Since travelling in a van full-time, I’ve modified the ways I do my basic chores. Doing laundry while travelling started out as something that would take days to get done. After some refining, I’ve shifted my laundry routine so it’s quick and easy.
This information is based off of my experience living and travelling in Australia. Other climates and even other cultures may not embrace the same tactics.
In Australia self-service options for laundry aren’t as common to come by. For this I included options for when self-service laundromats aren’t available.
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Equipment for Doing Laundry while Travelling in a Van
There’s a few essential items for doing laundry while travelling, for both van life and the laundry methods I recommend. At least a 10m rope, clothes pins, biodegradable laundry soap and a large bucket, container or bin (to wash clothes in).
The best material for the rope is either hemp or cotton. Cotton is cheaper and more widely available. Different from plastic-based ropes, the natural materials hold the clothing in place better for hanging clothes. I also find it much easier to tie knots in this rope—to go around trees, or poles. Biodegradable soap is essential.
The ‘organics’ brand is my favourite because it’s the cheapest (less than A$2 from Aldi). And, it comes in a small bottle, easy for storage. My bin, from IKEA is multi-purpose, I use it to house other outdoor gear when I’m not using it for washing.
These washing methods sum up my favourite methods for doing laundry while travelling.
Vehicle Washing
This method is best with a day of driving, at least a few hours as it uses the motion of a car moving to clean the clothes. The only materials needed are: water, soap, a bin and dirty clothes.
I use this method when I don’t have access to a washing machine/self-service laundromat. It’s usually not hard to find water, depending on where you’re travelling. Think electric BBQ stations and parks, I almost always find running water close by.
How it Works:
- Throw all dirty laundry in a bin or container. Preferably with a lid that sits on top. With the necessary soap and enough water so all the clothes are wet. Make sure it’s not too much water that it will splash out.
- Drive around, and the bin filled with said ingredients will soak and shake the laundry as a machine washer would to clean.
- After driving for a few hours, check the clothes and decide if it needs more driving, or ‘washing.’ When I notice a few clothes are still a bit dirty then I’ll just hand wash them one by one—usually only if there’s a stain. If the clothes are very soiled, I’d recommend doing another soap cycle before moving onto the rinse.
- Otherwise, if the clothes clean enough, drain the water and refill the bin as before with water to rinse out. For this part of the ‘cycle’ move the clothes around by hand to get the soap out. Or, drive around more as before to rinse clothes.
For drying, wring out and hang the clothes on the line. This is best when I’m spending a day at a campsite with good weather.
Self-Service Laundry
When possible, this is the most simple method. Just use the machines, pay, fold, then leave. The downside is that it isn’t always accessible. I found in many parts of cities and small towns alike self-service laundromats just aren’t always available.
Adding to the confusion, many shops don’t have websites which list their services. I had to rely on Google reviews and word of mouth to find laundromats that did self-service, it can be exhausting.
For the price, washing is around A$4 to A$7 and drying for about the same, or A$1 per 4-10 minutes.
This method is also great because unlike washing clothes by hand, using a washing machine is more consistent and just leaves the drying left to do. On that note, Australia has a great climate for drying clothes outside. It can sometimes be done all year-round in some areas. But there’s also something easy about doing the washing and drying at once to have it all done with.
Drop-off Service Laundry
The perfect option for those that want to drop off dirty laundry and pick it up clean and folded. It’s a great option for clothes that need special treatment such as ironing or dry cleaning—as laundromats can do it all.
This is the easiest method for doing laundry while travelling to explain. Find a spot that services drop-off laundry, drop off, then pick up later. If new to a city, I recommend asking locals or reading some Google reviews.
Hand Washing
Hand washing may be a last resort, but it has its place. This method is great for delicate clothing or if just a few things need to be washed at a time. Either way, using a bin, container or sink (that’s available and safe for an hour or so) blend enough laundry soap and water until all clothes are wet. Shake or mix clothes around so the soap is evenly distributed.
Next, let the clothes to sit for about an hour. In that time span, if the clothes are really dirty, dump the water and add more laundry soap and water, or mix the load more. Either way, after the clothes have soaked for a while, drain the water and lightly squeeze the clothes to remove additional water. To rinse add about the same about of water as before for washing.
I usually rinse about twice, or until the water comes out mostly clean from the clothes.
Tips for Hanging Clothes to Dry
Australia has an all-year climate for drying clothes outdoors, depending on the region. Hanging clothes to dry is obviously going to be quicker in hot dry climate than cool humid ones, but it does work.
I have the best outcome when clothes are in direct sunlight. Feel free to turn clothes inside out to avoid discolouration. Otherwise there isn’t much to it.
Avoid hanging clothes to dry in public places like beaches or parks. Some communities may not mind, but I’ve heard to police called on these situations. It’s better to do it at a campsite or another accommodation.
Interested in more van life tips? Check out my tips for how to eat on a budget while travelling Australia, how to choose a fridge, or how to travel without a fridge.
