Travel hacks to deal with laundry on the go

Chances are you’ve had to hand wash your clothes at some point on your holidays. Most people do as it’s easier to pack less and wash your clothes while you’re away, rather than stuffing your bags full of different outfits, and for many there may be no affordable laundry services close by.

So let us give you a few handy laundry hacks for your next trip:

Wash in the sink

It’s one of the most easiest and simple ways for holiday-makers to wash their clothes. All you have to do is plug the drain of a sink, add soap, fill with hot water and hand wash your clothes. Remember to pack a universal sink plug so you can easily wash your clothing anywhere, but a rolled up sock or washcloth works too!

Use a ziplock bag as a washing machine

A ziplock bag of washing powder and hot water is another great way to clean your clothes. First add a pinch of detergent then fill with hot water, add your dirty laundry and mix everything up for five minutes with your hand. Then, zip up the bag and allow your clothing to soak in the soapy water for another 10 minutes before thoroughly rinsing in the shower.

Use a towel

You can dry your clothes quickly and easily with this electricity-free travel hack. All you have to do is find two towels in your hotel room — or if one or both are wet you can improvise with a bathrobe, face towel or hand towel — and lay the first towel flat on the bed. Lay out your wet clothes in a single layer on top of it and roll up the towel tightly. Lay the second towel on the bed and roll the first towel in the second towel. This will put a lot of pressure on the clothes, expelling as much moisture as possible.

Break out the hairdryer

Your hairdryer is not just for drying and styling your hair. If you have access to a hairdryer, you can use it to quickly dry your clothing too. After washing your garment, wring it out properly to get rid of excess water. Place it on a flat surface and start drying. Once you’ve removed most of the moisture from your clothing, hang it up to dry — don’t use wooden hangers as it can stain your damp clothes. Instead, an iron board or shower curtain rod work pretty well.

Pack a drying line

Save yourself having to hang wet clothes all around the room and pack some string that you can rig up a clothesline with. Alternatively, you can purchase cheap travel clotheslines with suction caps either end – great for drying items in your hotel bathroom – online.

Pack eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is great for removing stains and spots on clothing. Add a few drops to your regular laundry powder or washing detergent and rub into the fabric. Let it soak into the fabric for 10 minutes before thoroughly rinsing. The great thing is, it will also add a fresh scent to your laundry.