics and it can be better to wash them less.

How does it work? Re-wear everything until they start to get a smell. It’s that easy. Some times you can make the same shirt last 2 to 3 years and sometimes you only can get 1 wear out of them before they need to be washed.

This depends on what you are doing and where you are in the world. Astronauts use this method while up in space as there’s no way to wash their clothing.

They wear there clothing until it falls apart. Just think of what that smells like. Puts the smelly backpacker to shame.

FAQ: Laundry While Traveling

Is hot water an issue while traveling.

It never fails that when it’s laundry day on the road, we do not have access to hot water .

There have been many times we’ve been stuck cold washing our clothes and while it is better than nothing, it is not ideal when you’re in hot climates and need to kill the bacteria on your clothing.

You will find at times you need to improvise and can use a kettle or pot of water on a stove or over a fire to get hot water.

The plugin water kettles also work well if you can’t get hot water from the tap. Something to note, if you are having trouble getting hot water to wash, sending it out won’t guarantee that you will get a hot wash.

So make sure you tell them you want hot water used.

How To Dry Your Clothes While Traveling?

Drying your clothes on the road can be tricky. There have been times I’ve had to pack up my freshly washed clothing after it’s been sitting out for days because we have to move and they are still not dry.

To be honest, it is very rare that you will come across dryer machines while traveling and will find yourself in a line dry situation.

There are a couple of things to take into consideration on laundry day before you commit to washing all your available clothing.

• Weather: What is the weather doing? Is the day humid, overcast, sunny or dry? Do you have only a fan in your room or an A/C unit? All of this plays a factor in the success of laundry day. You don’t need to be a meteorologist, but you do need to pay attention. If the day is humid and you don’t have an A/C unit, your clothes are going to take days to dry, this is not ideal. Even a fan on a humid day does not dry items quickly.
• Indoor Drying:   Sometimes drying clothes indoors works faster than outside. If you have an A/C unit or fan that will also help the process of drying clothes indoors. We have hung up many clothing lines indoor before and it’s method always works for us. No matter what the weather is doing outside, an A/C unit will always get the job done. Fans, on the other hand, pay attention to the humidity outside.
• Outdoor Drying: Drying your clothes outside while traveling can be hard, you need a nice sunny day and a great place to hang your clothes outside. At most guesthouses or hostels the best spot can be found on the roof. While traveling in Africa the best spot for us was from the tent to the tree. You just have to make sure you hang them up in a sunny spot without shade. Keep in mind too that you shouldn’t leave clothes out drying if you are not around. Clothesline theft happens and you’d hate to lose your favorite shirt, especially if you’re only carrying one or two. Another consideration is animals, it is not unheard of for monkeys to steal clothing. Just saying.
• Pre-Dry with Towel: To speed up the drying process, use a dry towel, lay it out, place the clothing on the towel, and roll it up as tight as you can get it. The dry towel will pull much of the excess water from washing out of the clothing, allowing your clothes to dry faster for outside or inside drying.

What Laundry Soaps to Use While Traveling?

Make sure you buy laundry soap that does not require hot water. Hot water can be hard to get. You can buy laundry soap all around the world and it varies in price and quality.

This may sound strange, but we like to carry our own soap from the states when we travel. When we run out, we replace with whatever we can find locally, but we’ve found that having good laundry soap goes a long way towards clean clothing.

• Powder laundry soap: Carrying a bag of laundry powder has worked the best for us. Yes, it looks funny flying with a bag filled with white power but we’ve never had issues or even had it looked at. This does mean space and weight commitment, but for us, it is worth it.
• Laundry powder sheets: It is good and bad with laundry powder sheets. They are lightweight but you do not get as many washings out of them as you would with other forms of soap. This is a great option for shorter trips or if you are concerned about weight and space.
• Laundry pods: Laundry pods work well but they take up lots of room, for us we need the room for other gear but the pods can be a great option for shorter trips.
• Liquid laundry soap: Liquid laundry soap is the best for washing clothing, that’s why if you go to a store that’s all you will find. It’s not economic to travel with though. You can easily fill a small bottle with liquid laundry soap for those shorter trips but this is not a great option for long term travel.

Make sure while traveling with any type of soap that you keep it away from other items in your bags, such as food or plastics. Pack it as far away from other items as you can.

I ruined a new Camelbak hydration bag because I had it stored in the lip of my backpack with our laundry soap. The Camelbak now tastes like laundry soap and we can’t get the taste out.

We pack our laundry soap in a plastic Ziploc bag, then that bag goes into a drawstring laundry bag for extra protection.

This doesn’t stop the smells from coming out, but it does stop it from leaking on other things.  We also carry a small plastic SOS pad to scrub hard to get out stains.

Keeping Clean Clothes Fresh While Traveling

All of our washed clothing goes back into our packing cubes . To keep our clothing fresh, we like to fill small plastic bags with potent smelling dryer sheets and then pack them between the clothing.

This helps absorb any smells off of clothes you are wearing more than once, keeps any strange smells you may encounter with your bags while traveling off and also keep you freshly laundered clothing fresh longer.

This is a great trick to keeping your clothes and bags smelling good and we recommend it for every traveler.

Every few weeks we open and remove the dryer sheets on the top and bottom to release the new scent and it works really well.

Items We Can’t Live Without for Doing Laundry While Traveling

Since we are professionals when it comes to on the road laundry, there are certain items we have learned we can’t live without.

They make laundry days easier and faster and every single one of these items is carried with us when we travel.

• Universal Drain Stopper – Makes it possible to plug a wide variety of drain sizes
• Travel Clothes Line – Packs away to almost nothing and makes it possible to hang clothes anywhere
• Fabric Bungy with Hooks – We’ve used these a lot to create fast clothes lines indoors and outdoors
• Quick Dry Towel – comes in handy for pre-drying on laundry day
• Waterproof Bag – To soak those really nasty clothes
• SOS No-Scratch Pads – For aggressive stains and for cleaning shoes
• Tide Stain Pen – We don’t use it often, but when we do, we need it.

So there you have it, all the wisdom we have from spending years on the road and dealing with laundry.

Hopefully, all of our tips, hints, and tricks will serve you well the next time you find yourself dealing with laundry on the road.

More on Travel Planning:

• How to Plan A Trip: Step by Step Guide
• AirBNB Coupon Code: Up to $100 in Free Promos & Discounts
• 10 Killer Tips on How to Find Cheap Flights
• 11 Easy Tips on How to Find Cheap Accommodation
• How to Save Money for Travel: A Step by Step Plan
• How to Get Over Jet Lag (Advice from 15 Years of Travel)
• How to Get Free Plane Tickets
• 5 Ways to Survive that Long Layover
• 5 Good Reasons to Use a Vacation Planner
• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
• 10 Reasons to Have Annual Travel Insurance
• How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Policy
• Travel Insurance for Europe Vacation: Do I Need It?

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

9 thoughts on “Doing Laundry While Traveling: Essential Step by Step Guide”

Half a day to do laundry at a laundromat? I go to a laundromat once a week or a little more on trips and it doesn’t take half a day. I am strategic though about it where the laundromat is either right next to the hotel or next to a place I want to see. It takes less than 2 hours to wash and dry clothing. I just wake up early one morning to it, eat breakfast next to it, read, and plan my day. If it’s not in the morning, I will do it at the end of the day. If I’m somewhere remote where laundromats are scarce, I just put up with the sink laundry. That said, if you are on the go as far as hotels, it’s a pain in terms of drying.

Yea, it can take up to a half day with getting to/from the laundromat. There are also 2 of us, so twice the clothing.

My mother would put “ready to toss” underwear in her suitcase. Then, she would have disposable underwear for her next trip. It sounds werd, but I did this on my last 13 day trip in Italy and it worked perfectly! Plus, it leaves a bit of room in your bag for souvenirs.

That’s awesome! Gets a little complicated if you travel for more than a couple weeks though… always good to have a solution for washing things. 🙂

Nice article! I picked up some new ideas. I’d like to share another way to practice the shower method – wear your clothes into the shower, soap up, scrub, rinse, then strip and hang clothes to dry. I use this method on bike trips when I rinse out my riding clothes each day but I’ve also used it for regular outfits too. It is so much easier to scrub and rinse with some structure under the clothes. Also, if you have access to a mini fridge/freezer here’s a tip that works well for blue jeans (which can take forever to dry): If the jeans are basically clean but just need some odor reduction pop them into a Ziploc baggie and leave in the fridge (freezer is more ideal) overnight. Hopefully, the cold temperature will kill any stinky bacteria. Happy and safe travels!

Thanks for adding some more tips!

But DO remember to fetch them out of the fridge before you leave or check out… Out of sight, out of mind? Don’t ask me how I learned this… hint: the hard way!

This is excellent. Thank you for sharing. We are retireing in a couple of years and planning on hitting the road till we drop. Or get homesick. Only to go back again. I will definitely be getting the laundry essentials. I was thinking about taking some of those laundry bars of soap as well. Small and compact. Love the clothes line idea.

This sounds great! We’ve never carried the bars but we typically start with liquid and when that runs out buy powder locally. Yes, love our clotheslines and fabric bungees!

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How to Wash Clothes Without a Washer While Traveling Using a Dry Bag and Dish Detergent

When it comes to luggage and travel, less is more. The dry bag laundry method is the epitome of this “traveler minimalism” and it makes for the perfect travel laundry kit.  Keeping a dry bag for laundry allows you to wash anytime, meaning you can travel more with fewer sets of clothes but still have fresh clothes anywhere. Having fewer sets of clothes means smaller bags, an easier time moving from place to place, less money spent on checked bags, and more money to spend on food wine and adventures.  

Note: This article contains affiliate links

Unfortunately for most travelers, the question of how to wash clothes while traveling is a difficult question…but one with plenty of very simple solutions, and we’ll give them all to you here. From deciding the best travel laundry detergent or soap (to improvise) to sharing the best travel laundry bag options that are less “improvised” (like the Scrubba and Laundreez ), we’ll give you all of the best travel clothes wash method and tools for travelers who want to stay light, and a couple extra, more luxurious options that will make life easier.

To make sure you’re fully equipped to handle laundry on the road, without packing too much, we’ll review the solutions and costs for doing your laundry while traveling in Europe, Asia, and South America, and then share my preferred method of doing my laundry while traveling using a dry bag for washing clothes (Jump to “ How to wash your clothes without a washer in 10 Minutes Using a Dry Bag “)

How to Wash Clothes without a Washer While Traveling

If you’re wondering how to wash clothes without a washer while you’re traveling, you’re not alone. Don’t worry! Once you’re learn our preferred option for laundry while traveling, you’ll be able to travel indefinitely out of a single bag as single week’s worth of clothes will last indefinitely. 

Here are your options for laundry on the road:

• Let your hostel or hotel do it: Usually charged by the lb/kg and expensive
• Let a third party do your laundry (Southeast Asia and South America): Much cheaper but requires waiting 24-48 hours and I have had my nice undies stolen
• Do it yourself at a laundromat (Europe): Your cheapest option in Europe. Requires a few hours of time, but is efficient
• Do it yourself in your bathroom – In the Sink : Free, but in hostels can be inconsiderate of shared bathrooms.
• Do it yourself in your bathroom in laundry bag or dry bag: Free, easiest, and simplest as soaking (not agitation) works and no sink is required. Can be done nearly anywhere. This is why a drybag is always part of my travel laundry kit

1. Let your hostel or hotel do your laundry

Letting your hostel or hotel do your laundry is nearly always an option.  Plan on paying by the kilogram and receiving your laundry back in ~24 hours

• In Southeast Asia and South America, laundry in a hostel usually costs $2-$5 per kilogram
• In Europe, laundry in a hostel usually costs $5-$10 per kilogram

2. Let a third party do your laundry (Southeast Asia and South America)

The third party services that normally do your hostel’s laundry Southeast Asia and South America are very happy to your laundry as well.  Just walk up the street from your hostel, look for a sign saying “laundry” or “lavadero” and walk right in.  Costs will be slightly cheaper than at your hostel and you will receive it back much more quickly.  So plan on $2-$5 a load in Southeast Asia and South America

3. Wash your clothes at a laundromat (Europe)

Throughout Europe there are great, easy to use and very clean self-service laundromats. All of the laundromats I’ve seen are completely automated and always in walking distance of my hostel.  Price averages 7 to 10 Euros to wash and dry 5kg of clothes including detergent and softender, so if you have a lot of laundry this is a great option

4. Wash your clothes in your bathroom: In the Sink

This is my least favorite option, as you occupy the bathroom if you’re in a shared bathroom situation, preventing others from using the facilities.  Also…that sink is seriously pretty disgusting, and you’ll probably find Paleolithic Zombie bacteria on that thing.  But, sometimes you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.  To get your clothes (kinda) clean this way, be sure to bring a universal sink stopper on your journey.  I highly recommend going with the following option though, as it is easier, less time consuming, more sanitary, and doesn’t keep the bathroom occupied if you’re staying in a hostel.

5. Wash your clothes using a dry bag or portable laundry bag and your travel laundry kit

When I have a small amount of clothes to wash or will be leaving a place within 24 hours, this performing my own dry bag laundry is the option I go for.  All it takes is bringing a dry bag, like the many drybags sold at REI , or the many other drybags sold on amazon . From there, a good travel laundry soap or detergent makes a quick and easy laundry option that can be done anywhere. 

Alternatively, you could get a specially made laundry bag that is made specifically for a travel laundry kit. The best travel laundry bag options I’ve tested are the Landreez and the Scrubba .

These portable laundry bags have special features that make the travel clothes wash process much simpler.

The “ Laundreez ” has a special side cap allowing you easily drain the bag while squeezing water out of the clothes, and then refilling without removing your clothes from the bag.

For the Laundreez, simply fill with water, add detergent, add clothes, soak, drain, fill to rinse, drain, and it’s done. This video gives a quick snapshot to show how easy the drain spout makes the process.

On the other hand, the Scrubba has soft raised dots on the inside of the bag that gently “scrub” your clothes clean.

Of these two options, the Scrubba is my favorite as the raised dots help with the cleaning process, but both options are decent.

In the end, I recommend using a normal dry bag because of its versatility.

The dry bags can be used as a day bag for routine travel and a place to hide electronics when your adventures take you on the water. From there, steal a little dish soap from the kitchen and you’re ready to go.  By the way, dish soap is an underrated detergent that is cheap, available everywhere, only requires a little bit, and pulls stains out of anything.

The Travel Clothes Wash Procress

(Continue scrolling for step by step instructions)

The “Dry Bag Laundry” caters to lazy, procrastinating travelers (like me)

An upside to using this, “laundry in a dry bag” method is that you don’t actually have to wash anything…you can just let the clothes soak.  You simply fill up the bag with clothes and soapy water, swish around the clothes in the the bag once (5 seconds of effort total) and set the bag aside to soak for anywhere from 15 minutes to a day. 

After that soak period, rinse by pouring out the water and refilling with clear water until clean – usually 2 to 3 rinses total gets everything squeaky clean.  This method has cleaned everything from oil stains to European bar smoke out of my favorite garments, all quickly, conveniently, and cheaply.  Read on for step by step instructions for how to wash your clothes without a washer.

Additionally, you can wash as many or as few items as you’d like, while with normal laundry you have to wait for “an entire load” of laundry to be efficient.  If you realize you’ve procrastinate and are on your last pair of socks and undies, you can quickly do those two items and wait a few hours for them to dry…if you’ve brought travel friendly goods.  This is one more reason I love traveling with wool clothing , as it dries much more quickly than you’d expect.

How to wash your clothes without a washer in 10 Minutes Using a Dry Bag and Dish Detergent

Step 1: find a dry bag or portable laundry bag .

Get a dry bag or specially designed travel laundry bag like the Landreze or the Scrubba.  (My personal preference is the dry bag)

These options on Amazon are cheap, leak proof, and will work for the task. As I said before, I recommend dry bags over “ portable laundry bags ” because most dry bags (like the ones below) can double as a day pack during wet adventures ..

Step 2: Find the best travel laundry soap available: Dish Soap

You may initially think “what is the best travel laundry soap I can use to wash my clothes?” Though your head is in the right place, the best travel laundry detergent may be – regular dish soap (yes, dish washing soap). Any will do, but aim for one with a decent scent or no scent at all.

Dish washing detergent works well because it’s concentrated, meaning we don’t need much, easy to find, so any hostel kitchen has it or you can buy a bottle for $1, and its great at breaking down oils, dirt and pulling out stains.

The single warning here is to rinse thoroughly. For some materials, dark colors that are rinsed well may fade when exposed to the sun if they haven’t been rinsed well. This happened with the inside of my travel pants – my Outlier Slim Dungarees – (as the cuff was folded and the inside was exposed to the sun) but the outer material didn’t noticeably fade

Step 3: Dilute 1 spoon of dish soap in water

Add one tablespoon of dish soap to a glass of water, stir to mix the water and soap, then pour into the dry bag

Step 4: Add clothes, water, soap

Add your clothes to fill the bag 1/2 to 3/4 of the way full, but make sure the bag can still be closed

Add enough water to cover clothes plus ~1 inch

Step 5: Mix and Let Soak

Agitate with hands 15-30 seconds to ensure all of the clothes are covered with and soak up the soapy water

Let the clothes sit in the water and dry bag for 15 minutes at least…don’t feel bad if a day or two goes by, especially if the clothes are very dirty

Step 6: Drain dirty water, refill with clean water, agitate, repeat

Rinse (~2-3 times) by pouring out the water, refilling with clean water, agitating with hands, and pouring out the water again. Repeat the process until the water is clear

Step 7: Remove clothes from bag and squeeze out excess water

Squeeze water out of clothes by hand.  Avoid twisting or wringing out the clothes as this will stretch and damage the clothes

Lay out clothes to dry, ideally on a flat surface

Step 8: Wear the clothes, look stylish, and get them dirty again…and repeat

Wear again until dirty

Travel Clothes Wash FAQ

Can you wash clothes with soap.

Yes, virtually any soap (shampoo, hand soap, dish soap) will work to get clothes clean , just beware of washing delicate items, dark colored items, or delicate wool items with harsher soaps like dish detergent. Beyond this, as long as you rinse thoroughly you won’t have many major problems

What is the Best Travel Laundry soap?

The best travel laundry soap is liquid dish soap, as it is easily accessible, available everywhere, cheap, and pulls stains, oils, and sweat out very well.

For soaps to take with you, Dr. Bronner’s unscented soap is the best, as it is highly concentrated and multi-purpose. It can also be used as a body wash or facial cleanser if diluted. I generally carry a small bottle of Dr. Bronner’s soap at the start of my trips and it lasts a while.

What is the Best Travel Laundry detergent? (That isn’t dish soap)

Any powdered laundry detergent that you can pickup at a mini-mart is the best travel laundry detergent – as it is cheap, readily available, and keeps your bags lighter making your travels easier. Throughout Asia, South America, and even Europe, it is possible to buy a small bag of laundry detergent for under $1 USD. I’ll purchase this bag, and pour enough detergent for a few washes into a zip-loc bag and leave the rest at a hostel as a donation…for a “future me” to wash with.

What is the best travel laundry bag?

The best best travel laundry bag is a normal dry bag, between 10L and 20L in size. This bag can serve as an actual laundry bag, storing your dirty clothes, and serving as the holder for the travel clothes wash process.

Is washing clothes with dish soap ok?

Yes, just be careful washing delicate laundry items (ready the label) and rinse dark clothes thoroughly, as residual dish soap in the clothes can cause slight fading in the sunlight. If you’re very worried, take a small amount of powdered laundry detergent in a zip-loc bag and refill it with powdered detergent from mini-marts along the way.

A Note on choosing the right clothes for travel…for easier washing

The process of washing clothes by hand while traveling can become much harder or easier, depending on how “travel friendly” the clothing.

How much water materials hold (cotton is the worst), how long the materials resist grime and stains, and how quickly they dry (again, cotton is the worst) affect how quickly you can wash your clothes and how quickly they’ll dry.

Make the most of your travels, and reduce your wash time and time between washes by packing travel friendly clothes. These “best of” lists of the travel shirts, pants, and even shoes, that have been my favorites and best performing during my adventures.

• The 7 Best Men’s Shorts for Travel
• Travel Pants for Every Type of Travel: 27 Options for Adventuring Hard and Looking Good
• My Favorite Shirts for Minimalist Travel
• Wool Socks: A Travel Essential

Tips for Washing Clothes while Traveling

• For heavily stained clothes, get an old toothbrush and scrub dish detergent into the stain and allow the garment to sit for 10 minutes, then wash as usual.
• Depending on the type of stain you’re trying to get out, washing in cold water or soaking in hot water may be appropriate. Google the stain type to confirm

So now that you know how to wash your clothes without a washer while backpacking….here are a few great options travel laundry bags and dry bag laundry options on Amazon.

See dry bags available at REI.com

Other great travel gear and clothing content.

• 7 Great Men’s Travel Pants
• The 5 Best Men’s Travel Shorts
• The Perfect Carry on Packing List

See why wool is worth the price in my experiment of wearing a shirt for one week straight — the ultimate odor fighting garment material

About the author.

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

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Monday 26th of August 2019

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Doing Laundry During Travel: Options for Every Traveler

Travelpro Travel Expert Editor

Tips & Tricks

Knowing how to wash clothes while traveling is a great skill. Once mastered, learning to do laundry from a hotel room allows you to wear your favorite clothing several times and come home with minimal dirty laundry. Less packed clothing allows you to travel lighter or reserve packing space for items purchased at your destination.

Do your own laundry while traveling

If you plan to handwash your laundry while traveling, a little preparation makes your trip much easier. First, check if your hotel lets you hand wash your clothes. Some hotels prefer you don't, citing several reasons, including water conservation, wall-damaging humidity, wet floors, and extra work for their housekeeping staff.

If your hotel allows hand washing, consider putting together a laundry travel kit with the following items:

• Sink stopper (some hotels do not have plugs)
• Travel clothesline
• Laundry bags for dirty clothing
• Laundry detergent

If you have a favored brand, learn how to pack laundry detergent for travel. Fill travel-sized bottles with liquid detergent and seal them in your laundry bag (if you’re packing liquid laundry detergent in your carry-on, remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids). While liquid detergent is best suited for hand-washing, you can purchase laundry soap bars, sheets, or powders in travel-sized quantities.

Knowing how to do laundry while traveling includes knowing which clothing to pack. Synthetic fibers dry faster than natural fibers, so opt for clothing made from polyester, nylon, or rayon when possible. Some people pack clothing made from synthetic fibers for handwashing and clothing made from natural fibers to pack into a  washable laundry bag . (Clothing made from synthetic fibers also wrinkles less when packed .)

Here’s how to hand-wash clothing while traveling:

• Sort clothing by color into lights and darks.
• Check clothing labels. Delicate items may need extra care. 
• Rinse out the sink to remove dirt or cleaning residue.
• Sill the sink with lukewarm water, adding detergent to the running water.
• Add a couple of items at a time if using the sink. Use the tub if you have a larger amount to wash. 
• Swirl and knead the clothing by hand for about two minutes. 
• If you use fabric softener, drain and refill the sink, then add softener after washing.
• Rinse clothes in clean water until soap suds are gone. Drain the sink and refill it with clean water. Repeat until the water runs clear after rinsing.
• Gently squeeze or pat out water. Avoid wringing out delicate or wool items, as doing so can damage the fabric. 
• Hand or lay flat to dry

Use a hotel laundry service

If you prefer not to do your own laundry, consider booking rooms at hotels that offer laundry services. For a fee, such hotels will wash, dry, iron, hang and even dry clean your clothing. You simply put dirty clothes in a provided laundry bag, fill out a form, and follow the form’s directions to leave your laundry.

A hotel laundry service typically requires 24 hours to complete your request, although some offer same-day service. While convenient, laundry services are expensive in North America and Europe, especially in luxury resorts or hotels.

Other options

Room service laundry and hand-washing clothing are only two ways to clean clothes when traveling. Other options include:

• Booking accommodations with self-service laundry facilities Hostels, Airbnb rentals, vacation rentals, and motels are more likely to have self-service washing machines than high-end hotels, which prefer to offer room service laundry services. 
• Depending on your destination, you can often find a local laundromat. Some laundromats offer drop-off laundry services, while others only provide self-service washers and dryers. 
• If available, local laundry services allow you to drop off laundry to be picked up or delivered later. These can be hard to find if you don't know your destination well, especially if you don’t speak the language. 

Even if you plan to use a hotel laundry service, you should know how to wash clothes and clean bags while traveling. You never know when such skills will come in useful!

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Forget lugging around a bag weighed down with excess clothes. There’s a secret to slashing the size of your suitcase — doing laundry on the road.

And a few small additions to your packing list can save you time, hassle and expense when dealing with laundry while travelling.

From a simple plastic bag to good old fashioned velvet soap, Escape readers have shared the laundry-beating secrets in their luggage.

Here are their top laundry items you’ll want to consider popping on your packing list.

Pegless clothes line

Amazon has pegless clothes lines that have suction caps or hooks on the end. They're great for drying your clothes in the hotel bathroom. Just remember to run the fan while drying to speed up the process. And it's less than $10.

Inflatable coat hangers

I always pack a few blow-up coat hangers as they keep blouses and shirts front and back a distance away from one another and makes drying much quicker especially with T-shirts. - Sue Morris

The right clothes

When travelling to hot humid climates, pack moisture wicking clothing as it draws the sweat away from your body, so clothing doesn’t look wet and heavy. Also pack a foldable plastic bucket and small plastic clothes hanger with pegs attached, so you can wash clothing each night. This fabric dries quickly in the shower overnight. - Shan Scott

Eucalyptus oil 

Pack a bottle of eucalyptus oil. Half a teaspoon added to a basin of water and a white bar soap is good for stain removal and leaves clothes smelling fresh. It’s also handy for insect bites and a few drops added to hot water for steam inhalation when suffering a cold. - Miriam Watters

Stain remover

Before I go on a holiday, I always fill up a small 50ml plastic bottle of liquid stain remover (like Vanish), and pack it in my shower bag. I find a little goes a long way and has let me wear the article again, without the stain. I would not go on holidays without it. - Janet Kendrigan

Shampoo and conditioner

Sachets of shampoo and conditioner make excellent laundry liquid and, obviously, take up no room whatsoever. For clothes that cannot be washed while travelling, I have found that it is a good idea to turn them inside out so that when unpacking, it is easy to see what needs to be washed. - Bev Rodrigues

A plastic bag

Rather than worrying about dodgy sink plugs or bringing my own, I simply use a strong plastic bag, placing it into the sink for hand washing. If you leave something soaking and need to use the sink you can hang it on the taps for a while. The bigger and stronger the bag used the easier it is for washing. - Julie Lawson

Old school soap 

Good old fashioned Velvet soap. It beats tiny little soaps and it’s the best for washing laundry. - Jan Gould

Laundry tub

When cruising we always pack a lightweight silicone collapsible tub to wash larger items like jeans that can’t be washed in a hand basin. It can be placed in the shower recess to keep overflowing water contained. - L. Lee

My best holiday laundry tip is to pack a large chamois so that when you rinse your clothes you can roll them in the chamois to remove excess. - Val Ainge

I always pack a small 100ml bottle of Eucalyptus Woolmix laundry liquid to wash my knickers in hotel bathroom. You only need a small squirt and little rinsing as it doesn’t suds up like others.- Ros King

The Scrubba 

We have been on eight cruises in the past few years and always found laundering a problem. A couple of years ago, I did some researching and discovered the Scrubba — a small scrubbing bag with an old fashioned wash board mechanism built in to it. It takes up no space at all and is extremely light. You can’t do a big wash at a time but if you do it every day (takes 3-5 minutes), it is great. We can do three singlets, three underwear and three pairs of socks or three casual shirts at a time. All it takes four or five small drops of detergent. If you also take a travel clothes line and some small light pegs, you can string them out on the balcony (when at sea) and they will dry in no time. - Ken Seib

Soap in an onion bag

When we are travelling we always pack two cakes of laundry soap, each inside an onion bag. This can be used for hand washing in the shower or handbasin any time. - Marie Hobson

Didn't pack anything special? Try these laundry hacks 

Do it in the shower.

If you are staying somewhere without a laundry, do your washing by hand every night when you have a shower. Put the clothes in after you have rinsed and then you can stomp on them which is just like a machine. Beats kneeling over a tub or shower base for a long time and getting a sore back. - Colleen Webber

Sleep on it

On a tour in Africa I found that it was very humid in my safari lodge. I’d washed my cargo pants and a few other things in the shower and partially dried them with the hair-dryer before dinner. When I got back to the room that night, however, my laundry was very damp. I didn’t want to have it still wet in my bag all next day. Thinking a bit, I had a brainwave. I put the laundry in the game lodge dressing gown, and put the lot in bed. Then I slept on the dressing gown. Presto; the clothes were dry by morning and the dressing gown kept the sheets and me dry! - Jeanette McInnes

For more great holiday deals and savings, check out these coupons from Wotif , Redballoon and Luxury Escapes .

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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The best travel clothes | guide to high-performance & fashionable travel clothing.

We talk about our favorite travel clothing and help you find the perfect travel-friendly clothes to keep you comfortable on the road.

I’ve been a nerd about travel clothes since my first trip to Europe back in 2006—now I have a closet full of travel pants and shirts and jackets (you get the idea). It’s been refreshing to watch travel clothing evolve from hideous outdoorsy gear to stylish clothing made from high-tech fabrics.

In this guide, I’ve gathered some of the most popular travel clothing brands to help you find the best travel clothing so you can stay fashionable and comfortable while traveling.

The Current State Of Travel Clothes

In the old days, travel clothing used to look like this…

But now travel clothing looks like this!

So what’s the deal with travel clothes these days?

I’d argue that the “travel clothing” market hasn’t changed much but the “performance clothing” market is actually what’s pushing the category forward—so these days, I consider travel clothing and performance clothing essentially the same thing.

And it makes sense because many of these new high-performance fabrics offer a ton of benefits that complement both everyday wear and travel.

Even mega-brands like Levis, Gap, Dockers, Lululemon, and Uniqlo are starting to offer fashionable “travel-friendly” or “performance” clothing but small niche brands are pushing the boundaries (which I’ll cover later in this article).

The Good Things About Travel Clothing

Travel clothes are finally being designed to be fashionable and stylish so you can easily wear them in Paris, Milan, or New York without looking out of place.

My #1 travel clothing rule is that I’ll never wear any “travel clothing” that I wouldn’t wear in my everyday life.

Second, high-tech clothes continue to evolve because more companies are developing better fabrics and competition is driving innovation.

The Bad Things About Travel Clothing

Unfortunately, high-tech travel clothing tends to be expensive.

First, many of the fabrics used are high-end so the raw materials are expensive. Second, a majority of travel clothing is made by small companies so they can’t mass produce their products—which pushes prices higher.

Another negative thing about travel clothing is that there are many options for men but fewer for women. This is probably because guys tend to stick to very basic items and they nerd out on “high-tech fabrics more than women.

So what can you expect to pay for travel clothes?

• Nice merino wool socks will be $10-$20/pair
• A pair of travel pants will range from $70-$180+
• A wool shirt will be $50-$100+

Do You NEED Travel Clothing?

Do you really “need” to shell out your hard-earned cash for these high-end garments?

I’ll be the first to say that you certainly don’t need clothes made out of technical fabrics when you travel. Many of these fabrics can make certain aspects of traveling easier and more comfortable… but they’re more of a “nice-to-have” than a “must-have.”

In my opinion, there are a few key pieces that I think deliver a ton of value and there are other items that are more optional — I’ll cover both throughout this article.

The Benefits of Travel Clothes & Performance Wear

What’s so great about travel clothing? Let’s take a look…

Durability & Multi-Day Wear

One of the main benefits of travel clothing is that you can wear them multiple times without having to wash them. This means you can pack fewer items so you can travel lighter.

Odor-Resistance

Many of the fabrics used in travel clothes have anti-odor properties. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant but some synthetic materials are manufactured in a way to reduce odor.

Quick-Drying Abilities

If you plan on washing your clothes while you’re traveling it’s nice to have items that can be hand-washed and air-dried quickly (i.e. washing your socks and underwear in the sink). Quick-drying fabrics can also be beneficial if you get caught in the rain.

Wrinkle-Resistance

While it’s hard to completely prevent wrinkles when you’re living out of a suitcase, many materials have anti-wrinkle properties. In general, synthetic materials resist wrinkles better than natural fabrics but it depends on the fabric.

Lightweight & Packability

Performance fabric tends to be lightweight so it won’t weigh down your luggage as much — for example, a pair of tech pants will weigh half as much as a pair of jeans. Lightweight fabric also tends to dry quicker than something like cotton jeans which absorb water.

Moisture Wicking & Breathability

One of the most important factors in keeping comfortable is keeping dry. Moisture-wicking fabric helps pull sweat away from your skin and its breathability lets the moisture escape from the fabric.

Stretch and Comfort

Every fabric will have a different amount of stretch. Unsurprisingly, fabric with more stretch tends to be more comfortable since it allows you to move with less restriction.

But you’re always making a compromise when it comes to stretch because, in general, you sacrifice durability/water-repellency for stretchability.

Water Repellency

Certain fabrics are naturally water-repellent and others have chemical coatings which help keep water from soaking into the fabric. In my opinion, water repellency isn’t super high up on my “must-have” list (unless it’s a rain jacket) but it’s a nice bonus.

Note: The chemical water-resistant coatings aren’t permanent so they will become less effective the more the garment is washed.

High-Tech Performance Fabrics Explained

There are multiple different types of fabrics that travel clothing companies use to make their products. There is a lot of nuances and technical/marketing mumbo jumbo when it comes to each fabric but we’ll start with the three main fabric categories — natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, and natural/synthetic blends.

Natural Fabrics

There are a handful of natural fabrics but the most common are merino wool and cotton.

Merino Wool

The best kind of natural fabric is fine merino wool because it has many natural benefits. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, soft, fairly durable, wicks moisture well, dries quickly, and works well in both hot and cold weather.

However, merino wool does have some downsides. First, it’s expensive so even a “cheap” merino wool t-shirt will cost around $50.

Second, thin wool has a tendency to develop holes much more quickly than a more robust fabric like cotton or synthetics.

And third, most wool can’t go in the dryer since heat will make it shrink so it does require a little extra care.

Cotton Should Be Avoided

Most travelers highly recommend avoiding cotton when it comes to travel clothing because cotton holds moisture and doesn’t dry quickly. For example, a cotton pair of socks will trap sweat which will cause odors, blisters, and sweaty feet.

That said, I’m not as militant when it comes to wearing cotton so I still wear cotton jeans and t-shirts. However, I still generally avoid cotton for socks and underwear.

Synthetic Fabrics

Things get a little more complicated when it comes to synthetic fabrics because there are dozens of different variations and each has different performance properties.

That said, synthetic fabrics are usually much cheaper to manufacture but some of the high-end technical fabrics are still expensive.

Synthetic fabrics are very durable, they can be highly water-repellent or even waterproof, many resist wrinkles, they dry very quickly, and they’re lightweight. Some synthetic materials also have a lot of flex so they’re comfortable to wear.

However, there are some negatives. First, synthetic fabrics can become smelly after one or two wearings. Some synthetic fabrics are treated with anti-odor chemicals so that helps.

Next, cheap synthetic fabrics have an ugly “synthetic sheen” and feel fake. Most of these cheap synthetics also make that “swish swish” sound when you walk. Advanced synthetic fabrics can look and feel very similar to natural fabrics but these fabrics are expensive — so you’ll have to pay if fashion is a concern.

Some cheap synthetics also don’t breathe well so they can get pretty balmy in the heat. That’s why you should look for “breathable” fabrics.

Another issue with synthetics is fabric flexibility. The most durable fabrics tend to not have very little flexibility. So if you’ll have to sacrifice a bit of durability for comfort in some instances.

Natural/Synthetic Blends

Travel clothing brands are starting to combine fine merino wool and synthetic fabric to give you the best of both worlds — performance and durability. I heard from someone in the wool industry that there is no performance loss as long as the blend includes at least 70% wool.

You’ll usually see blends in socks, underwear, and shirts.

The Best Travel Clothes and Recommended Travel Clothing Brands

Okay, okay… calm down. I’ve broken down each type of garment (socks, underwear, pants, shirts, etc.) into its own section.

I’ve tried giving specific recommendations when possible (and I’ll try my best to keep the recommendations up-to-date), but sometimes I can only point you towards companies that make tech-wear travel clothes.

I will also do my best to recommend options for all budgets since I know not everyone wants to drop $100 on a t-shirt.

Socks for Travel

In my opinion, a few nice pairs of socks (along with comfortable shoes) are the most important travel accessory. So, if you have a limited clothing budget, spend it on socks.

Boring, I know… but it will be your best bang for the buck

Fine merino wool socks are my favorite and preferred style of socks. Merino wool socks with a bit of synthetic material also work well because the synthetic fibers help the socks keep their shape/fit.

From my experience, 100% synthetic socks aren’t great but they’re not terrible.

Avoid cotton socks if you can.

Obviously, you’ll want to match your socks to the season — i.e. thin, no-show socks for the summer and longer/heavier socks for colder weather.

My Favorite Sock Brands:

• Smartwool : The most famous wool sock company. They offer just about every style. Check Amazon to see what’s available.
• Darn Tough Vermont : Darn Tough socks are made in the USA and they offer a lifetime warranty so that’s awesome. Check Amazon to see what’s available.
• Unbound Merino : This small company makes merino wool basics but we really dig their all-season ankle socks. They don’t contain as much wool as we’d like but this helps keep the cost down. Check them out at Unbound .
• Farm To Feet : This is another 100% USA company that makes a small but quality range of wool socks. Take a look at Amazon to see their offerings.
• Wigwam : Wigwam makes both merino wool and synthetic socks. While they’re not our favorite socks, their prices are pretty good so they’re worth checking out if you’re looking to save a little money. Check Amazon .

Travel Underwear

Ahh, yes. Travel underwear.

I’ve already written at length about the many benefits of travel underwear , but I’ll briefly cover them again below:

• Quick Drying: Wash them in the sink and they’ll be dry by morning.
• Moisture Wicking : This helps keep your skin dry.
• Breathable: This helps stop you from getting all sweaty down there.
• Odor Blocking: Stop the stink (or at least delay it)
• Comfortable: You don’t want to spend your time thinking about your uncomfortable underwear.

Synthetic Underwear

Most travel underwear is made from synthetic fabric which is designed to be soft, lightweight, and breathable. It isn’t the best at controlling odor since some synthetic material holds in odor but many brands have various manufacturing processes that help combat odor.

The most popular travel underwear is made by ExOfficio (you can read our Exofficio review but these guys essentially invented travel underwear). We tend to find the best prices on Amazon and REI .

Patagonia (i.e. everyone’s favorite outdoors brand) has a handful of nice underwear options for both men and women.

Another very popular option is Under Armour underwear . They get a ton of great reviews on Amazon , many people swear by them, and they’re sometimes cheaper than ExOfficio.

For budget travelers, Uniqlo has their Airism line of underwear which isn’t bad but I’m not a huge fan of their cuts. But they’re very affordable so they’re worth looking at.

If you’re on a tight budget, you should check out Target and discount stores like T.J. Maxx or Marshalls because you can find “athletic” underwear for decent prices.

 Merino Wool Underwear

Merino wool is actually a very solid choice for underwear — even in the summer. It’s soft, it’s lightweight, it breathes well, and it’s the best option for resisting odor. The two main downsides are the high prices and durability.

There are a few different brands that sell quality merino wool underwear:

• Allbirds : Allbirds (the company famous for their merino wool shoes) also makes quality underwear and socks for both men and women. Check them out at Allbirds .
• Wool & Prince: This is our current “go-to” brand when it comes to anything merino wool. They currently only offer men’s underwear. Check them out on Wool & Prince .
• Icebreaker: Another popular wool brand is Icebreaker and they make everything from underwear to coats. Browse their selection on Amazon to find a cut that fits your style.

The Best Travel Pants and Jeans For Men

The number of companies making travel-friendly pants and jeans has exploded over the past few years. It’s actually kind of overwhelming but I’ll help you sort it all out.

And don’t worry — all the pants we recommend are actually fashionable so you won’t be looking like a mountain climber while city hopping.

The main thing to remember is that each of the pants on this list has different performance properties so that’s something you’ll want to match the performance to your needs.

Bluffworks Ascender Chinos

Bluffworks, which makes a range of travel garments, recently released their new Ascender Chinos . These are made with lightweight high-performance fabric. The polyester twill fabric has a nice amount of stretch and it has a minimal amount of “synthetic sheen”. The fabric is lightweight so it breaths well, resists wrinkles, and has water-resistant properties.

It’s also nice that these come in both a regular and tailored fit. I own the tailored fit but it certainly isn’t constricting.

The Ascender Chinos have multiple security features like multiple secret zipper pockets to keep all your stuff safe (so you can throw away that terrible money belt).

The Ascender Chinos sell for $125 via Bluffworks

Bluffworks Departure Jeans

There are a lot of people who think jeans make a terrible choice when it comes to travel pants… and they kind of are (they take forever to dry, they’re heavy, and can be hot). But I love traveling in jeans.

Well, Bluffworks helped address many of the “negative” things about denim with their Departure Jeans. These are made from 68% Cotton, 22% COOLMAX Polyester, 9% Rayon, and 1% Spandex so they are super stretchy and much more lightweight than normal denim.

And they included two cleverly designed hidden pockets that don’t interfere with the normal pockets.

But I’ve saved the best for last… these look like normal jeans and they’re legit comfortable. I wear them even when I’m not traveling and that’s about as good an endorsement as I can give.

The Bluffworks Departure Travel Jeans retail for $98

Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants

Western Rise is a small performance apparel company from Telluride, Colorado that wanted to make clothing that performed well on the trails but still looked good in town. We think the AT Slim Rivet Pants do a really nice job of walking this balance.

The AT Slim Rivet Pants look very similar to standard five-pocket pants. The fabric is durable yet fairly lightweight and breathable (97% nylon, 3% spandex). Western Rise describes the fabric as “air-texturized fibers” so while it is nylon, the fabric has a cotton feel so there really isn’t any of that synthetic fabric sheen (but it does make a swishy noise).

The fabric also has a DWR coating to help repel water in case you get stuck in the rain or spill beer all over yourself. Additionally, there is a hidden zippered pocket for security.

As for the looks, these come in a slim but not skinny cut. They look like normal pants — which is a top priority. I wear my mine even when I’m not traveling.

The Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants retails for $128.

Outlier Slim Dungarees

Outlier designed their Slim Dungarees as a “five-pocket pant that we could travel the world in” and they’ve found their way on many of our trips to Europe. These have a great look and I think they’re some of the best-looking/most stylish travel pants. unfortunately, they’re also some of the most expensive so that’s something to keep in mind.

The Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas is both soft and lightweight yet very durable. The fabric has a nice amount of stretch and it dries very quickly. It also has a self-cleaning” NanoSphere® treatment that helps it repel water, coffee, wine, and dirt.

The Outlier Slim Dungarees sell for $198

Prana Brion Pants

PrAna is a well-established outdoorsy company so most of their stuff is better suited for things like hiking and rock climbing. That said, their Brion Pant  is one of their best-sellers thanks to its fairly modern cut and the fact that they look similar to jeans/chinos.

These are constructed from their durable and quick-drying ‘Zion’ fabric that’s actually stretchy (4-way stretch) so provides a good amount of movement. It’s also coated in a water-repellent (DWR) coating so it will withstand a little water.

So, these might not win any awards for fashion, they’re a solid choice at a solid price.

The  PrAna Brion Pant  retails for $79 via  PrAna .

Everlane Performance Chinos

Everlane recently released their Performance Chinos which I’m also really digging. I own a pair so I can attest that these are very comfortable and they’re probably the most stylish pants on this list.

That said, their Performance Chinos are made from 94% Cotton, 6% Elastane so these are the least “technical” pants on this list as well. But I still think these are a nice option if you’re more concerned about comfort than technical features.

The Everlane Performance Chinos cost $68 and come in four colors.

Ministry Of Supply Kinetic Dress Pants

If you’re looking for a formal/dressy look, but still want a ton of comfort, then look no further than Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants . These have been described as “dress pants with the feel of sweatpants”.

The Kinetic Pants are made from Japanese Primeflex polyester that has a ton of stretch, resists wrinkles, wicks moisture, and repels water.

The Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants sell for $145

Travel Pants & Jeans For Women

As we mentioned before, there is a lack of travel pants for women but we’ve tried to find some of the best of the limited choices that are available. One thing to note is that most women’s travel pants tend to focus more on comfort than “technical” fabrics.

Ministry of Supply

Of all the travel clothing brands, Ministry of Supply makes some of the most fashionable and best-performing clothes. Their stuff certainly isn’t cheap but the prices aren’t totally outrageous either.

Their flagship travel pants are their Slim Kinetic Pants which get rave reviews for looks, comfort, and performance. And they can be machine-washed and tumble-dried.

The Slim Kinetic Pants sell for $145.

Anatomie is a high-end women’s travel clothing company that’s one of the few brands which puts a heavy focus on fashion. Most of their travel-friendly pants are expensive at $225+/pair but they have a ton of different styles and cuts for just about every body type.

Check out Anatomie to see their travel pants and other travel garments (shirts, shorts, dresses, jackets, etc.).

Prana Travel Pants

PrAna is one of the few companies that make women’s pants made out of legit technical fabrics. Most of their stuff falls into the “ugly hiking pants” category but they have a few different styles of pants and jeans that are actually cute. And most of their pants are priced around $80 so they’re not crazy expensive.

Check PrAna to see all their styles.

Lululemon may be known for its yoga clothing but they’ve also branched out to more fashion-conscious athleisure wear that works fairly well as travel pants.

Check Lululemon to see the different styles they have available.

The Best Shirts For Travel

Alright, moving right along to shirts made from high-performance fabrics that actually look stylish.

Wool & Prince Tees

I practically live in t-shirts so a few solid-color tees are a staple of any travel wardrobe. While pricy, I love my Wool & Prince merino wool tees . These can be worn for multiple days and I don’t have to worry about washing them.

They have both 100% wool tees and 78% / 22% merino nylon blends. I recommend the blend since it’s cheaper, more durable, and requires less care when washing.

The Wool & Prince Tees sell from $68-$78

Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt

If you’re looking for a sharp-looking yet no-fuss button up then look at the Meridian Dress Shirt from Bluffworks. It’s made from 98% polyester and 2% spandex so it won’t wrinkle and the fabric will dry very quickly. The fabric can take a beating and there aren’t any special care instructions. We also like how it comes in both a classic and slim fit.

The Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt sells for $98

Bluffworks Piton Polo

I’ve only had my Bluffworks Piton Polo for about a month but I’m already seeing why this is an excellent travel shirt. First, it looks great and I love how it comes in a classic and slim fit. Next, the breathable pique knit is breathable and it only has a very slightly noticeable synthetic look even though it’s 100% polyester. And like all Bluffworks clothing, the fabric is tough, wrinkle-resistant, and doesn’t require any special care.

The Bluffworks Piton Polo sells for $68

Wool & Prince Polo

My Wool & Prince Polo always finds itself in my backpack. I love the cut and the quality is top-notch. It’s a nice “dressier” change from a t-shirt while still being casual. And you get all the benefits from merino wool fabric.

Wool & Prince offers has two types of polos — a 100% merino wool version and a 78% merino wool, 22% nylon blend. I own the blend version and I love it.

The Wool & Prince Polo sells for $78-$98.

Bluffworks Threshold Performance T-Shirt

You might be seeing a pattern here… but Bluffworks is back with their Threshold Performance T-Shirt. This ultra-lightweight t-shirt is made from a blend of 66% Polyester, 29% Lyocell, and 5% Elastane so it has a ton of stretch, wicks moisture well, and is very breathable. The fabric is thin (which is why it’s airy/breathable) so if you like a little more heft to your shirts then you might want to look elsewhere.

The Bluffworks Threshold Performance T-Shirt sells for $45

Wool & Prince Button-Ups

Wool & Price has a number of both short-sleeved and long-sleeve button-up shirts made from merino wool. I own one of their button-down oxford shirts and the fabric is very sturdy — I’d say it makes a nice choice for cooler weather as I can see it getting a little warm in the hot weather.

They also have a new wool/linen blend which will be more airy and breathable so these look great for warmer weather (I’ll be testing these once they get back in stock).

The Wool and Prince Button-Up Shirts sell for $98-$138

Outlier Merino T-Shirt

Outlier is another high-end brand that makes excellent products and one of my favorite items is their Ultrafine Merino T-shirt. It’s made from 17.5, 195gsm Merino Jersey Wool so the fabric is sturdy and drapes a bit better than many other merino t-shirts. And it comes in a lot of nice colors. But like all other Outlier products, the ultra-high-quality comes at a very high price.

The Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-shirt costs $110 each or three for $295.

Unbound Merino Wool T-Shirt

Unbound is another small company offering 100% ultra-fine 17.5 microns, 190g Merino wool shirts at affordable prices. I own a few of their shirts and while their shirts might not be quite as nice as other 100% merino shirts on our list, the price is a bit cheaper.

The Unbound Merino Wool T-Shirt sells for $65

Uniqlo Airism Shirts

When it comes to budget basics, it’s impossible to beat Uniqlo’s Airism line of shirts. We own a few different Airism items and they’re not terrible but they certainly aren’t nearly as nice or perform as well as the other items on this list — but they’re cheap.

Check Uniqlo to see what they have because always changing their stock.

Women’s Travel Shirts

Ok, here’s the deal… there aren’t a ton of “performance” shirts for women that aren’t ugly. But here are a few decent items we’ve found:

• Bluffworks Womens : Bluffworks has recently released a line of women’s travel clothing that looks very promising.
• Ministry of Supply is a great choice for high-performance clothing that still looks fashionable. And while their prices aren’t cheap, we consider them very reasonable. They also have nice dresses and other items.
• Unbound Merino has a black v-neck 100% merino shirt in a women’s cut for $65.
• Anatomie has a number of high-end cute tops made from travel-friendly fabrics but they’re expensive.
• Lululemon has some decent options but many of their items lean heavily into athleisure.

Cold Weather Travel Clothing

Most of the items on this list will work well in colder weather but you’ll want to pair them with other items to achieve maximum warmth. The key is layering—which basically means combining a few lighter layers to achieve warmth without the bulk.

Base Layers

A base layer is technically anything that is worn directly on your skin. Socks and underwear fall into this category but it also includes items like shirts, undershirts, and long underwear.

In the winter we’ll throw on long-sleeve merino wool or synthetic long underwear and this helps keep us warm and dry when we’re outside all day.

For the best selection, I recommend checking out REI as they carry all the major long underwear brands. If you’re trying to save a little money, check out Uniqlo’s  HeatTech  line of long underwear since it is cheap.

A mid-layer is anything that is worn between your base layer and your outer layer. Its main purpose is insulation and it can be a sweater, vest, down jacket, hoodie, or just about anything. Sometimes the mid-layer can act as an outer layer if the weather isn’t too cold.

When it comes to tech-wear, the main pieces are Merino wool sweaters/jackets, fleece jackets, and down (or a synthetic variation) jackets. The piece just needs to allow internal moisture (sweat) to evaporate through the fabric. It’s also nice if the piece is lightweight and durable.

Fleece is always a popular choice because it provides a good amount of warmth, durability, and breathability without being too bulky. There is also a variation of fleece called hard fleece — which is basically a fleece with a smoother and more durable exterior. Most hard fleece garments are also more water-resistant than normal fleece.

There are hundreds of fleece jackets available on the market at all price points, so we’d check out the selection at REI and buy whatever fits your budget.

Another popular choice is down jackets — although a lot of companies now use synthetic down ( Primaloft , Coreloft, etc.) and many people prefer synthetic material to natural down. Synthetic down is incredibly lightweight, compressible, breathable, and it retains warmth even when wet.

It is crazy how compressible natural and synthetic down jackets are — some can compress to the size of a shoe. When compared to a fleece jacket, a synthetic down jacket is more water-resistant , wind resistant, packable, and lighter. 

Nearly every outdoor brand makes lightweight down/synthetic down jackets. One of the most popular and fashionable brands is Patagonia — check out both Amazon and REI for the best selection. The  Patagonia Nano Puff jacket is probably the most popular lightweight puff jacket on the market so it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among experienced travelers (it’s what we use).

Outerwear is generally the final layer and it is what protects you from the elements (wind, rain, snow, etc.). The problem with outerwear is that it encompasses a huge range of garments that perform a huge range of functions. It can be anything from a simple waterproof jacket for summer showers, to large winter coats capable of withstanding a harsh Scandinavian winter.

I’ll start off by diving into  waterproof jackets since that is probably what most people are interested in learning about.

Most traditional waterproof jackets are called hard shells . These are 100% waterproof and they have that plastic-y feel and sound. If you want the ultimate protection from the elements, this is your choice.

However, being impermeable to the elements means that the material doesn’t breathe — this is less than ideal because it doesn’t allow your body’s sweat to evaporate. Basically, it traps moisture and makes you feel all clammy.

Some high-end hardshell jackets have breathable fabric, but even those aren’t as breathable as softshells (which we’ll talk about later).

Unsurprisingly, most waterproof jackets are made by outdoor companies, so trying to find a stylish one isn’t super easy. However, there are plenty of decent-looking options by Marmot, Patagonia, and The North Face.

However, in the summer I generally recommend that a traditional rain jacket is unnecessary — mainly because it doesn’t rain a lot and most jackets are too heavy for summer travel.

However, Ultralight Rain Jackets are super lightweight (they only weigh a few ounces) and they can be packed into a pocket, so they’re easy to carry around in a daypack. Ultralight rain jackets won’t have very good breathability, but you’ll only be wearing them in the rain, so it isn’t a huge issue.

The best ultralight rain jackets are the  Outdoor Research Helium II , Marmot Super Mica , and the  Montane Minimus  (they all weigh under 10 oz).

When it comes to breathability, it doesn’t get any better than a softshell jacket. Softshell jackets aren’t technically 100% waterproof, but they’re essentially waterproof. They’re well-suited for urban travel because they’re more comfortable than a hard shell and they’re more stylish.

Again, there are hundreds of softshell jackets, so I recommend visiting REI (click here for Men’s and Women’s ) to see which ones fit your budget and style preference.

Heavy Coats

If you’re traveling during the winter, you may consider bringing a heavy winter coat . In some instances, you may be completely comfortable by layering a base layer, a few mid-layers, and an outer layer. But, sometimes, you need a heavy coat — especially if you’re traveling to Northern or Eastern Europe in the dead of winter.

Puffy down coats provide an amazing warmth-to-weight ratio — which is always something to consider when traveling. Combine that down coat with a base layer and a warm mid-layer, and you’ll be staying toasty. Natural down is the warmest, but it becomes ineffective if it gets wet.

On the other hand, synthetic down isn’t quite as warm, but it still works if it gets wet and it dries quicker. Different coats have different amounts of water-repellant, so this is something to take into consideration.

For the best selection of insulated coats , I recommend checking out REI  simply because they have the best selection. Look for one that fits your personal style.

If you’re looking for the ultimate protection from the elements, you’ll want a standard waterproof, winter coat. A lot of coats have a 3-in-1 system that contains a waterproof outer shell and an interior insulated lining. Again, REI is a good place to start your search because they have the best selection.

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If you're about to endeavor a traveling expedition for a longer amount of time than the norm, laundry should be a thought on the brain. Sure, plane tickets and where you're sleeping should be on the forefront, but there's nothing more satisfying than wearing a fresh set of clothes for a day of traveling.

RELATED: The 10 Best Front Load Washers of 2019

Now, many travel sites will say the best way to do laundry while traveling is to avoid packing too much or to only pack clothes that travel well, but who wants to travel in bland outfits!? If you're a fashion lover who is bound to buy even more clothes while traveling around, as long as you're strong enough to carry it all, live by these 10 tips to do laundry while on-the-go.

10 Let Mother Nature Help

If you're backpacking through the US's National Parks or perhaps going on an extended hiking trip, you can definitely still do laundry with Mother Nature's help.

RELATED: 8 Crucial Packing Tips Known Only By Flight Attendants

Find a creek, a river, or a lake, and get ready to scrub. There are people all over the world who still wash their clothes in nature's freshwater, so why can't you?  Independent Travel Cats reminds hikers to find soap that's environmentally friendly that won't disrupt or hurt the wildlife. Use your hands, a brush, or a combination of both and get scrubbin'.

9 Bathtubs Are Your Friend

If your sink is too small or too shallow and you have a tub nearby — what are you waiting for! Tubs are excellent because there's more space for more laundry (or thicker, bulkier items of clothing). Now, considering you're traveling and have no idea who's been in the tub before you, it would be nice to clean the tub before washing your clothes in it.

RELATED: The 10 Coolest Things Found In Hotel Fridges

Find some cleaner or disinfectant and scrub the tub clean, rinsing it afterward, and then filling it up with warm water. Pump some soap of detergent in the water and throw your dirty clothes in to let soak. Take your time and hand wash each item before using the showerhead to get out the extra bubbles.

8 You Won't Need A Dryer

In North America, most hotels, homes, and BnBs will have a dryer. Typically, washers and dryers go hand-in-hand. But abroad, dryers are a luxury item because they use a ton of energy. If you are traveling without a dryer handy, no worries! You can buy a clothesline and pins from just about anywhere. A thick-coated wire, all you need to do is tie the line to two trees, pillars, or in the bathroom of your hotel (where the floor isn't carpet). Throw your clothes over the line or use the pins and let your clothes dry.

The best option is to hang your clothes outside so the breeze and the sun can do a quicker job.

7 Hotels Have The Hook Up

This may seem obvious but it's definitely not utilized enough. No matter where you're staying, many hotels have laundry services. They can even dry clean your goods if you have something special coming up while traveling.

RELATED: 10 Of The Best Travel Tips From A-List Celebrities

If your hotel doesn't have a laundry service or machines to use, you can always ask the front desk or host where to get your laundry done on-the-fly. They'll be happy to help and you can look at it as another adventure to set foot on.

6 Have A Sink? Get Scrubbing!

Washing your clothes in the sink is one of the easiest things to do — especially if you only need to wash delicates or small fabrics. What you can do is, fill your sink up with warm water and pump some soap into it until it's nice and soapy. (If you have a bar of soap, you can rub it around in the sink's water until the suds come off.) Once the sink is warm and soapy, use your hands and wash some items of clothing. Scrub off the dirt and grime and then rinse off the soap by draining the sink and using the tap. Twist out the excess water and your clothes should be good as new!

5 Laundromats Are Quick And Easy

In case your hotel or Air BnB doesn't have a laundry service, ask around for the nearest laundromat! Most laundromats are open early and close late, and they're not too expensive, making it a great spot for travelers.

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What's better is travelers can also take advantage of having their clothes dried from a dryer which is a luxury depending on what country you are. They can also use this chance to take a seat and catch their breath or roam around nearby.

4 Laundry Bags Come In Handy

It's important to be organized when traveling — especially when it comes to laundry. Sometimes you're so busy and have been gone for too long that you forget what you've actually worn or how dirty it actually is. This is why bringing laundry bags with you is underrated!

RELATED:  10 Things Only People Who Stay At 5-Star Hotels Know

You can buy adorable laundry bags from Amazon; one that's for dirty clothes, wet clothes, and intimates. These bags can also be used to wash your clothes in (getting to that below!) while traveling.

3 There Are Mini Traveling Detergents These Days

Who says you you need handsoap to do laundry while traveling? There are enough jet-setters in the world for there to finally be mini packets of detergent. This way, they travel safely and don't take up too much room either.

RELATED: 10 Clear & Easy Tips For Packing Light

You can find these small packets in the travel sections of Target, Walmart, and even some grocery stores. If you have a specific detergent that you love to use, try seeing if they have a powdered version — you can easily put a few scoops into a baggie to bring with you.

2 The Aloksak Bag

The Aloksak Bag is a method inspired by indigenous tribes. Considering they're lightweight, can hold a lot, and are waterproof from the outside — they're perfect for travel. All you gotta do is fill it up with hot water, pour some detergent in, and then dump your dirty laundry inside. Mix it around first before letting your dirty clothes soak for a few minutes.

To rinse it all, dump out the soapy water and replace with clean water or you can use the showerhead or faucet to rinse clean!

1 Turn That Shower On!

If your hotel or BNB doesn't have a tub or a deep sink, no worries! You can totally use the shower to get clean clothes. Now, this method may take a bit of time but if you do a few clothes every time you shower, it can be done efficiently.

Using a bar of soap, scrub your clothes just as you would your body. Bringing in a few articles of clothing at a time will definitely make this process go quicker. When you're done. Rinse the soap out from the showerhead and roll the articles of clothing in a towel. From there, you can hang your wet clothes on the shower curtain or outside!

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How to do Laundry while Traveling – 3 Options!

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If you’re traveling for more than one or two weeks, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to do laundry on the road, especially if you want to pack light.

Whether you’re going on a one week trekking adventure, two week beach vacation, or 12 month round the world journey there’s usually easy access to clean clothes just around the corner. Find out how to do laundry while traveling with three easy options.

3 Ways To Do Laundry While Traveling

For long trips, you don’t want to have to pack more than you need, but you also don’t want to wear dirty clothing. The best middle ground is to wash your clothing while traveling. You can pack carryon only while still feeling clean and comfy. There are three main options for laundry when traveling.

Laundry Services

As a long term traveler, I count on the widely available services to do my laundry while traveling. You’d be surprised how readily available and cost effective laundry washing services are around the world.

From busy tourist towns like Cusco, Peru to small camps in Tanzania and backpacker cities like Bangkok ; it’s possible to find places that will wash your dirty laundry starting at rates for as low as $1 a kilo.

How your clothing is washed varies from place to place. Many will hand wash your clothes and some use machines. For the most part, your clothing is hung to dry so you can expect about a 24 hour turnaround time.

Inquire about rates and carefully note down what you gave them to avoid problems with missing items. If there’s a special item with specific instructions, let them know or hand wash it yourself.

Use a capsule wardrobe to pack light but create many outfits. Learn more in my guide !

Travel Laundry Liquid Soap |  Travel Laundry Clothesline Kit

Washing Machines

Many hostels and hotels have laundry room with coin operates machines making it a breeze to do laundry while traveling.

When traveling the USA, I choose hotels like Holiday Inn Express that have convenient laundry rooms for travelers. In Europe, Australia, and New Zealand the majority if hostels where I’ve stayed also offer basic washing and drying machines for backpackers. You should research your accommodation’s amenities before booking. For hostels, I use HostelWorld.com.

These accommodation options also tend to sell individual packs of laundry detergent and softener so that you don’t have to add extra weight to your bag.

If you’re on a short trip, pack a couple of single use detergent packs like these  Sinksuds packs  to get you through your travels. For longer travels, always buy as you go.

this is a step by step guide for  how to hand wash clothing when traveling

Hand Washing

A popular choice for budget travelers is hand washing and can be done no matter where you’re staying. This is where the fabrics you choose plays an important role as synthetics dry much quicker than comfortable cotton.

A universal sink plug such as the one from Muzitao  is essential so you can wash in any sink around the world.

To hang your clothes, pack a travel clothes line or a simple string can be used to dry your clothing indoors or outdoors. You can either pack your own  best travel laundry soap  or buy detergent locally. Otherwise shampoo, a bar of soap, or body wash does the job too.

Read about  How to Choose the Best Fabrics for Travel .

Scrubba Wash Bag

Perhaps the most popular hand washing option is the  Scrubba Wash Bag . It saves you money by allowing you to efficiently and effectively wash your clothes anytime, anywhere. This works especially well for adventurers getting off the beaten path with limited access to laundry facilities or those that would prefer the convenience of doing it themselves.

One reader says, “I have found it extremely useful and always take it with me. You can also use it for wet stuff like swimwear. It has little scrubby things and the best part is you don’t have to get your hands wet. If I am washing white stuff I let it soak in the bag in the sink for a couple of hours. It was such a good investment. I never use laundromats or laundry anywhere after having clothes ruined and lost.”

Another reader adds, “I have it and love it. I use it traveling and camping with my family. It gets my kids’ clothes clean, which says something. Use a strong, concentrated detergent (I prefer Allen’s Naturally liquid detergent). And bring a travel clothesline. I find it SOOO much easier and quicker than washing in the sink or bathtub.”

Just make sure you have the newest version. One reader warns, “I have the old model with the weaker plugs and it finally gave out and leaked after three years. The new one is much improved. I loved mine. It gets the clothes cleaner than I can in a sink and is so much more convenient. I just throw all of my dirty clothes in it to keep them separate and wash them as needed. It’s a great dry bag. It’s good for delicates at home too.”

Allurette Scrubba Wash Bag

For travelers with delicate clothing, try the Allurette Scrubba Wash Bag . While the original Scrubba Wash Bag works wonders for regular and technical clothing that needs a serious scrub down to get it clean, the Allurette is better suited for fabrics that require a soft hand wash.

When it comes to doing laundry while traveling, you can get creative when you’re on the road. Some wash their clothes in plastic bags, others in locally purchased buckets, and I personally like washing some items like travel underwear in my dive mask’s plastic case. You’d be surprised how long you can make your clothes last between washes when you’re on the road for a while. You really get to know yourself in a whole new light.

Bring an extra packing cube and dedicate it to your dirty laundry.

What are you tips on how to do laundry while traveling?

For more travel tips, please read:

• Which Packing Organizers Should I Choose?
• The Best Travel Backpack
• Top 20 Suitcase Recommendations
• Travel Experts Reveal the Best Carry-on Bags
• Money Belts and Anti-theft Travel Accessories
• Top 5 Travel Bags for Women

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28 comments.

Double duty: I use giant two gallon zipper bags as packing cubes. Pack an extra zipper bag which can be used for washing clothes. Bonus: squeeze the air out of the zipper bag to create space in luggage. I sit on the bag to get all the air out. 🙂

Great packing hack Meg!

I take my clothing item (s) that needs to be washed in the shower with me: wash, rinse and roll in the towel I used to dry myself off.

Thanks for sharing how you manage to do laundry while you travel Edie! Happy travels!

This is what I do. The last time I went to Italy I brought the Scubba Wash Bag. I ended up leaving it behind because it was so bulky and cumbersome.

These ideas are very helpful! It’s not hard to do laundry along the way, but it can be a challenge to wrap your head around the task when there are already so many moving parts to trip planning. Having the methods laid out like this makes it easier to commit to packing fewer pieces of clothing with confidence! Thank you.

If laundering in my room, I ask for extra towels before doing laundry. When something is a little heavier, like pants or a sweater, I roll the washed item in a clean towel and gently squish it along the roll to get out more water. I then hang the item or use another clean towel on the luggage rack to dry flat. I find this extra step greatly improves drying time.

I will be traveling for 21 days to Venice, Barga, Rome then Greek Isles cruise. I have not been successful with the carryon tips however I am bringing tide travel size laundry detergent to freshen up the clothes once onboard the ship.

I use wool wash soap. It works great on fabrics besides wool and doesn’t require rinsing. The brand Euclan even comes with small single use packets. Another tip to speed up drying after wringing out clothes, wrap them in a towel and stand on the towel to push the water from the clothes into the towel.

Thanks for sharing your travel hack with us Bernie! 🙂

Try a Cetaphil gentle cleanser bar! Best stain remover I’ve ever used, but also does a great job on your face and skin as well. All purpose for certain! Connie

I time my hotels around laundry needs; ensure they offer coin op machines. I bring detergent sheets that are light and versatile. (e.g. Dizolve) that can be used for hand washing or machines. The hotel shampoos also work well for hand washing.

I use laundry bags as packing cubes so when it comes time to do laundry, I throw my delicates in them.

I love the coloured clothes pegs from the dollar store. When not used to dry clothes, I use them to mark & differentiate each family members’ towels.

Keep in mind that washing machines & dryers in some countries are significantly smaller than ones in North America. And drying times may take 3x to 5x in humid countries.

Some countries are accustomed to hanging clothes outdoors. Your clothes may end up smelling musty, like cigarette smoke, or pollution.

Hi Jessica, thank you for sharing how you like to laundry when you travel and all your great travel tips with us! Happy travels! ?

We tried hand-washing in Costa Rica and the humidity was so high the clothes never dried. Any suggestions?

Yes, humidity can be a huge issue. If there are fans available, try pointing them on your clothing. Otherwise, you may need to splurge for drying. Happy travels!

2 in 1 shampoos (shampoo + conditioner) are AMAZING for washing by hand: it leaves garments really soft and it’s extra gentle on delicates 🙂 get a cheap option and you’re sorted! 😉

OOOH GREAT TIP!!!!

Great tip- never considered this option!🤗

Shampoo is brilliant for getting marks off the inside of shirt/blouse collars.

we bring along travel packets of woolite to do laundry. You can get them on Amazon. And it’s gentle on fabric. Makes me happy to do laundry on our vacation. =)

Good idea! I’m sure the clothing feels and smells more like it’s had a proper laundry bath too 😉

I usually hand wash (mostly because of time constraints + laziness)…and then when I do “splurge” on a washing machine or laundry service, it feels soo luxurious 😉

Yes it’s nice to have a good balance and a “splurge” is always a good idea 🙂

I always wash by hand with a bar of soap. You know, if you place your wet clothes on a towel and then roll the towel up, once you unroll it, the clothes will be almost perfectly dry!

Do you use soap because you find it easier? I find using soap really helps target dirtier areas and makes it easier for me.

I use soap for both your reasons. I bought a bar of Fels brown laundry soap on Amazon and cut off a piece to fit a travel size soapdish. Another option (more expensive) is the washing bar from The Laundress. An added benefit is that the soap works really well to clean make-up brushes and sponges.

We find that doing laundry can be a fun activity on a trip. If you use a local coin-operated place, you get to meet locals. My husband still talks about the fun he had at a laundromat in Ushuia, Argentina.

Love laundry soap, it should be more popular 🙂 Love that regular activities can be extra fun while traveling!

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How to Do Laundry While Traveling

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If you're going to be away from home for more than a few days, washing clothes along the way will mean carrying far less. On an extended trip, washing clothes may be the only way to travel. It's not difficult or even time consuming to wash your own clothes while you are away.

• If it will be cold at your destination, dress in layers. You can use lighter garments, and you may not need to wash the outer layers as frequently as the inner ones.
• Pack fewer garments. Plan to wash a few items more often. You can travel with as few as two or three changes of clothing and not have to carry so much luggage.
• Plan to wear some items more than once before they are washed. You should wear clean underwear daily, but you can wear pants and outer shirts a couple of times before washing, if they are not too dirty. However, make sure they pass the smell test: if the strong odor you notice is not detergent or fabric softener, wash it.

• Find out if there is a laundry service where you are staying. Many hotels and hostels offer laundry service, which can be a good option if your budget permits or your wardrobe requires it.
• Look for a laundromat or laundry service near where you are staying. Most towns and cities have them. They are a good alternative to washing clothes by hand, especially if you have more clothes to wash at once.
• Remember that you can mix approaches for laundry. You might pay to send clothes that need to look good for a business meeting but wash underwear and pajamas by hand in the sink to save time and money.
• Check days and times. Depending on where you are, laundry service may not be available on Sundays. You may need to drop off your laundry before a certain hour to have it back the same day or the next day.

• Consider showering in the evening, either before dinner if you need to freshen up, or before bed. You'll avoid taking the day's travels with you to bed, and your laundry and towel will have overnight to dry.

• Many hotel rooms include at least a few hangers in their closets.

• Use the hotel iron. Many hotel rooms include irons and ironing boards, and you can press the whole garment or just touch up cuffs, collars, pockets, etc. that didn't dry completely. Make sure the fabric can take the heat, and avoid ironing silkscreens on t-shirts.
• Leave it hanging longer. If you're staying another day and one or two things in the closet won't be in the way of the hotel staff, leave it be.
• If the room has forced-air heat or ventilation (like a blower, usually below the window), drape the garment so the airflow hits it. Either hang the garment on a chair in front of the blower or -- for faster drying, although it can make your garment kind of stiff -- drape it directly over the blower vent (reposition as needed).
• Put it on, anyway. It may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but your body heat will help to dry stuff the last part of the way in a reasonable time. Don't do this if it's cold or if you already have a cold and are trying to stay warm.

Expert Q&A

• Look for clothing and underwear made from fast drying materials such as polyester or Coolmax. These can dry in a few hours. You can travel for several weeks with only one change of clothing. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Keep the humidity in mind. Lightweight garments will dry overnight in most climates, but articles will take longer to dry in jungles and rain forests than in deserts. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If just a small part of a garment is still wet, like the waist band of boxer shorts, you can use the hair dryer on just those spots for a few minutes. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid packing clothing that is still damp. It could get smelly or mildewed. Put it on if you can, or simply don't wash it if you know you're about to pack up and move. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 3
• Don't drape wet fabric over finished wood. You could damage both the wood and the fabric. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 5
• Don't hang clothes from anything that needs to be accessible in case of emergency, such as escape handles, fire sprinkler heads, and such. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 3
• Wet laundry can be heavy. If you're improvising hanging space using towel racks, shower rods, plumbing fixtures, doorknobs, or anything else, make sure that it can take the weight. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 6

Things You'll Need

• A universal sink stopper (plug). This is a flat disk of rubber that fits over any drain. In a pinch, a sheet of flexible plastic wrap (such as Saran® or Glad® brands) works too.
• A travel clothesline. Look for one at a camping or sporting goods store.
• Inflatable or folding hangers. Wire hangers from the dry cleaners are lightweight and bendable alternatives.
• Laundry detergent, or the shampoo or bar soap that you're already carrying or getting from a hotel.
• Stain treatment.
• A towel. If you do not expect to find one where you are staying, carry one with you. Look for a quick-drying travel towel that can be wrung out and reused or packed.
• A laundry bag, if you wish to isolate dirty laundry from clean laundry in your luggage.
• Money or coins, if you will be using a laundry service or laundromat.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://hippie-inheels.com/washing-clothes-while-traveling/
• ↑ https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/health/laundry
• ↑ https://independenttravelcats.com/how-to-do-laundry-while-traveling-tips/#Step-4-Swirl-Swish-and-Scrub

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Laundry on the Fly: 12 Tips for Handling Dirty Clothes Like Travel Pros

Posted: December 16, 2023 | Last updated: December 16, 2023

For many travelers, doing their laundry on the go is sometimes a must, but you don’t have the option to throw a load in. No one wants to co-mingle dirty and clean clothing or take home a suitcase full of dirty laundry to wash at home when they return from a trip. An online forum of travel pros offered notable suggestions on what to do with dirty laundry when you’re away from home.

Compression Packing Cubes

Travelers find these cubes are essential for ease of packing. Not only do they keep clothing neat, organized, and easy to see inside a suitcase, but they also can be used to separate clean and dirty clothes. Look for cubes that have vents and are water-resistant. The vented side can store clean clothes, and the water-resistant side can hold dirty clothes to keep scents in.

Air Your Dirty Laundry

Metaphorically speaking, airing one’s dirty laundry isn’t wise, but it’s a good thing regarding actual dirty laundry! You can pack items like socks and underclothes separately, but you can hang up the rest of your clothes overnight to allow them to air out. This process removes many smells and reduces the amount of moisture in them. Afterward, pack them in a separate bag or compression cube away from your clean clothes.

Plastic Laundry Bags

If you don’t have compression cubes to separate clean from dirty laundry, use ordinary plastic bags for a similar effect. Plastic bags won’t necessarily keep your clothes organized as you pack and unpack. Still, they help separate dirty laundry from clean clothes in your suitcase, and as long as they are free from holes, they’re also waterproof.

If you can’t wash underclothes, socks, or dirty and sweaty clothes, buy a wet bag for cloth diapers to hold them. Parents on the go use wet bags to keep soiled cloth diapers in until they wash them. Wet bags are waterproof and are great for keeping unpleasant scents under wraps. Everything clean can go directly into your suitcase or compression tube.

Sink and Tub Washing

If you’re traveling with clothing, you’ll need to wear more than once, and you won’t have access to a laundry facility or service, you can opt to wash the items in the sink or bathtub. This process works best with lightweight clothing that dries quickly. Once dried, store them in your suitcase or compression box with a dryer sheet to give them a fresh scent.

Compression Cube Liners

You can use one compression cube for clean laundry and a different one for dirty clothes. However, if you prefer to use your compression cubes strictly for clean clothes, use a plastic bag as a liner for one of the cubes and place your soiled laundry inside. This keeps your clean and dirty clothes separate while keeping the inside of your compression cubes clean.

If a sustainable solution to handling dirty laundry on the go is essential to you, consider using BAGGU bags or a similar product. The company offers spacious reusable bags in different sizes that are perfect for temporarily storing dirty laundry in your suitcase until you can wash them on the road or until you get home.

Separate Certain Items

One straightforward approach to sorting your laundry while traveling is to keep the cleanest clothing folded neatly in the suitcase and store the dirty laundry in its own bag or compression cube. When using this method, ensure that the bag is strong enough to hold the clothing and its scent so it does not come into contact with clean items.

Giant Ziploc Bags

Ziploc bags are for more than just food storage. The company also makes extra-large-sized bags designed for closet storage but can easily separate clean from dirty clothing in a suitcase. Once sealed, the bag is waterproof and keeps any scents inside. Plus, they’re durable enough to be used again. Travelers who’ve used these bags can’t praise them enough.

Compression Bags

Compression bags work similarly to compression cubes in that they compactly hold clothing for easy packing and storage, but the bags often require a vacuum cleaner to seal them properly. These bags are excellent for storing and organizing clean clothes while traveling. Keep the dirty laundry in a separate bag until you can launder it.

Use a Shoe Case

If you travel with a separate bag or case for your shoes, you can also store your unclean laundry there. Place the laundry that needs washing in a small plastic or cloth bag, seal it, and put the bag in with your shoes. This step ensures your soiled laundry won’t mix in with your clean clothes, and by keeping them with your shoes, you’ll remember that they need to be washed.

Reusable Cloth Bags

While reusable plastic bags are a quick and easy solution to hold dirty clothes in, the plastic not only holds the scent in but may make it even stronger. To avoid this, use a zippered, reusable cloth bag instead. If you can find one that’s waterproof inside, even better. Cloth bags are also a more sustainable option than plastic bags.

Source:  Reddit .

From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?

We’re embarking on a financial roller coaster ride through 18 states, and it isn’t the fun kind. We’re talking about states having to check under the mattress and behind the couch cushions for extra change. These states are trying to balance their budgets, but the numbers aren’t increasing. Why are they skimming through their wallets like they lost a 20-dollar bill? Let’s find out!

Avoid These 19 Pointless Expenses When Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Living from paycheck to paycheck puts one in a dangerous financial bind. It’s more prevalent than you can imagine. According to a survey by CNBC, more than half of all Americans (58%) live paycheck to paycheck. When money is tight, it’s crucial to pinpoint and cut out wasteful expenditures that eat away at your hard-earned savings.

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Snag a 24-Pack of Customer-Loved Washcloths for Just 84 Cents Each on Amazon

Your skin will thank you for bulk-purchasing these.

Real Simple / Madison Woiten

When it comes to underrated workhorses in our homes , washcloths are often the most overlooked. From cleaning to skincare prep and everything in between, these babies see us through anything and everything. That’s why it’s so important to have good quality wash rags that don’t cost a fortune to replace. Thankfully, Amazon reviewers have found a brand they swear by—and they’re surprisingly affordable.

The Utopia Towels Cotton Washcloths Set is a number-one best-seller on Amazon , and for good reason. Not only does the 24-pack of washcloths come out to just 84 cents a piece, but they also come in 28 colors, including lavender, dusty pink, and sky blue. Made of 100 percent pure ring-spun cotton, these rags are as durable as they are comfy.

Utopia Towels Cotton Washcloths Set

With over 50,000 five-star ratings and counting, customers say these are the softest washcloths they’ve ever used . So soft, in fact, that you can easily use them on delicate skin and glass surfaces. “These are like washing my face with clouds, no joke,” one customer wrote .

Reviewers laud the ultra-absorbent washcloths for staying clean , despite using them on makeup and tough stains. Others say the washcloths are luxurious to use. “I loved these wash cloths,” wrote one reviewer . “When I got them, I washed them, and they came out even more soft.” Another echoed this sentiment, writing , “hotel-quality washcloths for (practically) dollar store prices.”

Needless to say, these versatile washcloths are perfect for people with kids who expect tough stains, gym-goers looking for a super-soft sweat rag, and homeowners looking to upgrade their bathroom linens. Plus, at just $20 for 12, you’re paying less than a dollar for a luxury-level experience.

Looking for more washcloth recommendations reviewers love? We’ve got you covered.

Amazon Basics Terry Cotton Washcloths

American soft linen luxury washcloths, qute home four-piece washcloths towels set, whiteclassic luxury cotton washcloths, best towel 24-pack washcloths, more must-shop products.

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Money blog: Energy bills 'to rise 10% in October' as wholesale costs head up again

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Enjoy our Weekend Money content below and we'll be back with live updates on Monday - when we'll also have a Q&A on energy prices. Submit a question below.

Sunday 30 June 2024 09:34, UK

Weekend Money

• Winter energy bills projected to rise for millions of households - submit a question for Q&A on Monday above
• How to split housework fairly with your partner
• Ofgem urged not to lift ban on acquisition-only energy tariffs
• Your comments : Paying off a mortgage into retirement and new cars turning faulty

Essential reads

• A week when probable future of mortgage rates became clearer
• Women in Business : How accident in cafe and £400 turned into a genius business idea that's about to go global
• Money Problem : 'I bought a new car but it's been back six times with same fault - what can I do?'
• How to stop your car from being stolen - or even 'cannibalised'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Winter energy bills are projected to rise significantly due to an uptick in the wholesale market, according to a closely watched forecast.

Market specialist Cornwall Insight released an updated winter forecast ahead of the latest price cap change kicking in on Monday.

Britons who pay by direct debit will see their typical annual bill for gas and electricity go down 7%, or £122, to £1,568 this week until 1 October.

However, a 10% rise is then expected, taking the annual bill for a typical household back up to £1,763, Cornwall predicts.

This is actually slightly lower than its previous forecast - but still represents bad news for Britons who may have thought energy bills were on a linear path down following two years of sky-high prices.

"The drop in forecasts for October are positive, but we need to keep this in perspective," the Cornwall report says.

"We are still facing an average 10% increase in bills from October, and as winter approaches this will put a strain on many household finances."

We'll have experts from Cornwall Insights and consumer group Which? answering your energy-related questions here in the Money blog on Monday afternoon - so whether it's about why bills could rise again or if now is a good time to switch, submit your query above.

By Jess Sharp , Money team

Splitting up household jobs, whether that be cleaning, washing or life admin, is an issue that affects a lot of couples. 

Starling Bank found women do a total of 36 hours of household tasks and admin per week - equivalent to a full-time job. 

This is nine hours more than men - and yet men believe they do the majority in their household. The average man estimates they do 52% of work overall.

It's the discrepancy between perception and reality (and, of course, this can work both ways) that leads to arguments.

Couples who don't divide the housework equally have roughly five arguments about housework each month - rising to eight for couples who rely on just one person for the work.

We spoke to relationship expert Hayley Quinn about the best ways to split household work - and how to deal with arguments should they arise with your partner. 

She explained that it's necessary to be "transparent" when deciding how to split the workload - but also to be flexible in order to find a solution that suits all involved. 

While a 50/50 split might be your idea of perfection, Hayley said it was "almost inevitable that one partner may take on slightly more of the load" at different periods of time. 

"Striving for perfect 50/50 fairness at all times is a really nice ideal, but it just may not be that practical for modern life," she said. 

She said some jobs may be more visible than others, like cleaning, sorting out the washing, and taking the bins out.

Other jobs can take up just as much time and resource, but will fly under the radar. She gave the examples or sorting out travel insurance or changing over internet provider. 

How should you approach a conversation with your partner about splitting the work? 

To start off, Hayley said you should enter the conversation with a positive mindset - think how you are both contributing to the relationship in different ways.

"When you're having these conversations, it's not that many people are sitting around feeling like they're not contributing," Hayley said. 

"In fact, I think if there's a discrepancy in how people contribute, it's just due to a lack of awareness as to what the other partner does, and some chores are just more obviously visible than others."

Try to avoid starting the chat with the perspective that you are working a lot harder than your partner and they're not pulling their weight. 

"That way, you start from a place of we're all on the same team," she said. 

"When you're doing that as well, it's really important not to make statements which assume what the other partner is thinking, feeling, or contributing. 

"So, for instance, saying something like 'I'm always the one that's picking the kids up from school and you never do anything',  becomes easily very accusational, and this is when arguments start.

"Instead, most partners will be much more receptive if you simply ask for more help and assistance." 

When asking for help, Hayley said it's important to ask in a way that's verbal and clear - don't assume your partner is going to intuitively know what share of household chores to take on if you just complain. 

"In a nice way, explicitly ask for what you want. It could be something like saying, 'Look, I know that we're both working a long week, but I feel like there's so much to do. It would be really helpful if... I'd really appreciate it if you take over lunch,'" she explained. 

"Again, start from a place of appreciation. Acknowledge what your partner contributes already, and be explicitly clear as to what you would like them to do. Phrase it as a request for their help." 

She also said some people can feel protective of how jobs are completed, and learning to relinquish that control can be helpful. 

"If you want it to feel more equitable, you have to let your partner do things in their own way," she said. 

What happens if that doesn't work? 

If you find the conversations aren't helping, you can always try organising a rota, Hayley said. 

She recommended using Starling Bank's Share the Load tool to work out your chore split. 

However, she said if you feel there are constant conversations and nothing is changing then the issue is becoming more about communication than sharing the workload. 

"It's actually about someone not hearing what you're trying to communicate to them, so it's more of a relationship-wide issue," she said. 

She advised sitting down and trying to have another transparent verbal conversation, making it clear that you have spoken about this before and how it's making you feel in a factual way, without placing blame. 

Using phrases like "I've noticed" or "I've observed" can help, she said. 

If after all that, the situation still isn't getting better, she said it's time to consider confiding in friends or family for support, or seeing a relationship counsellor. 

The oldest and most prestigious tennis event in the world returns on Monday, with the best of the best players to battle over two weeks to be named champion.

Crowds in their thousands will flock to Wimbledon to enjoy a spot of sport - as well as the range of food and drink on offer.

It's not the cheapest day out, with a cool cup of Pimms setting you back just under £10 and a bottle of water coming in at nearly £3.

But did you know that despite souring inflation in recent years sending food prices through the roof, one fan favourite - the quintessentially British strawberries and cream combo - has stayed at the same price since 2010?

A pot of the sweet snack costs just £2.50, making it one of the more affordable offerings at the All England Club. It has been served up there since the very first Wimbledon tournament in 1877.

Perdita Sedov, Wimbledon's head of food and beverage, previously told The Telegraph the price freeze "goes back to a long-standing tradition" of strawberries and cream being associated with the championship.

"It's about being accessible to all," she said.

According to the Wimbledon website, each year more than 38.4 tonnes of strawberries are picked and consumed during the tournament.

Ofgem is being urged not to lift a ban on acquisition-only energy tariffs (deals that are available only to new customers, not existing ones).

A coalition of consumer organisations and energy companies led by Which? has penned a letter to the government regulator for electricity and gas warning it of the risk of a "return to a market which discriminates against loyal customers". 

They have also raised the potential impact on customers in debt, who may not be able to switch but could also find themselves struggling to access a better deal with their current supplier under the plans. 

The letter also notes the "very recent history" when more than 30 suppliers went bust - many after trying to win customers with unsustainably cheap tariffs.

Ofgem has said it could remove the ban on acquisition-only tariffs from 1 October but consumer choice website Which?  has research that shows the public are opposed to cheap deals that exclude existing customers, with 81% feeling it would be unfair if their supplier was offering cheaper deals to new customers only. 

The consumer champion has signed the letter to Ofgem alongside E.ON, Octopus, So Energy, Rebel Energy, End Fuel Poverty Coalition, Citizens Advice and Fair by Design.

Two topics dominated our inbox this week.

Many readers got in touch about our Weekend Money feature on older Britons who face having to work past pension age to pay off long-term mortgages.

Lots of you share the fears of those we spoke to in the feature...

I am in my 70s with still about five years to go on my mortgage. It stands at 30k on a 300k house. The mortgage repayments are £800 a month, this doesn't sound much but on a static pension it is massive and I am literally on the point of not having sufficient money to pay it. Red

I was supposed to retire in 2.5 years at 66 and 4 months, my mortgage finishes when I'm 70. I was paying off extra (double) on my previous rate to reduce an interest only mortgage, but the recent increases in mortgage rates have meant I'm paying off hardly any. AVB

I'm 67 and still trying to pay off a mortgage that has another five years to run. I can't stop working and do over 10 hours a day, 5 days a week. Keith

My problem is going to be paying off an interest-only mortgage. More than anything I wish I hadn't changed when I had my twins but we couldn't make ends meet at the time. Sazavan

Six years ago I reached the age of 70 and my interest-only mortgage ended - to extend it was impossible with the conditions attached. This then threw me into the rental market, paying more than my mortgage. Now I am facing eviction from the rental due to it being sold. Marianj

We also heard from a mortgage adviser, whose recommendations matched those of Gerard Boon, the managing director of online mortgage broker Boon Brokers, who we spoke to for the feature...

I am a mortgage adviser in Leicestershire and have found an increasing number of people asking to go as long as possible past normal retirement age. I always point out that it's great to have lower payments in the short term but you will need to work to 75. There's no choice. Semaine

Onto the second topic that dominated your correspondence, and we were sorry to learn that lots of you face similar issues as reader Adam, who has had to take his faulty car back to the garage six times - and is still not convinced it is fixed. 

Scott Dixon, from The Complaints Resolver , was on hand to help break down what Adam could do for our Money Problem feature - read his advice here:

Same thing happened to me, except that they didn't let me refund the vehicle and claimed it was my fault even though I told them about the issue during the six months' warranty multiple times... they barely replied. K

I have bought a used car and there is an engine management light on. The garage where I bought it from has since changed name and moved premises (found out by accident). When I call to book in I am told to expect a call back or the mechanic will ring me but they never do. Andy D

I have taken my car to Halfords four times in the last 14 months. Each time they guarantee me it's fixed and within a week it's back to normal. Can I get it repaired elsewhere and bill Halfords? Simon

I have a JAG SVR that's been faulty since day one, the garage sent me home with it faulty and not working correctly. I have tried to reject it but the finance company are playing David versus Goliath... we can prove issues from day one, we have two vehicle reports to back it up. Jezza

Have a Nissan Juke, which has a seat issue where it sinks on its own… Nissan saying it's not a manufacturing fault, but "user error". Where do I stand in getting it fixed? Technical team keeps fobbing it off as our fault. Esmith97

If you're in a position like this, do check out Scott Dixon's advice in the feature above.

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young, Ollie Cooper and Mark Wyatt, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

Starting from next month, gamers will be able to play Xbox titles like Fallout 4, Starfield and Fortnite using Amazon Fire TV.

A new upgrade coming to the Fire TV 4K devices transforms your television into a console, thanks to Xbox Cloud Gaming.

You'll need to be a member of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to take advantage, plus you'll need a compatible controller and a solid internet connection.

"One of the biggest benefits of cloud gaming is the ability to play premium games without needing a console," Amazon explained.

"The Fire TV Stick may be compact, but it can stream and run graphically intense Xbox games like Senua's Saga: Hellblade II.

"This portability also means you can easily move your cloud gaming setup from the living room TV to a different room or even take it on the road.

"As long as you have a solid internet connection and your compatible Fire TV Stick, and a compatible controller, you can take your Xbox Game Pass games and saved progress travels with you."

Once downloaded, the Xbox app is designed to offer a smooth and seamless experience. Here’s how it works:

• Install and launch the Xbox app from your Fire TV device;
• Sign in with your Microsoft account to play. If you’re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member, you’ll have instant access to hundreds of cloud-enabled games;
• Connect a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller. Controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation DualSense, or DualShock 4 controller are all compatible.

A new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K will set you back £59.99 on Amazon, while a new Xbox Wireless Controller costs £49.59.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate currently costs £1 for the first 14 days for new members, then is billed at £12.99 per month.

House prices are overvalued by thousands of pounds, according to a major property company.

The typical property is £20,000 more than is affordable to the average household, says Zoopla.

But rising incomes and longer mortgage terms mean the "over-valuation" is expected to disappear by the end of the year.

Zoopla's report said: "House prices still look expensive on various measures of affordability.

"We expect house price inflation to remain muted, likely to rise more slowly than household incomes over the next one to two years."

The average house price is around £264,900 – but according to Zoopla's calculations, the affordable price is £245,200.

"A new government will add a dimension of political stability when the autumn market starts in September and even if the [Bank of England base] rate is not lower by then, a cut will be imminent," said Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at estate agent Knight Frank.

"Given that mortgage rates will steadily reduce as services inflation comes under control, we expect UK house prices to rise by 3% this year."

Zoopla's over-valuation estimate was reached by comparing the actual average house price in its index with an "affordable" price, which was calculated based on households' disposable incomes, average mortgage rates and average deposit sizes for home buyers.

It's one of the most iconic and popular music festivals in the world, and it's notoriously hard to get a ticket.

Glastonbury has rolled around once again and roughly 210,000 people have flocked to Somerset this year as Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA headline the UK's biggest festival this weekend.

Those in the crowd are in the lucky minority — an estimated 2.5 million people tried to get tickets for this year's event, meaning the odds really aren't in your favour if you fancy going.

Tickets routinely sell out within an hour of going on sale, and that demand is unlikely to decrease next year, given the festival will likely take a fallow year in 2026.

So, if you're feeling jealous this year, how do you get tickets for Glastonbury 2025, and how can you give yourself the best possible chance?

We've run through all the available details as well as some tips so you're best prepared when the time comes.

Registration details:  Before potential festivalgoers get the chance to buy tickets, they must register on the official website.

One of the reasons this is done is to stop ticket touting, with all tickets non-transferable. Each ticket features the photograph of the registered ticket holder, with security checks carried out to ensure that only the person in the photograph is admitted to the festival.

Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. You will be asked to provide basic contact details and to upload a passport-standard photo.

Registration closes a few weeks before tickets are released.

Where to buy tickets:  Tickets can be bought exclusively at  glastonbury.seetickets.com   once they become available.

No other site or agency will be allocated tickets, so if you see anyone else claiming to have Glastonbury tickets available for purchase, it's most likely a scam.

When tickets go on sale: We don't know the details for next year yet - but Glastonbury ticket sales usually take place in October or November of the year before the festival. 

This year's ticket sales began, following a delay, in November 2023. Coach tickets typically go on sale a few days before (traditionally on a Thursday), with general admission tickets following on the Sunday morning a few days later.

For those that miss out, there's also a resale that takes place in April for tickets that have been returned or for those with a balance that has not been paid.

This year's April resale took place on 18 April (for ticket and coach travel options) and 21 April (general admission tickets and accommodation options).

How much it costs:  General admission tickets for this year's festival cost £355 each, plus a £5 booking fee. That's an increase on last year's price of £335 each, which was also an increase on the 2022 price of around £280.

So, we can probably assume that ticket prices will go up once again for next year's festival. 

Remember, there are options to pay for your ticket in instalments, so you won't have to pay the full price in one go if you don't want to. All tickets are subject to a £75 deposit, with the remaining balance payable by the first week of April.

It's also worth noting that Glastonbury is a family festival, and that's reflected in the fact that children aged 12 and under when the festival takes place are admitted free of charge.

TIPS FOR THE BIG TICKET SALE DAY

The scramble for tickets when they go on general sale is nothing short of painstaking, with demand far outweighing supply.

Here are some tips to give you the best possible chance of bagging tickets:

Familiarise yourself with the website: You may see a reduced, bare-looking version of the booking page once you gain entry. The organisers say this is intentional to cope with high traffic and does not mean the site has crashed, so be sure not to refresh or leave the page.

Once you reach the first page of the booking site, you will need to enter the registration number and registered postcode for yourself and the other people you are attempting to book tickets for.

When you proceed, the details you have provided will be displayed on the next page.

Once you have double checked all of your information is correct, click 'confirm' to enter the payment page, where you will need to check/amend your billing address, confirm your payment information, accept the terms and conditions, and complete the checkout within the allocated time.

Timekeeping: You can get timed out if you don't act fast, so it's a good idea to have your details saved on a separate document so you can copy and paste them over quickly.

You might also have to approve your payment, which could mean answering security questions from your card issuer. Have a device on hand to ensure you're ready for this.

Internet connection: This should go without saying, but you won't stand a chance without a solid internet connection.

Avoid trying to rely on your mobile phone signal, and politely ask those you might share the internet with to delay any online activity that might slow your connection.

Don't give up: Until the page tells you that tickets have sold out, you still have a chance. 

Shortly before that point, there will be a message saying 'all available tickets have now been allocated,' which users often think means their chances are up. 

What it actually means is that orders are being processed for all the tickets that are available. But if somebody whose order is being processed doesn't take our previous advice and runs out of time, their loss could be your gain.

Multiple tabs and devices: Glastonbury advises against its customers trying to run multiple tabs and devices to boost their chances of getting a ticket.

Glastonbury's website says running multiple devices simultaneously is "a waste of valuable resources, and doesn't reflect the ethos of the festival".

"Please stick to one device and one tab," it adds, "so that you can focus on entering your details without confusing your browser and help us make the ticket sale as quick and stress free as possible for all."

Shoppers have been buying bigger TVs to enjoy this summer's European Championships, according to the electrical retailer Currys.

The chain said UK sales were up by more than 30% in the past month, with "supersize" screens — 85-inch and above — selling well in the run-up to the Euros.

"Having a third of the TV market and the Euros being a big event for many people, we're seeing that super-sizing trend keep on giving," said Currys chief executive Alex Baldock.

The most popular, and also cheapest, 85-inch TV on the Currys website costs £999. 

The most expensive super-size TV is a 98-inch offering from Samsung that will set you back £9,499.

Currys reported adjusted pre-tax profits of £118m for the year to 27 April. That represented a 10% increase from the previous year's profits of £107m.

Like-for-like sales for Currys UK and Ireland declined by 2% to £4.97bn in the 12 months to 27 April, with consumer confidence knocked by high inflation levels and rising interest rates.

"We can see our progress in ever-more engaged colleagues, more satisfied customers and better financial performance," Mr Baldock added.

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9 Best Bar Soaps for Men

We found the best-smelling, best-for-your-skin bar soaps for the modern man.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Dr. squatch men's natural bar soap.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

Best Oversized

Duke cannon supply co. big brick of soap.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab, we rigorously test and evaluate a variety of self-care products, including bar soaps , to recommend the best ones. To put together this list of the best bar soaps for men, our selection criteria included examining formulas for quality ingredients; our in-house testers also looked at cleansing efficacy, lather quality, scent and skin feel, ensuring these soaps will keep your skin nourished and healthy — no matter your skin type or scent preference.

This bar soap strikes the perfect balance for cleansing and care. The grit is just right, gently buffing away dead skin cells without causing any irritation. Packed with natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, it hydrates and revitalizes your skin, preventing dryness in the process. Our Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn 's brother swears by it, calling it the "only soap he will use." He highlights its effectiveness and fresh scent, stating it “leaves my skin feeling clean after every use, smells amazing and exfoliates . "

Suitable for shoppers on a budget or men with sensitive skin, the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar is a fragrance-free soap that contains ceramides to help retain skin moisture.

Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann says it leaves the skin feeling soft and clean without leaving behind residue . Although our testers remarked that it has a sandy texture upon initial scrubbing, it smooths out after the initial grittiness and is still gentle enough for face washing. This option works well for all skin types, but given its hydrating properties, it’s an excellent match for folks with dry skin.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Why Beauty Experts and Dermatologists Rave About CeraVe

Modeled after the hefty soap bars soldiers used during the Korean War, the Big Brick of Soap weighs in at a whopping 10 ounces. That's about three times the size of your typical bar, so you can lather up for over a month before needing a replacement.

Infused with a long-lasting yet subtle oak barrel scent, this sulfate-free soap cleanses gently but thoroughly, evoking the rich heritage of Kentucky bourbon without overpowering the senses. The military-inspired grooming brand also donates a portion of its net profits to veterans.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Body Bar Soap

If you’re looking for the best deodorant bar soap for men, you’ve found your match. This option harnesses the power of tea tree oil to neutralize fungus and bacteria , keeping you feeling fresh and odor-free throughout the day while promoting healthy skin. "Tea tree oil can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation while controlling excess oil," Wizemann says.

Online reviewers rave about the soap's thick lather and unique tingling sensation, which is sure to elevate your morning shower.

Dove Men+Care Sandalwood + Cardamom Oil Restore Cleansing Bar

Dove’s Beauty Bar is a shower staple, praised by experts, consumers and editors alike (including myself!). However, if you crave a more masculine fragrance and a touch of exfoliation, Dove Men+Care offers a range of cleansing bars specifically formulated for men's skincare needs.

Our tester, a longtime fan of the original Dove Men+Care bars, put the new blood orange and sandalwood variants to the test. He particularly enjoyed the exfoliating properties of the new bars, noting the “little abrasive bits” (which are actually made from coconut shell powder). However, he did find the rectangular shape less comfortable to hold compared to the original saddle-shaped Dove Men+Care bars. On the plus side, Dove's new soap is gentle and versatile enough for cleansing your face and shaving.

Baxter of California Exfoliating Body Bar Soap for Men

This invigorating body bar tackles rough skin with jojoba meal and olive seeds for smooth and soft results. It’s made with skin-conditioning glycerin and hydrates without drying, but due to its exfoliating power, it shouldn’t be used on the face. The long-lasting, 7-ounce bar has a woody and mossy scent and is suitable for all skin types . This soap is perfect for gifting or treating yourself since it comes packaged in a handsome box.

Kala Swedish Dream Sea Salt Soap

Swedish Dream’s Sea Salt Soap brings the beach to your bathroom with its invigorating scent and gentle exfoliation. It's packed with mineral-rich sea salt crystals that buff away dead skin cells , leaving your skin feeling refreshed.

Customer reviewers universally love its subtle, clean-smelling fragrance that’s neither masculine nor feminine and has salty undertones. The long-lasting bar offers a touch of luxury without breaking the bank and comes packaged in a nautical-inspired box, making it perfect for gifting.

RELATED: We Found the Best Body Lotions to Keep Skin Hydrated

Papatui Enriching Bar Soap

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson clearly understands the struggle of finding the perfect bar of soap. Inspired by his own slightly mischievous past of sniffing every bar in the drugstore aisle , his new men's skincare line, PAPATUI, offers a clever solution: a handy hole in the packaging so you can smell the soap before buying without breaking open the box.

Our Beauty Assistant's brother enjoyed the fresh, masculine scent and noted its impressive size and longevity — "a little goes a long way," he said. Most importantly, it left him feeling thoroughly clean. He also appreciated another unique touch — depending on the chosen scent, the bar comes in a different color to elevate your shower’s aesthetics and go beyond a basic, boring white bar.

RELATED: The Best Face Washes for Men According to Skincare Experts

Glossier Body Hero Exfoliating Bar

Glossier’s Body Hero is a premium bar of soap that’s a feast for the senses. Trust us, you’ll want to use the hefty pink brick until just a tiny sliver of it remains. Reviewers are divided on the intensity of its orange blossom neroli fragrance — some find it subtle, while others find it delightfully strong. The brand itself describes the bar as smelling like “an instant vacation.”

Reviewers can agree that the soap delivers a satisfying scrub without any irritation or annoying filmy residue . That’s thanks to finely milled bamboo power, which works hard (but not too hard) to satisfyingly buff away dead skin for softer and smoother skin.

How we choose the best bar soaps for men

The Good Housekeeping Institutes’ Beauty Lab embarked on a comprehensive selection process to identify the best bar soaps for men. Our team meticulously dissected the formulas and ingredient lists of a wide variety of bar soaps, prioritizing those formulated with high-quality ingredients suited for different skin types, from oily to dry to sensitive.

We tested five options from four leading men’s soap brands to evaluate cleansing efficacy, lather quality, their ability to clean and how specifically the soap affects and feels on the skin, both during and after use.

To ensure we were recommending not just high-performing bar soaps but also those aligned with best practices for men's skincare, for our recommendations that we didn’t test, we carefully selected bar soaps that have been vetted by leading beauty experts, dermatologists and clinical researchers in the industry. That way, you can find your next shower staple to revitalize your skin, not irritate it.

What to look for when shopping for men's bar soap

Depending on your skin type, each soap bar's ingredients and formulation can affect your individual experience with the product. Here's how to choose the best bar soap for men, according to our skincare experts.

✔️ For dry skin: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin in soap bars. These ingredients help attract and lock in moisture for hydrated skin. Oil-based soap bars are also helpful for dry skin.

✔️ To achieve refreshed skin: Choose an exfoliating soap bar with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These acids gently remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter and smoother skin.

✔️ For sensitive skin: Fragrance can irritate sensitive skin, so be sure to look for fragrance-free soap bars that don't contain masking scents or other potentially irritating ingredients.

✔️ For eczema: Since eczema disrupts the skin barrier, we recommend choosing a soap bar with ceramides to help repair and strengthen it.

✔️ For acne-prone skin: Look for a soap bar containing salicylic acid, which helps clear breakouts by exfoliating dead skin cells and unclogging pores.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

GH Contributing Commerce Editor Brandon Carte wrote this guide. He has over a decade of experience testing and researching products, from appliances to home goods, men’s fashion and skincare. Brandon suffers from eczema and urges the people reading this to go beyond the bar and moisturize after showering.

To write this piece, he teamed up with GH Institute Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann who has extensive knowledge of skincare ingredients and regularly writes science-backed roundups of body washes , cleansing oils and more. She has touched, researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products — including bar soaps to verify product claims.

Brandon Carte has been covering technology at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been writing about the latest gadgets, appliances, and scouring the internet for the products that make life easier. His reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com , Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.

Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.  

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