As part of the “Art of Packing” series we tackle the big question; are you open to doing laundry whilst on vacation? Packing can be difficult, stressful, and/or overwhelming. Learning how to pack well will help minimize the stress, maximize your suitcase space available, and (hopefully) make your trip more enjoyable. In doing research on your destination and what activities you plan to partake in, there are a few simple questions to ask yourself:
- What will the climate be like?
- What activities am I likely to engage in?
- How long is my trip? Do I want to do laundry while traveling?
- Do I want to carry-on bag, or would I prefer to check a bag?
Travel Laundry Bag
I would suggest investing in a travel laundry bag. I love these little bags! (I have both of these bags pictured) They are small and durable. As an alternative, most hotels have plastic laundry bags (check the closet) that can be used. These are generally quite flimsy, but good in a pinch.
Reisenthel Travel Laundry Bag (Container Store)
In my decades of travel I have done laundry a total of maybe five times (twice in the hotel sink (swimsuit and/or under garments/socks) and three times in an AirBnB with a washer & dryer). It is just not something I like to do. Having said that though, doing laundry whilst on travel is relatively easy to do. There are a couple of options:
- Using hotel laundry services
- Doing laundry in a sink
- Finding a local laundromat
- Take advantage of your AirBnB washer/dryer
- Additional Options
So let us break down each of the above:
Hotel Laundry Services
Hotel laundry services CAN be expensive (every country and hotel vary on cost). Hotels usually charge per piece, which can make it expensive to wash more than a couple items, but is a great convenient option if needed. You can either call ahead or see the item charge slip (located in the closet in most hotel rooms) for pricing.
Laundry Service Tag
Sink Laundry
I have done laundry in a hotel sink (or tub if you have bigger items) on several occasions whilst on travel. On a trip to Peru in order to minimize what was in my carry-on bag, I used the hotel sink to wash socks and undergarments. If you are planning to do laundry on your trip in the hotel sink, I suggest packing a sink stopper and travel size laundry soap. You can find stoppers and soap in either liquid or solid at places like Target or Amazon. Downside to liquid soap (e.g. Tide, Woolite) with your carry-on is that it will need to go in your TSA (or foreign equivalent) liquid baggie, upside is the soap packets are usually small and flat. Solid soap, like Travelon or Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash, is an alternative to liquid.
Note: If you opt for solid sheets/leaves you will need at a minimum 5 sheets/leaves to wash just a few items. The little compact plastic case holds 50 thin leaves of soap. The soap is biodegradable and phosphate free, in the case of the Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash.
Note: Even biodegradable soaps and cleansers should not be used in a natural water source.
Travel Clothesline: Some hotels have installed clotheslines in the shower. Travel clotheslines are available via Amazon (e.g. Sea to Summit). These are compact and some come with a little pouch/case. If a travel clothesline is something you want, suggest one that does not have just suction cups. This limits where you can attach them. Look for a line that has loops or hooks and suction cups.
Tide Liquid Soap Travel Packet
Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash
Sea to Summit Pocket Travel Clothesline
Local Laundromat
Laundromats are relatively common throughout the world, but it is worth a Google search to be sure there is not something unique about the laundromats at your destination. Most laundromats are self-serve, coin or token operated, and take several hours to wash and dry. Also, the laundromat may or may not have an attendant onsite, go prepared with change (coins).
AirBnB Washer/Dryer
This is my favorite option for washing clothes; easy and cost inclusive. As with local laundromats, washer/dryers are relatively common throughout the world but it is worth inquiring with the AirBnB owner to be sure there is not something unique about the washer/dryer. One thing to note, there may be a washer but no dryer at your location. See above for details on travel clotheslines.
Additional Options
Note: We have NOT tried either of these to know whether or not they are a good investment.
Laundry via Outdoor Natural Resources: think camping and washing in spring.
Note: Even biodegradable soaps and cleansers should not be used in a natural water source.
Portable Clothes Washer by Laundreez, Aloksak Bag, or Scrubba (Amazon).