How to Do Laundry While Traveling in the USA (Hotels, RVs, & Hostels)
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Traveling can be exhilarating, but packing light and keeping your clothes clean on the road? Not so much. Whether you're relaxing in a hotel room, RVing across the country, or bunking at a hostel, laundry while traveling doesn’t have to eat up your valuable vacation time or suitcase space. With the right tools, tips, and a little know-how, washing clothes on the go can be simple and effective.
Here’s your ultimate guide to washing clothing while exploring the USA, covering hotel laundry services, compact laundry supplies, and everything in between.
Why Laundry While Traveling Matters
When packing light, it’s impossible (and unnecessary) to bring your entire wardrobe. With just a few pieces, like t-shirts, jeans, and other synthetic fabrics that air dry quickly, you can optimize your luggage space. But to avoid the extra cost of buying fresh clothes or the frustration of sorting through damp or dirty laundry, having a reliable system for washing laundry on the go is key.
Here’s how you can keep your clothing fresh no matter where you are.
Options for Laundry While Traveling
1. Hotel Laundry Services
One of the most convenient options is to take advantage of your hotel’s laundry service. Many hotels in the USA offer same-day dry cleaning or laundry service, which can be a lifesaver if you’re short on time. While this option saves effort, it can come with an extra cost.
Pro Tip:
Most hotel rooms are also equipped with features that make hand washing easy. Use the hotel sink or the bathroom sink with a sink stopper to soak items like t-shirts, socks, or delicate garments in soapy water, then hang clothing to dry overnight.
Suggested product:
“Wash Me & Wear Me” Canvas Laundry Bag – A compact solution for keeping dirty and clean delicates separate. Great for organizing during your stay.
2. Self-Service Laundry Facilities
If you’re staying in a motel or hostel, check for on-site self-service laundry facilities or a communal laundry room. These are great for travelers who need to wash larger loads, offering access to washing machines and dryers.
Most laundromats also have detergent vending machines, though packing a travel-sized bottle of your own laundry detergent or detergent sheets is often more affordable and eco-friendly.
Essentials to Pack:
- Detergent pods or laundry soap sheets (easy to pack and mess-free).
- Quarters for coin-operated machines.
- A Reusable Swim Bag for organizing damp or freshly laundered clothes and preventing leaks.
3. Local Laundromats
When your accommodation doesn’t offer laundry facilities, heading to a local laundromat is another reliable choice. Look for easily accessible ones when planning your trip. Be sure to check the local language to understand instructions on detergent use, timing, and ironing boards.
Packing personal supplies like a Travel Laundry Bag, dryer sheets, and a compact clothes line will make the process easier.
Quick Tip:
Scout for laundromats during downtime to avoid spending valuable vacation time hunting for one in a pinch. Roll your wet laundry in a microfiber towel to squeeze out excess water before air drying.
4. RV Travel & Portable Solutions
For road-trippers or campers, washing clothing can get creative. Use a Scrubba Wash Bag, which doubles as a mini washing machine with minimal water. After washing, find a spot to hang clothing using a clothes line, shower rod, or towel rack.
What to Keep On Hand:
- Summit Laundry Wash for its travel-friendly size.
- Biodegradable laundry soap for sensitive skin.
- Collapsible Laundry Basket for storing clothes neatly in your RV.
5. Hand Washing Essentials
If your travels take you to rural areas without self-serve laundromats, hand washing may be your only option. Use the hotel sink or even the bathtub with hand soap, dish soap, or your pre-packed laundry detergent. Generate soap suds with cold water, give clothes a scrub, and rinse thoroughly.
Lay flat to dry on a shower curtain rod or drape over furniture for faster air drying. Need items to dry overnight? Wring out damp clothing, then roll tightly in a microfiber towel to absorb moisture before hanging.
6. Hostels with DIY Laundry
Hostels are often equipped with self-service laundry facilities, but space and availability may be limited. Be courteous and avoid leaving clothes unattended. If machines aren’t available, opt for hand washing in the sink, then hang clothing on a towel rack or shower curtain.
Pro Tip:
Use your own laundry soap to avoid irritating sensitive skin or risking quality issues with hostel-provided detergent.
Smart Packing Tips for Laundry on the Go
To make the process as seamless as possible, here are some key things to bring:
Travel-Size Laundry Supplies
- Detergent pods, detergent sheets, or travel-sized bottles of detergent.
- Multi-purpose items like dish soap or hotel soap for a quick clean.
- A Scrubba Wash Bag for a portable “washing machine” and a Reusable Swim Bag to hold wet clothes.
- Travel Fanatics Travel Laundry Bag to separate clean clothes from dirty items.
Drying Gear
- Clothes line for hanging laundry anywhere.
- Microfiber towel to absorb water from wet laundry fast.
- Dryer sheets or folded newspapers to keep clean clothes smelling fresh.
- Washing bags to protect delicates in the washing machine. Check them out here: Travel Washing Bags - 2 Pack.
Multi-Use Clothes
Choose versatile clothing that dries quickly and doesn’t take up too much space in your luggage. Think lightweight t-shirts, tee shirts, and items made of synthetic fabrics that can be hand-washed and left to air dry.
Accessories That Save Space
Invest in packing cubes or one of Travel Fanatics’ laundry products for ultra-organization. Challenge yourself to pack for a one bag trip and wash laundry as needed, instead of bringing extra clothes.
Wrapping It Up
From hostels equipped with self-serve laundry facilities to creative hand-washing solutions, you’ll always find a way to keep your clothes clean while exploring the USA. By planning ahead, bringing key laundry supplies, and knowing your options like hotel laundry services or local laundromats, you’ll save time, money, and space in your luggage.
Say goodbye to heavy packing and hello to fresh, clean clothes for every adventure! Check out Travel Fanatics’ "Wash Me & Wear Me" Laundry Bag, Reusable Swim Bag, and Travel Laundry Bag to make your travel laundry game stress-free and efficient.
Happy travels!
