Washing your clothes is an everyday chore that cannot be avoided even when traveling on the road. We do not want to be those nomads who go around in stinky clothes! What options are available so that your laundry stays on the top when you go caravanning on the road?
Here are some of the best clothes-washing options that you may want to try out.
Caravan park washing machines
Caravan parks are common in transit centers and showgrounds, even though not very convenient, you can use the coin-operated washing machine and dryer to wash your clothes. The method is ideal when you have pumped on a huge load of clothes while on the road and then wash them all off at one go. However, a common concern is that you are not sure of who washed what in the machine before you. So it is a chance that you may have to take when you use the public washing machine. You also run the risk of someone stealing your best hiking boots or other clothing whilst your wash is in the machine.
What we like…
- The big machine lets you wash your clothes in bulk
- Access to dryers as well
What we don’t like…
- Paid service which adds to your travel cost
- Machines are shared, so you may have to queue up at times
- Inconvenient as you will have to lug the detergent and the washing needs each time
- Wastes time sitting around and waiting for the wash to finish
This option is best for…
Caravan park washing machines are best for those who are on a short trip to clean your bedding or when you have piled up on a huge load.
Portable washing machine
Many caravans do not come with a built-in washing machine, and this is where you can use the portable caravan washing machines that let you wash from the comfort of your caravan. It is a convenient method that lets you do your laundry on the go.
You will, however, have to find a perfect storage place for the portable machine, which could be in the back of your car or in the shower too? Before you buy the portable washing machine, ensure that you have enough water supply in your caravan and a 240-volt power supply for the machine to run.
What we like…
- Handy to carry your machine
- Eliminates the fees of a laundromat
- The spin cycle reduces the drying time
What we don’t like…
- Need to allocate separate space for the machine
- Bulky
- Need to ensure enough water and power supply
This option is best for…
If you plan to be on a long trip and stay at one place for a long time, then the portable washing machine is something to consider
Hand washing in the specialized washing tub
Handwashing in a special washtub is another option to wash your clothes when caravanning. The collapsible laundry tub saves spaces, cost and it is convenient too.
What we like…
- Simple and easy to use
- Quick to set up
- Don’t need running water or power
- The tub is collapsible that does not need a lot of space
What we don’t like
- Takes time to clean the clothes
- Soaking wet clothes that need to be wrung manually
- No spin cycle, so clothes take longer to dry
This option is best for…
If you wish to save money and do not mind a little extra work and get your hands dirty, this is the best option.
Washbag
The wash bag has revolutionized the way of doing laundry. It is a strong wash bag that comes with an internally placed washboard. It folds down easily and also needs very less water for the wash. All you need to do is put the laundry in the wash bag and add water to the line marked with a detergent dash. Remove the air, and then rub your clothes along with the internal washboard. Please do it for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the wash level you desire. Then unclip and remove the dirty water, rinse if necessary and hang the laundry to dry.
What we like…
- Compact in size
- Uses very less water
- Does not need power
- No coins needed
What we don’t like…
- Needs manual washing
- Does not spin the cloth
- Takes a small load
This option is best for…
The option is perfect for a quick wash for a small load.
Simple bucket and lid
The old method of washing clothes when on the move, a simple bucket and load method, is where you put your clothes in a bucket, add water and some detergent, pop the load, roll the clothes back and forth, rinse it and hang it to dry. You may want to add a plunger that stops the water from spilling.
What we like…
- Needs less storage space
- Can be used without power
- Free to use
What we don’t like…
- Manual wash
- No spin-dry feature
This option is best for…
The option is best for those who still wish to continue with the traditional methods of washing clothes.
Conclusion
Now that you know perks and drawbacks of the five best options to wash your clothes when caravanning. Decide on an option based upon the weight and space, budget, and the amount of work involved in doing the laundry.
