Tips for traveling doing laundry on the road

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Perhaps a dull, but necessary chore while traveling is getting your laundry done. Two easy solutions are (1) to bring enough clothing for each day so you shouldnt have to worry about laundry until your return, or (2) send your laundry out for cleaning; a service provided by many hotels. Both of these options work but can be inconvenient if you need to travel light or are traveling for an extended period of time, and can add an unwanted expense.

Consider some of these options:

Bring along an additional mesh or plastic bag to separate your dirty clothes from your clean clothes. Tuck in some smaller self-sealing bags for wet socks, bathing suits, or something that might get severely stained. Add travel size detergent (powder or liquid) that will dissolve in cold water; hot water may not be handy. Throw in a flat, rubber drain stopper and a few dryer sheets too. The dry sheets will keep all your clothes, clean or dirty, smelling nice as an added bonus. Clip this laundry-prep kit together with a few clothespins.

For quick washing in a hotel or campground sink or tub, use the rubber stopper to plug the drain then fill the sink/tub with water (hot if available). Add clothing and a small amount of detergent, hand wash, drain, rinse and hang to dry. If something is particularly delicate or stained, place the clothing article in a self-sealing bag, add water and detergent, seal and shake vigorously. Allow to sit for up to 30 minutes if needed. Shake once more, drain, rinse and dry. The bag can be reused so allow it to dry as well.

For large loads of laundry, youll have to find a Laundromat. Even the smallest town has them; check yellow pages, the Internet, a local mall, or simple ask.

Many Laundromats have cleaning services where, for a charge, you drop off your clothing and pick it up later. This may be ideal for a town or city that can keep your interest with tourist attractions, museums or a movie theater. Just drop off, enjoy the show and pick up your clean clothing later that day.

If budgeting, start harboring quarters. Film canisters are ideal for holding quarters as they accumulate along the way C they hold up to $7 worth. Bring your laundry supplies, a good book or game, thank you note cards or post cards.

Always check the inside of washers and dryers before using them and clean the dryers lint filter before you use it. Dont leave your clothing unattended, but making friends in the Laundromat by watching others laundry will enable a return favor and a quick run to the store or bathroom will be possible. Remove your clothing as soon as possible from the machines; your consideration will be appreciated. Fold your clothing as soon as they emerge from the dryer to eliminate the most wrinkles.

Ironing presents a bigger issue. Travel irons are compact and easy to use if electricity is available. Many cleaners will iron clothing the same day for a small charge, but the easiest and smartest thing to do is to pack clothing that can be worn without ironing.

With a bit of pre-planning regarding your travel area, and packing; and perhaps a large number of quarters, laundry on the road wont be such a chore. There are Laundromat stories where long-lost or irresistible charms have won out over a shared dryer sheet - give it a shot.