How to Wash Clothes While Traveling
After a few days on the road, laundry becomes more important than sightseeing.
The good news? You don’t need a washing machine, just a few simple tricks that work anywhere.
↓ Scroll down to learn how to wash clothes anywhere while traveling
What You Need to Wash Clothes While Traveling
The 3 Essentials You Actually Need
Closes almost any hotel sink or bathtub, even if there’s no plug.
Lightweight, carry-on friendly, and easy to dose.
A small piece is enough for a full sink of laundry.
Lets you dry clothes almost anywhere, hotel rooms, balconies, hostels, or even your car.
Nice-to-Have (Not Required, But Very Helpful)
Helps squeeze excess water out of clothes and makes them dry much faster.
Perfect for carrying damp clothes when you need to move on without soaking your backpack.
Useful in small hotel rooms to hang clothes properly and improve airflow while drying.
Great for road trips or camping when there’s no usable sink available.
Lets you hang clothes almost anywhere when hooks or space are limited.
How to Wash Clothes in a Hotel Sink or Shower (Step by Step)
Washing clothes in a hotel or Airbnb is simple…. if you do it the right way.
This method works almost anywhere and only takes a few minutes.
Before You Start: Clean the Sink
Run hot water for a minute and rinse away any leftover soap, hair, dirt, or other residue.
If you have a sponge, cloth, or even some toilet paper, quickly scrub the surface as well, especially around the drain and edges.
A clean sink makes a big difference, especially when washing lighter clothes.
Don’t skip this step…. it only takes a minute and is absolutely worth it.
Step 1 — Fill the Sink
Place your sink stopper and let warm water run into the sink.
Add one laundry detergent sheet and wait until it’s fully dissolved before adding your clothes.
The water should be warm, not hot.
Step 2 — Add Your Clothes
Add items like:
• T-shirts • Socks • Underwear • Gym or quick-dry clothes
Avoid overloading the sink.
Smaller batches clean better and make it easier for the detergent to work through the fabric..
Step 3 — Gently Knead the Clothes
This is where the actual washing happens.
Press, squeeze, lift, and move the clothes around, similar to kneading dough.
This helps the detergent work into the fibers and removes sweat, deodorant, sunscreen, and daily grime. Do this for 3–5 minutes, then let everything soak for another 10 minutes.
If the clothes were very sweaty, repeat the kneading once more.
Step 4 — Rinse
Drain the sink and refill it with clean, cool water.
Gently squeeze the clothes until the water runs clear.
Avoid twisting or wringing too hard because it can damage the fabric and slow down drying.
👉 Next up: How to Dry Clothes While Traveling (Fast & Without a Dryer)
Drying clothes is often more important than washing them.
If clothes don’t dry properly, they start to smell… even if they’re clean.
How to Dry Clothes While Traveling
(Fast & Without a Dryer)
Before You Hang Anything: Remove Excess Water
The more water you remove before drying, the faster clothes will dry.
Lay the wet clothes flat on a towel, roll it up tightly, and press or step on it. This pulls a surprising amount of water out of the fabric.
Repeat once if needed.
The Best Places to Dry Clothes While Traveling
Airflow matters more than heat. Always choose places with good air circulation.
Good options:
Shower rod · Balcony · Near an open window
In front of a fan or air conditioner · Inside your car (on road trips)
Avoid drying clothes in closed, humid bathrooms whenever possible.
Spread clothes out as much as possible. Avoid stacking or overlapping items.
Use a travel clothesline, hangers, or a carabiner to create space between pieces. More airflow means faster drying and less odor.
How to Hang Clothes Properly
What Dries Fast (And What Doesn’t)
Dries fast:
• Lightweight T-shirts
• Underwear
• Socks
• Quick-dry fabrics
Dries slow:
• Jeans
• Hoodies
• Thick cotton clothing
If something still feels damp in the morning, give it a few more hours before packing.
➡ Next up:
When to Wash Clothes Yourself and When to Use Laundry Services or Laundromats
When to Wash Clothes Yourself And When to Use Laundry Services or Laundromats
Washing clothes while traveling isn’t always worth the effort.
Sometimes, using a laundry service or laundromat saves time, hassle, and even money.
When Washing Clothes Yourself Makes Sense
✓ Small laundry loads
✓ Lightweight or quick-dry clothes
✓ Short stays
✓ No washing machine available
✓ You need clothes the same or next day
When to Use Laundry Services or Laundromats
✓ Large laundry loads
✓ Thick clothing (jeans, hoodies)
✓ Long stays
✓ Limited drying options
✓ You want everything washed at once
• Self-washing is cheap, but takes time
• Laundry services cost more, but save time
• In many countries, these services are very affordable
Cost And Time Reality Check
In Southeast Asia, laundry services often cost only a few dollars and save hours.
Final Takeaway
There’s no “right” or “wrong” choice. Use whatever fits your situation best and keeps your travel simple.
➡ Next up: Washing Clothes on a Road Trip
How to Wash Clothes on a Road Trip
Washing clothes on a road trip works a little differently than in hotels or Airbnbs.
You’re more flexible but you also need to be a bit more creative.
The good news: with a simple setup, washing and drying clothes on the road is easy.
On road trips, you often don’t have:
✓ A proper sink
✓ A washing machine
✓ A fixed place to dry clothes
But you do have:
✓ More space
✓ Access to water at campsites or gas stations
✓ Your car as a mobile drying room
What You Need (Road Trip Version)
Essentials (do this every time)
✓ Laundry detergent sheets
✓ Collapsible bucket or dry bag (10–20L)
✓ Microfiber towel
Nice-to-Have (makes it way easier)
✓ Small sponge (for dirt and stains)
✓ Travel clothesline
✓ Carabiner / Hero Clip
✓ Travel hangers
Step 1 — Find a Good Water Spot
Best options:
✓ Campsites (usually easiest)
✓ Outdoor taps
✓ Gas stations (sometimes have taps)
✓ Public bathrooms (only if appropriate)
Always be respectful and avoid washing directly in natural water sources.
Rule: Don’t wash directly in rivers, lakes, or the ocean.
Step 2 — Set Up Your Washing Station
Use either:
✓ Collapsible bucket (most comfortable), or
✓ Dry bag (most compact)
Fill with warm water if possible.
Add a small piece of a detergent sheet, you don’t need much.
Step 3 — Add Clothes (Small Batches)
Best items for road trip washing:
T-shirts Socks
Underwear Gym / quick-dry clothes
Avoid overloading the bucket or bag.
If clothes can’t move, they won’t get clean.
Step 4 — Agitate And Rinse
Agitate the clothes for 3–5 minutes:
Press, squeeze, and move them around.
Let everything soak for 10 minutes.
Drain the dirty water, refill with clean water, and gently squeeze the clothes.
Repeat until the water runs mostly clear.
Drying, Car Setup + Backup Plans
(For Road Trip Laundry)
Drying clothes on a road trip is often the trickiest part. Weather, time constraints, and constant movement can make it challenging. Here’s how to handle it like a pro.
How to Dry Clothes on a Road Trip
Good options for drying on the road:
✓ Clothesline between doors or roof racks
✓ Travel clothesline between branches (campsites)
Inside the car:
✓ Hang clothes from grab handles or hooks
✓ Crack windows slightly for airflow
Always remove excess water first using the towel roll method.
Using Your Car as a Drying Room
Turn your car into a mobile drying chamber.
✓ Crack windows slightly, fresh air works better than heat
✓ Hang clothes from grab handles, hooks, or roof racks
✓ Spread clothes out; never pile them
✓ Park in a shaded but breezy spot
✓ Avoid drying while driving if clothes block visibility
Overnight car drying often works surprisingly well.
Backup Plan for Bad Weather or Limited Drying Time
Backup Plan for Bad Weather or Limited Drying Time
✓ Wait it out if the weather is expected to clear soon
✓ Drive to a drier, breezier area
✓ Use a laundromat
No shame in going for Plan B.
Sometimes it’s simply the smarter move.
When to Use a Laundromat on a Road Trip
✓ Large laundry loads
✓ Thick clothes (jeans, hoodies)
✓ Several days of wet or humid weather
Using a laundromat once in a while can save a lot of time and frustration.
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