
Doing laundry in a hotel room is a great way to save money and is common among budget travelers. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Pack the right supplies
- Mini laundry detergent and stain remover: Look for travel-sized options that won't take up much space in your suitcase.
- Travel-size drying rack or cord: These compact options are lightweight and foldable, making them perfect for travel.
- Leakproof zippered bags: These bags will contain any moisture or odours, ensuring your clean clothes stay fresh.
Step 2: Wash your clothes
- Using the bathtub or sink basin: Fill the tub or sink with warm water and add a small amount of laundry detergent. Place your clothes in and agitate them by gently rubbing the fabric together. After a few minutes, drain the soapy water and rinse the clothes thoroughly with clean water.
- Letting items soak before handwashing: If you have heavily soiled or stained items, fill the bathtub or sink with warm water and add a stain remover or laundry detergent. Place the stained items in the water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Rinsing thoroughly to remove detergent: Fill the tub or sink with clean water and rinse each item individually. Make sure to squeeze out the excess water after rinsing.
Step 3: Dry your clothes
- Hanging clothes with provided hotel hangers: Hang your clothes on the hangers and place them in a well-ventilated area of your room. You can also use the hangers to hang your clothes in the bathroom, where the steam from the shower can help expedite the drying process.
- Stringing up a drying line: Look for places in your room where you can securely tie a string or rope, such as between two furniture pieces or across a balcony.
- Laying flat on towels to air dry: Lay a clean towel on a flat surface, such as a bed or a table, and place your clothes on top. Press down on the clothes to remove excess water, then leave them to dry.
Step 4: Store and organise your clothes
- Rolling clothes to save space: Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space in your suitcase or dresser drawers. Rolled clothes are also less likely to wrinkle.
- Using plastic bags for clean and dirty clothes: Pack a few extra plastic bags in your luggage to separate your clean clothes from your dirty laundry.
Doing laundry in your hotel room can be a convenient and cost-effective way to keep your clothes clean while travelling. With the right supplies and techniques, you can stay fresh and save money during your trip!
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Wash clothes in | Hotel sink or tub |
Hotel room | |
Bathtub | |
Balcony | |
Shower | |
Travel washing bag | |
Laundromat | |
Laundry service | |
Self-service laundry option | |
Local laundry services |
What You'll Learn
Pack a portable wash bag
Packing a portable wash bag is a great way to do laundry in a hotel room, and there are a few different options to consider.
The first is the Scrubba Wash Bag, which is a lightweight, portable, and compact "washing machine" that you can use anywhere. It features a flexible inner washboard, which is backed by a grip surface to provide a machine-quality wash in just a few minutes. It's easy to use: simply fill the bag with water, clothes, and soap, roll and clip the bag, let out any air, rub the clothes to wash, and then rinse and dry. The bag is made from microbial- and hydrolysis-resistant polyether thermoplastic polyurethane, and it folds down to pocket size. It's ideal for travel, outdoor adventures, boating, and even laundry at home.
Another option is the Laundreez, which is a dry bag for laundry that has a clip closure. To use, fill the bag with water and add a few drops of detergent along with the clothes you’re washing. This portable washer can also be used as a dry bag or cooler. It features a cap nozzle for easy rinsing, as well as a removable mesh bag interior for delicates.
If you don't have access to either of these products, you can always use a simple ziplock bag. Add some detergent to a gallon-sized ziplock bag, work the soapy clothes to a lather, unzip, rinse, and hang to dry.
When it comes to detergent, it's best to avoid messy liquid detergents. Instead, opt for something like Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets, which start as solids and dissolve in water. These are also great for flying, as they don't need to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule and you don't have to worry about spills.
Concealing Laundry Room Pipes: DIY Tricks
You may want to see also
Do laundry in the shower
Doing laundry in the shower is a great way to save time and money when traveling. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do laundry in the shower:
Step 1: Prepare the clothes
Gather the clothes you want to wash and separate them by colour to prevent any colour bleeding. Check the clothing labels and set aside delicate items to be washed separately.
Step 2: Clean the shower
Before using the shower for laundry, ensure that it is clean. Dirt or residues in the shower can stain or discolour your clothes.
Step 3: Fill the shower with water and detergent
Fill the shower with lukewarm water and add a small amount of laundry detergent. Read the instructions on the detergent packaging to determine the appropriate quantity.
Step 4: Add your clothes
Place your dirty clothes into the shower. Wash only a few items at a time for best results. If you have a lot of clothing, consider using a bathtub instead.
Step 5: Wash your clothes
Swirl, swish, and knead your clothes in the soapy water for about 2 minutes. For more soiled areas or stubborn stains, spend extra time scrubbing them with your hands. You can also use a laundry scrubbing brush or washboard for better results.
Step 6: Rinse the clothes
Drain the dirty water and refill the shower with clean water. Place the clothes back into the shower and swish them around until no more soap suds come out. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
Step 7: Squeeze out excess water
After rinsing, gently squeeze the water out of your clothes. Be careful not to wring delicate items as it can damage the fibres and affect their shape. For delicate fabrics or heavier items, place them in a thick towel, roll it up, and gently press to absorb excess water.
Step 8: Hang your clothes to dry
Hang your clothes on a travel clothesline, shower rod, or clothing dryer rack. Ensure that you hang them in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, to speed up the drying process. Check the care instructions on your clothing labels, as some items may need to be laid flat to dry instead.
Tips for doing laundry in the shower:
- Always carry a sink/tub stopper, a travel clothesline, and a small bottle of laundry detergent when travelling to make the process easier.
- If you're staying in a hotel, check if there are any restrictions on doing laundry in the shower, as some hotels may discourage it due to potential mess and water wastage.
- Synthetic fabrics tend to dry faster than natural fibres, so consider packing clothes made of polyester, nylon, or other synthetic materials.
- If you're short on space, opt for laundry detergent sheets, powders, or bars instead of liquid detergents.
Laundry Room Cabinets: Easy Installation Guide
You may want to see also
Bring a travel clothes line
A travel clothesline is an essential item to pack if you plan to do laundry in your hotel room. It allows you to hang up your garments to dry overnight, and you can attach it to a variety of places, including a towel rack, shower rod, door handle, or even a tree if you're camping.
There are several types of travel clotheslines available, including:
- Braided elastic lines: These lines have a braided design that allows you to attach laundry without clothespins. They usually come with loops or hooks at each end for easy attachment.
- Lines with clothespins: These lines have plastic or stainless steel clothespins attached, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own.
- Retractable lines: These lines are typically made of plastic or nylon and can be extended to the desired length. They often have hooks or carabiners at each end for easy attachment.
When choosing a travel clothesline, consider the length of the line, the weight it can hold, and how easy it is to set up and pack. If you plan to wash a lot of clothing or heavier items, you may need a longer and sturdier line.
In addition to a travel clothesline, you may also want to pack some extra carabiners or velcro straps to give you more attachment options. It's also a good idea to test out your travel clothesline at home before your trip to familiarise yourself with how to use it.
Laundry Room Stench: Why?
You may want to see also
Pack a plain stain stick
Packing a plain stain stick is a great idea when doing laundry in a hotel room. It's a good idea to keep a stain stick in your backpack or bag for quick fixes on the go. Stain sticks are small and portable, making them ideal for travel. They can be used to treat stains on the spot and can be left on clothing for up to a week before washing. This is especially useful if you don't have access to a washing machine or laundry facilities right away.
Stain sticks are easy to use and can be applied by rubbing them directly onto the stain. They are safe to use on most colourfast washables and can be used in all water temperatures. They are also safe to use on delicate fabrics such as silk, as long as you test them on a small area first.
There are a variety of stain sticks available on the market, including the Spray 'n Wash Pre-Treat Laundry Stain Stick and the OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Gel Stick. These products typically come in packs of one or three and are affordable, making them a convenient and cost-effective solution for treating stains when doing laundry in a hotel room.
Laundry Room Odor: Quick Fixes
You may want to see also
Bring your own detergent and supplies
Doing laundry in a hotel room is a great way to save money and is common among budget travelers. However, be sure to be a good guest and do it without making a mess or wasting water.
- Travel-sized laundry detergent is a must-have for doing laundry in a hotel room. Look for liquid, powder, or sheet detergents that are biodegradable and phosphate-free. Some good options include Woolite travel packets, Tide Packets, and Sea to Summit Laundry Wash. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a fragrance-free, non-bio, and enzyme-free formula.
- A sink stopper or bath stopper is essential for doing laundry in a hotel room. It helps you plug the drain in the sink or tub so you can fill it with water for handwashing. The Do it Best Rubber Stopper and Mudder Silicone Stopper are good options that fit most sinks and tubs.
- A travel clothesline is necessary for hanging up your clothes to dry. Look for one that is portable and lightweight, with hooks or suction cups for easy attachment. Some recommended options include the Going in Style line, HAWATour portable clothesline, and solotrekk Deluxe Washing Line.
- If you want to save space, consider using dryer sheets or a laundry bar instead of liquid detergent. Dryer sheets can also help keep your clothes soft and static-free. Just be sure to choose a non-toxic brand.
- A travel laundry bag or cube is ideal for storing your dirty laundry and keeping it separate from your clean clothes. The Wash Me Bag, Map Drawstring Bag, and Large Mesh Bag are some good options to consider.
Frequently asked questions
If you want to wash your clothes in a hotel room, you can use the hotel sink or tub. First, pre-rinse your clothes to get rid of any dirt. Then, fill the sink or tub with water and detergent, and knead the clothes with your hands. Drain the dirty water, squeeze the clothes to remove excess water, and set them aside. Refill the sink with clean water, and rinse the clothes. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
To dry your clothes, you can use a travel clothesline. Hang your garments up, and they should be dry by the next morning. If they're not, you can use a hairdryer to finish the job.
It's a good idea to bring your own laundry detergent and stain remover, as well as a travel-sized drying rack or cord for drying your clothes. You should also bring leakproof zippered bags to store your dirty or wet clothes.
You should bring clothes that are made from materials that dry quickly, such as REI's Beyonder T-Shirt, Dash Hemp's Los Cabos Hemp Twill Walking Shorts, Patagonia's Quandary Pants, or Meriwool's 190 Base Layer T-Shirt. You should also bring darker clothes, as they will hold up better than lighter clothes after multiple wearings.
It's important to treat stains as soon as possible. Use a stain-removing pen, and be sure not to rub the stain, as this can cause it to penetrate more deeply.