If you decide to go on a backpacking trip, or simply a really long vacation, you will eventually need to wash your clothes at least once a week. Staying clean and well-maintained while travelling can be tricky but is certainly not impossible.
If you chose to mainly reside in cities, the laundry issue may be easily resolved. In many towns, there are laundromats that will help you with cleaning all your garments, bags, and even jackets. The best part is that they also have dryers and are relatively inexpensive.
However, if you are in a small town or somewhere remote, you may not be as lucky. There, however, are some amazing tricks you can use in order to keep your luggage clean and fresh even when travelling for a long time and not having a base.
To avoid packing too much, choose thin, breathable clothes that you can layer and easily wash. Fabrics that take a long time to dry are also not the best choice for travelling. Keep reading to find out some of the best ways in which you can properly clean your clothes.
Bathtubs and sinks
If you are staying in a hostel/hotel and there is a large sink or a bathtub in your room, make sure you take advantage of it. While bathtubs are great for washing larger pieces, the bathroom sink is perfect for a quick wash of underwear, socks, shirts, and small tops. Make sure you always wash the tub/sink, since you never know who has been using it before you. Grab a cleaning solution or a disinfectant, give them a good scrub and begin washing your clothes. Fill the basin with warm water and pour some laundry detergent inside. Place your garments in the soapy water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes. Then give them a gentle scrub and wring them out. Remove the water, and use the shower head or tap to rinse them thoroughly. To dry them, use the shower curtain railing, or the shower cabin edge. If you want to be sure you will have a place to dry clothes for sure, carry a bit of cord/clothesline with you. You can put a line or two in the bathroom or outside on the balcony.
Laundry bags will save the day
The most important thing when travelling for a longer period (especially if you are backpacking) is to be organised. Always carry a few mesh bags to store your dirty clothes. You want to avoid them mixing with the rest of your clean luggage. You can use those to wash your small items in as well.
Laundry detergent
For the proper cleaning of your clothes, some type of detergent will be needed. You can always use hand soap, shower gel, etc. (we suggest you use this as a last resort solution). The best thing you can do is purchase some mini laundry detergents. They come in travel sizes and you can bring them anywhere. If you struggle to find those in the store, grab a few empty travel size bottles and fill them with your favourite laundry detergent. You can do liquid and powder, depending on your preference.
The Aloksak bag method
These bags are lightweight and waterproof from the outside. They are the perfect companion for travelling. Whenever you want to do a quick wash, pour hot water in the bag, add some laundry solution, mix well, and add your dirty laundry. Once you are done, dump out the dirty water and replace it with fresh water. You can also use the showerhead or faucet tap to thoroughly rinse your garments.
Wash your body, wash your clothes
If you are too busy or lazy, take a few dirty clothes in the shower with you. You can wash the underwear and socks you were just wearing for example. Using a bar of soap or body wash will help you refresh them, make them smell clean, and save some of your precious time. Rub them with a bar of soap, scrub the dirty areas, then rinse them well under the running water. To remove most of the moisture, wrap the garments in towels, roll them up and squeeze.
Nature will help you
If you chose the adventurous way of travelling and decided to stick to mountains, forests, and camping, washing your clothes will not be that easy. However, many people used to (and still do it) wash their clothes in rivers, lakes, or creeks. You can do the same. If you are far away from big cities, the water will be clean enough and you will be able to wash all your clothes. You can use your hands or a brush. Just make sure you choose an environmentally friendly soap that will not disturb the wildlife.