Whatever adventures you’re getting up to this summer, there’s one thing you can’t forget on your packing list: a laundry plan. Unless you’re lucky enough to have a cleaning service at your destination, you’ll need to get creative to wash your wardrobe on the go.
This is especially true for backpacking trips, where packing light means lots of washing for the few garments you do have. Need to learn how to wash clothes while traveling?
From products to techniques, here’s how to stay fresh on the road all summer long!
How to Wash Clothes While Traveling
Compact Products For Easy Packing
No matter how many amazing products fill your laundry room, your clothes can get a decent clean with just a few basics.
When it comes to detergent, you can’t go wrong with a solid laundry bar. It’ll pass TSA problem-free, and you can cut it into smaller pieces to lighten a camping load!
Another similar solution is a powdered detergent, which is heavily favored by backpackers for its biodegradability.
If you can’t imagine laundry day without your favorite formula, simply fill a few travel-size shampoo bottles with your go-to detergents and fabric softeners.
On the stain removal front, you might be able to use other items on your packing list to use. In a pinch, both hydrogen peroxide and talcum powder can lift a stain. Read this blog before your trip to learn how.
How to Wash Clothes In a Sink
Sink washing might not be ideal, but with the right technique, you can still get great results.
Whether you’re in a hotel room or found a wash basin at your campground, our Ultimate Guide to Hand-Washing Your Clothes will get you up to speed:
After reading your garments’ labels to check for special instructions, clean and fill your sink with cold or lukewarm water.
Add a regular dose of detergent and mix until it’s dissolved.
Submerge your garment, and gently rub until it’s immersed in the soapy solution.
Rise out the garment with fresh water, squeeze out excess liquid, and repeat.
Once the garment is clean, rinse it under cold water until the suds are gone.
If you don’t have a drying rack, wedge your damp clothing between two clean towels. After a few hours, they should be good to go!
For the Backpackers: Laundry in the Wild
First things first: don’t attempt laundry in a river, lake, or stream. It’s not eco-friendly, and your clothes risk exposure to water-living organisms. Instead, use a gallon-sized ziplock bag! Here’s how:
Fill your bag halfway with slightly warmed water.
Add your garments and detergent, leaving a dash of space at the top.
Shake the bag vigorously for 5-10 minutes.
Pour the dirty water out at least 200 feet from a natural water source.
Refill the bag with clean water, shake it a few minutes more, wring out your garments, and hang them to dry.
Congratulations, you now know how to wash clothes while traveling! When you get home, we’ll be on hand to help you catch up on cleaning. Search “laundry near me” to find your local WaveMAX, or head to our website to schedule a laundry service pick-up on your return date.
