Traveling is an exciting experience, but when the trip gets longer, keeping your clothes clean can be a challenge.
Whether you're exploring iconic cities, hiking mountains, or relaxing on the beach, having a plan for washing your clothes while traveling will help you save space in your suitcase and keep you comfortable.
Below, we share some helpful tips to help you master laundry while traveling—practically and efficiently.
1. Pack less and plan to wash along the way
One of the best travel tips is to pack light . Bringing only the essentials will allow you to move around more easily and leave extra room in your luggage for souvenirs or shopping.
To achieve this, it is important to be prepared to do laundry during the trip.
Tip: Wear clothes that dry quickly and are easy to wash, such as lightweight cotton t-shirts or sportswear.
These garments usually dry quickly and are ideal for hand washing at the hotel or at a laundromat.
2. Bring a travel laundry kit
Having a small laundry kit in your suitcase can make doing laundry while traveling much easier. This kit should include:
• Detergent sheets : Detergent sheets , like those from Hauss , are perfect for traveling.
They're lightweight, compact, and easy to use. Unlike liquid or powder detergents, they don't take up space or pose a risk of spillage in your luggage.
• Foldable Clothesline : A small, portable clothesline is ideal for hanging clothes in your hotel room or other accommodations. Options with suction cups or hooks are especially useful.
• Universal Drain Plug : If you're washing clothes in the hotel sink or bathtub, a universal drain plug can be very useful to ensure water doesn't run away.
• Clothespins : A few clothespins take up little space and are useful for securing clothes to the line or ensuring they dry properly.
3. Hand wash in the accommodation
If you don't have access to a laundromat, hand washing is a practical option.
All you need is a sink or bathtub, detergent sheets, and water.
Here's a quick guide to handwashing at your hotel:
1. Fill the sink with warm water and add a sheet of detergent.
2. Soak the garments and rub them gently, paying special attention to the dirtiest areas (necks, armpits, etc.).
3. Soak the clothes for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse them well under running water to ensure no detergent remains.
5. Wring out excess water without twisting the clothes too much to avoid damaging them.
6. Hang clothes on a clothesline or rack to air dry.
7. Done!
Additional tip: If you're short on time to dry clothes, place wet items on a clean towel, roll it up, and apply pressure to remove excess water before hanging it. This will speed up the drying process.
4. Use bags for dirty clothes
As you accumulate dirty clothes during your trip, it's important to keep them separate from clean clothes to avoid unpleasant odors or contamination.
Bring a special laundry bag that's breathable and washable. Cloth or mesh bags are ideal, as they allow air to circulate and help prevent dirty clothes from developing unpleasant odors.
Tip: If you don't have a laundry bag, a reusable plastic bag or the bags provided at dry cleaners can also work in a pinch.
5. Wash clothes in the shower
In situations where space or time is limited, a quick option is to wash clothes in the shower .
While showering, you can take advantage of the warm water flow to quickly clean some items, such as underwear or light t-shirts.
Use a detergent sheet and hang your clothes in the bathroom to dry.
Bonus tip: If you decide to wash clothes in the shower, be careful not to get the garments too wet before hanging them up.
Use a towel to dry them and speed up the drying process.
Having a laundry plan while traveling can save you time, suitcase space, and money.
With a little planning and the right products, like Hauss Laundry Sheets , you can enjoy your adventure with the peace of mind that knowing you'll always have fresh, ready-to-wear clothes.
Have a good trip!