Here’s a fun fact: I’ve done laundry on four continents. You might wonder why I spend a tiny part of my trips on laundry. Spills happen, sweat is inevitable, and fresh clothes make a huge difference in how I feel.
I still remember my first attempt in college, washing a few items in a tiny sink in Amsterdam and ending up with damp jeans and shirts that never felt fully clean. That experience taught me to find a better system.
Over the years, I’ve perfected the art of laundry while traveling, and I’ve come to enjoy it more than I expected. There’s something grounding about the routine in the middle of a busy trip. It makes me feel more like a local, signals that we’re on a trip longer than a week, and keeps my suitcase in order.
A closet with three hangers in our Auckland Hotel 
Laundry drying in Dubrovnik
In this article, I’ll share the essential items, strategies, and personal tips that help me stay refreshed, organized, and stress-free while on the road.
My Laundry While Traveling Essentials
Over the years, I’ve found a handful of items that make doing laundry while traveling not just manageable but actually (gasp!) enjoyable. These are the ones I always pack with me and have come to rely on for our longer trips.
1. Laundry Bag
Packing cubes that come with a laundry bag are a must. They keep dirty and clean clothes separate, which is a lifesaver on longer trips, and help me maintain an organized suitcase so I don’t have to dig around when it’s time to wash.
2. Foldable Hangers with Clips
After dozens of hotel and Airbnb stays, I realized most accommodations provide very few hangers. Bringing foldable hangers with clips has been a game changer, giving me a simple way to hang shirts, pants, and delicate items to air dry without taking up much space.
3. Travel Clothesline
A travel clothesline comes in surprisingly handy for drying leggings, lightweight clothing, and undergarments, especially in humid destinations or when accommodations don’t provide sufficient drying space. It packs small and really helps when you need to get creative with drying clothes.
4. Laundry Detergent Sheets
Laundry detergent sheets are one of my favorite travel finds. No leaks, no mess, and they’re easy to use for both small and larger loads. The perforated edges make it simple to tear off just what I need for a quick load.
5. Stain Remover Wipes
I always keep stain remover wipes on hand for the inevitable spills or mishaps. They’re compact, easy to pack, and a quick solution to keep clothes looking fresh between washes.
The essential items I pack for doing laundry while traveling 
My laundry essential items all packed up
With these essentials packed and ready, you’ll be set to tackle laundry while traveling with confidence and ease. I primarily use them for international trips, but they’re simple enough to bring along for a getaway closer to home too.
Tips for Doing Laundry While Traveling
Laundry while traveling has its quirks. After plenty of trial and error, I’ve picked up a few strategies that make laundry in a foreign country easier:
- Expect smaller washers abroad: Compact machines mean smaller loads, so plan to do laundry more frequently or in smaller batches to avoid overfilling.
- Use the highest spin cycle: This helps remove as much moisture as possible, cutting down drying time and letting you get back to exploring faster.
- Be mindful with 2-in-1 machines: Many rentals now offer washer–dryer combos. They can be convenient, but cycles run long and not every item dries well. Choose your cycle settings thoughtfully, especially for delicate or air-dry clothing.
- Plan extra time: Wash cycles often take 1.5–2 hours, and dryers can take 2–4 hours, so schedule accordingly and use the downtime to relax or explore nearby.
- Bring your own detergent: Not all rentals provide it, and having your own ensures clothes get truly clean and fresh.
- Know your symbols and temperatures: Machines abroad often use icons instead of English. Here’s a quick temperature conversion chart:
- 30°C / 86°F – Cold wash, good for delicates or lightly soiled clothes
- 40°C / 104°F – Warm wash, best for everyday clothing like t-shirts and jeans
- 60°C / 140°F – Hot wash, ideal for towels, sheets, or heavily soiled clothing
- 90°C / 194°F – Very hot wash, usually for sanitizing items
Understanding these settings not only keeps your clothes fresh but also makes it easier to plan where you’ll stay and when laundry fits into your trip.
P.S. Looking for more advice on traveling internationally? Don’t miss my guide with 35+ tips for a smoother trip abroad.
Choosing Accommodations with Laundry
When it comes to laundry while traveling, I stick to doing it in the comfort of our hotel room or vacation rental. It just feels easier and more convenient than dealing with shared or off-site machines.
Different regions handle laundry in unique ways, so it helps to know what to expect. For example, dryers are rare in much of Europe because energy costs are high and traditional drying racks are preferred. In many Asian cities, laundromats are common, and travelers often rely on these or small self-service machines rather than in-unit washers.
Understanding these habits makes it easier to plan ahead and avoid surprises. Here’s how I make sure we have the right setup:
If you’re booking a rental, having a washer (and dryer, if possible) can be a game changer. Hotels sometimes offer guest laundry rooms or laundry service, but I find rentals the most convenient since I can wash a load while relaxing or cooking dinner. Having a plan for when laundry happens during the trip makes it even easier to keep everything fresh and ready to go.
Strategically Planning Laundry Days
Not every stop on a trip needs laundry access, but I like to be strategic about when it will be most useful. Here’s how I plan for it on longer, multi-destination international trips:
- I try to plan for laundry about every five days, so I can pack less.
- For a two-week trip, that usually means scheduling a stay in the middle with laundry.
- On a three-week trip, I’ll often book two—one around days 5–7 and another near days 13–15. This keeps packing lighter and ensures I don’t run out of clean clothes halfway through the trip.
Laundry hanging in the streets of Dubrovnik 
Rugs drying on a balcony in Portugal
Packing with Laundry in Mind
I pack machine-washable, versatile clothing in similar color schemes so everything can mix and match, which helps reduce overpacking. I also consider fabric types and drying speed, so I can time laundry efficiently mid-trip. This approach keeps my suitcase organized, ensures fresh clothes, and makes the trip more relaxed and enjoyable.
The Joy of Fresh Clothes on the Road
There’s something unexpectedly satisfying about slipping into freshly laundered clothes halfway through a trip. Laundry while traveling may not be glamorous, but it becomes part of the journey.
It keeps routines organized and helps me feel more grounded wherever we land. Personally, I don’t mind managing laundry in a rental when possible; it’s clean, convenient, and leaves more time for actual exploring.
Want to make laundry while traveling internationally easier? Try these tips on your next trip to keep clothes fresh and routines smooth.
And if you’ve discovered your own laundry hacks or funny mishaps abroad, share them in the comments because we’re all just trying to keep our adventures a little cleaner.
With joy,
Bri
