Whether you're backpacking through Europe, lounging at a beach resort, or embarking on a family road trip, managing laundry can be a challenge. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can keep your clothes fresh without letting laundry chores dampen your vacation spirit.
Pack Smart: Choose the Right Clothes
Opt for Quick Drying Fabrics
Materials like merino wool, lightweight linen, and synthetic blends (such as polyester and nylon) tend to dry faster than heavier fabrics, making them ideal for travel. Merino wool is especially great for outdoor adventures - it resists odors and can often be worn more than once between washes.
Capsule Outfits
Capsule wardrobes are having a moment and for good reason! Pack basic, neutral colors that are less likely to show dirt and can be easily mixed and matched. This reduces how often you need to do laundry while still giving you the flexibility to create dozens of outfit combos.
Limit Bulky Items
Pack lightweight layers instead of heavy garments to save space and make washing/drying easier. If you're traveling in Europe, steer clear of items like heavy cotton and denim unless you're okay skipping a wash or waiting a couple of days for them to air-dry.
Laundry Options While Traveling
Available Laundry Facilities
Many hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals offer access to washing machines. However, in some regions (Europe, for example), dryers are uncommon. Plan laundry days accordingly as air-drying can take up to two days in humid weather or with heavy fabrics.
Self-Service Laundromat
Laundromats are widely available in cities and can be a cost-effective than laundry services. Just remember to bring your own detergent and coins, as not all facilities provide them.
Hand Washing in Your Accommodation
For smaller items or when machines aren't accessible, hand washing is a practical option. We prefer using the bathtub (more space and easier to soak items), bu a sink workds too -- just bring a universal sink stopper.
- Tip: While you can buy detergent on vacation, bringing your own travel-sized detergent ensures you have what you need and cuts down on waste. We love Dropps Laundry Detergent pods - they're compact, TSA-compliant, effective and available in multiple formulas and scents (plus fragrance-free). We've flown with them many times with no issues!
Drying Clothes Without A Dryer
Use Drying Racks or Clotheslines
Many accommodations offer drying racks or have outside clotheslines. If not, hang clothes on hangers in well-ventilated areas, such as near windows or balconies. We're also a fan of getting creative: a shirt on a bathroom hook and a dress on a plastic chair. Just avoid hanging on porous surfaces like wood, which may absorb moisture and get damaged.
The Towel Roll Technique
After washing, lay your damp garment on a dry towel, roll it up tightly, and press to absord excess water. This method reduces drying time significantly and is best for those bulk items.
Heated Towel Racks or Radiators
In some places, bathrooms are equipped with heated towel racks or metal radiators. These are great for speeding up drying. Always place a towel between your clothing and the heat source to avoid damage.
Maximize Airflow
To speed up the air-drying time, ensure adequate air circulation. Use fans or open windows to create drafts that help dry your clothes.
Travel Laundry Kit Essentials:
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Travel-Sized Detergent: Opt for concentrated detergent pods or sheets to shave space and comply with airline regulations. We swear by Dropps - powerful, portable, planet-friendly, and formulation options for your own family.
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Universal Sink Stopper: Useful for hand washing in sinks without stoppers (and yes, Rick Steves recommends it!)
- Foldable Hangers: Super handy for drying clothes in your room.
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Dirty Laundry Bag: Keep worn clothes separate. Packing cubes, pillowcases, even garbage bags - we’ve seen it all. Use what works for you.
Last Tips for Efficient Laundry on the Go
- Plan laundry days around your travel schedule - especially if drying time ins needed.
- Spot-clean stains immediately to avoid setting them in. When in doubt, water and dish soap!
- Wash delicates more often and rewear outer layers to extend time between washes.
- Always double-check care tags - especially for new or delicate items.
By planning ahead and staying flexible, laundry doesn’t have to be a hassle on vacation. You’ll travel lighter, feel fresher, and have more room in your bag for souvenirs (or snacks). Safe travels and clean clothes!