Traveling with a family can be an incredible adventure, but it often comes with the challenge of managing laundry on the go. Whether you’re heading out on a week-long vacation or a multi-month journey, keeping your clothes clean and organized is crucial. Here’s a detailed guide with practical and easy tips to manage laundry while traveling with kids, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable trip.
Organizational Tips
1. Give Every Family Member a Laundry Bag
Assigning a personal laundry bag to each family member helps keep dirty clothes organized and prevents confusion.
Why It Works: Each person’s laundry bag allows for easy sorting and prevents mixing of dirty clothes. This is especially helpful with kids who might have different types of clothing that need separate attention.
Practical Tip: Choose bags with clear labeling and sturdy handles. Reusable mesh bags are a great eco-friendly option.
2. Buy Each Person One Type of Sock
Standardizing socks for everyone simplifies sorting and avoids the hassle of mismatched pairs.
Why It Works: When everyone wears the same type of sock, it’s easier to keep track of them and manage laundry loads. This also reduces the chances of losing socks and saves time.
Practical Tip: Opt for comfortable, durable socks that can be easily washed and dried. Consider buying in bulk to have extras on hand
3. Use a Dirty Laundry Bag
A dedicated dirty laundry bag helps keep soiled clothes separate from clean ones and avoids unpleasant odors.
Why It Works: A specific bag for dirty laundry prevents the spread of odors and keeps clean clothes protected. It also helps maintain organization.
Practical Tip: Opt for a bag with ventilation or odor-control features. Make sure it’s durable and easy to clean.
4. Organize With Suitcase Compartments or Separators
Using compartments or separators in your suitcase can help keep dirty and clean clothes apart.
Why It Works: Keeping dirty and clean clothes separate helps maintain organization and prevents cross-contamination. It’s also useful for quick packing and unpacking.
Practical Tip: Use packing cubes or separators with clear labeling to easily identify and access different types of clothing.
5. Utilize Ziplocks for a Dirty Clothes Bag
Ziplock bags are an easy and cost-effective way to store dirty clothes during travel.
Why It Works: Ziplocks keep dirty clothes contained and prevent odors from spreading. They are also easy to use and pack.
Practical Tip: Use different sizes of Ziplock bags for various types of clothing. Label each bag if needed for better organization.
Genius Hacks
1. Wash Jeans Inside Out to Prevent Fading
Turning jeans inside out before washing helps maintain their color and reduces wear.
Why It Works: Washing jeans inside out minimizes the friction that causes fading on the outer side of the fabric. This simple trick can extend the life of your jeans.
Practical Tip: Teach kids to turn their jeans inside out before packing them for laundry. It’s an easy habit to develop and helps keep clothes looking newer longer.
2. Several Smaller Loads Are Easier to Deal With Than One Ginormous Pile
Instead of waiting to do one large load, doing several smaller loads throughout the trip can be more manageable.
Why It Works: Smaller loads are easier to wash, dry, and fold. They also prevent overloading machines, which can lead to less effective cleaning and increased wear on clothes.
Practical Tip: Plan to do laundry every few days, especially if you have access to laundry facilities. This keeps the task manageable and ensures fresh clothes.
3. Ask the Kids to Check Pockets
Before packing dirty clothes, ensure that all pockets are emptied of items like tissues, coins, and small toys.
Why It Works: Checking pockets prevents small items from getting lost or damaging the laundry. It also avoids potential messes in the washing machine.
Practical Tip: Make it a routine for kids to check their pockets before placing clothes in the laundry bag. This can be turned into a fun game to make it more engaging for them.
Accommodation and Travel Tips
Accommodation with a Self-Service Laundry Option to Save Time
Choosing accommodations that offer self-service laundry facilities can save time and effort.
Why It Works: Access to on-site laundry means you can wash clothes as needed without needing to find a laundromat or wait for a laundry service. It’s convenient and cost-effective.
Practical Tip: Look for hotels or rental properties that include laundry facilities in their amenities. Check reviews or contact the property directly to confirm.
2. Travel by RV or Campervan
Traveling in an RV or campervan often includes a built-in washing machine, making laundry on the road much easier.
Why It Works: An RV or campervan with a washing machine provides the flexibility to do laundry whenever needed, without relying on external facilities.
Practical Tip: Ensure that your RV or campervan is equipped with laundry facilities before booking. Bring laundry detergent and other supplies to use on the road.
Portable Solutions
1. Travel Clothesline
A travel clothesline is a portable solution for drying clothes quickly in your accommodation or while camping.
Why It Works: A clothesline allows you to air-dry clothes without needing a dryer, which is useful when you don’t have access to laundry facilities.
Practical Tip: Choose a lightweight, compact clothesline that can be easily set up in various locations. Be mindful of drying times and space limitations.
2. Travel Washing Bag
A travel washing bag allows you to wash clothes by hand, using minimal water and detergent.
Why It Works: Useful for quick washes of small items or when traveling to places without laundry facilities. It’s a handy tool for maintaining fresh clothing.
Practical Tip: Invest in a high-quality washing bag designed for travel. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal use.
3. Portable Washing Machines
Compact, portable washing machines are ideal for travelers staying in places without laundry facilities.
Why It Works: A portable washing machine provides a convenient way to do laundry without relying on public facilities, especially for extended stays.
Practical Tip: Choose a portable washing machine that is easy to set up and use. Ensure it fits in your accommodation space and has adequate capacity for your needs.
Helpful Hints
1. Spritz Dirty Laundry With Febreze
Spritzing dirty laundry with Febreze helps neutralize odors and keep clothes smelling fresh.
Why It Works: Febreze reduces unpleasant smells and can extend the time between washes, especially for items that are not heavily soiled.
Practical Tip: Use Febreze sparingly and only on items that can tolerate the spray. Test a small area first to ensure no adverse reactions with fabrics.
2. Towels and Clothes Dry Quickly
Choosing quick-drying materials for towels and clothes can make laundry more manageable while traveling.
Why It Works: Quick-drying fabrics reduce the time and space needed to dry clothes, making it easier to manage laundry on the go.
Practical Tip: Invest in microfiber towels and moisture-wicking clothing. These materials dry faster and are lighter to pack, saving space and time.
3. Be Cautious with Low-Quality Clothes from Local Markets
Cheap clothes bought from local markets in Asia can sometimes bleed color, which can ruin other clothes during washing.
Why It Works: Being aware of the potential for color bleeding can save your other clothes from getting stained or ruined. It helps in making informed choices about where and what to buy.
Practical Tips:
- Test Before Washing: Wash new clothes separately the first time to see if they bleed color. Use cold water to minimize color bleeding.
- Use Color Catchers: These sheets are designed to absorb and trap loose dyes during the wash cycle, preventing colors from running onto other clothes.
- Hand Wash: Hand washing new or brightly colored clothes can prevent them from damaging other garments. Use a gentle detergent designed for color care.
- Buy Higher Quality: Invest in better quality clothing when possible to avoid issues with color bleeding. Sometimes, spending a little more can save you time and hassle in the long run.