As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Introduction To RV Laundry
Table of Contents
Ever wonder how to wash clothes in an RV? Or how to do laundry while traveling? Dirty clothes are part of life! This may not be the first thing that you think about when you dream of the RV lifestyle or traveling full time. It is however, an important consideration and something that needs to be addressed. What do full-timers do about laundry on a daily basis?
Many options exist for washing clothes on the road and while living in an RV. This article will present, in detail, many laundry alternatives for all of your washing needs. It also contains a video of how to use a hand-cranked portable washing machine for those of you who are interested in learning how to use one. Enjoy!!
Ways To Get Your Clothes Clean: RV Laundry
- Laundromat
If you are staying close enough to a small town, one option is to seek out a laundromat to get your clothes washed and dried.
Pros: The cost is minimal. The machines are usually high efficiency, which means that they usually get the job done quickly.
Cons: You have to seek out a business and give up part of your day to go and do laundry.
2. Use of an RV Washer and Dryer in Unit
Many larger RV’s have the advantage of having a washer and dryer hoot up installed when purchased or the option to have one installed. This makes it easy to do your laundry right from the comfort of your own tiny home.
Pros: You get to do laundry from home.
Cons: Many RV’s don’t have them. They will use up a lot of energy when boondocking. They do very small loads.
3. Campground Facilities
Many campground facilities offer laundry facilities. This is great if the amenity is offered.
Pros: You don’t have to venture far from where you are camped to wash your clothing. The cost is usually small. Sometimes they are free of charge.
Cons: There is a cost to use the facility in most cases. Many times you have to wait for your turn which means that you are giving up part of your valuable time. Theft could be a concern if you leave your valuables unattended.
4. Hand Wash Your RV Laundry
Many RV’ers and campers choose to hand wash their clothing or some pieces of their clothing.
Pros: You have control of your time. There are no business hours for your bucket. You can control how clean your clothing gets. It is free.
Cons: You may not always have access to clean water or a lot of water, depending on where you are camped. This is especially true for boondockers. It is manually more difficult.
5. Truck Stops
Truck stops often times have laundry facilities available for truckers and can be used by RV’ers. Be sure that when you park at a truck stop that you are parked in an RV designated spot. Do not park in a Trucker’s spot. You will not get a kind reception.
Pros: Truck stop facilities are usually very clean. Hey, it is an option to clean your clothes if you need one.
Cons: You may have to travel to find one. It will cost around the same amount as a laundromat.
6. Wash and Fold
Wash and Fold services are available in some towns and cities. Just drop your dirty clothes off in a bag and pick them up clean and folded at a later, specified time.
Pros: It is super easy and convenient. You can enjoy your day engaging in other activities.
Cons: This is more costly than the other options on the list.
7. Sudshare
Sudshare is an app that you can download. It may not be available in all areas. Sudshare is a service where someone comes and picks up your laundry, takes it, washes it, and returns it to you (at your RV), washed and folded. It costs about $1 per pound. https://sudshare.com
Pros: It doesn’t take away any of your time and your laundry is completely taken care of.
Cons: It may not be available in every area. This costs more than some of the other options on the list.
8. Scrubba Bag
Scrubba bag is a bag that folds up super small. It has a type of washboard on the inside. This makes hand washing easier. Scrubba is also reusable, which is a major plus. This is a great option for RV’ers with less storage capabilities that want something in-between the bucket hand washing system and going to the laundromat.
- SAFELY WASH CLOTHES ANYWHERE, including in the comfort of your home; Thanks to its small size at 5 oz. it folds up in the palm of your hand; The Scrubba Wash Bag lets you avoid the risks of communal laundromats everywhere
- A CONVENIENCE THAT CAN’T BE BOUGHT: Rubbing clothes in a sink can take ages, it’s unhygienic and risky; Scrubba’s flexible scrubbing washboard allows for washing-machine like results in 3 minutes, and in the comfort of your apartment, RV, or camping tent
- VERSATILE AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL: Ideal for small to medium loads including dishcloths, underwear, socks, jocks, bras, delicates and more; Perfect for home use, traveling or camping where it turns into a dry bag to protect valuables
- RELAX AND CLEAN CLOTHES AT HOME: Trust the 240,000+ Scrubba users worldwide, and say goodbye to searching for and walking to laundromats or trusting harsh washers with your favorite garments thanks to the world’s smallest “washing machine”
- EASY TO USE, space and time-saving, and electricity free; With the simple six-step instructions displayed on the outside of the bag, anyone can wash clothes quickly, hygienically, and effectively – even kids
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Pros: It is eco-friendly. It doesn’t take up space and it is affordable at $55.
Cons: It requires some manual labor.
9. Portable Washers
Portable washers are a great option for those RV’ers who don’t have a full washer and dryer in their units but, want the option of washing clothing in their own homes. My husband and I have been using the WonderWash Mini Washing Machine for just about 8 months now and absolutely love it.
- PORTABLE: Wire-free MINI washer is perfect for travel, camping, or an apartment. This washer is intended to clean small items in under 2 minutes. Each load of laundry can clean up to one large bath towel and has a 5-pound capacity
- ECO-FRIENDLY: Manual crank operation uses no electricity and 90% less water than the standard machine, which reduces your footprint on the environment. Please note that this product does NOT have a spin dry cycle
- GENTLER ON CLOTHES: Best washer for woolens, silks, knits, cashmere, and other delicate garments. It does not have an agitator that can snag your clothes, making your favorite items last you longer
- HOW TO USE: Put the lid on and turn clockwise to fasten. While holding the lid firmly in place, push the lever down. A tight seal is necessary to prevent leaking. The suction cups are meant as an aid and do not prevent against 100% of movement
- TRUST THE LAUNDRY ALTERNATIVE: We stand by our products. Every item comes with a 3-year, comprehensive warra
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- ★- ZenStyle mini washing machine featured a powerful yet quiet 1300RPM motor with max frequency of 60Hz to ensure your clothes are thoroughly washed, rinsed and spun; Separate timer control design for washer and spinner to meet your different needs; Comes with a 78.8” length water inlet hose for easier filling water; Large capacity of totally 9.9lbs (Washer: 5.5lbs, Spinner: 4.4lbs)
- ★- Practical 2 in 1 twin tub design, one for washing and another one for spin drying; Dual functions allow you to wash the cloth and spin dry the cloth at the same time; Plastic body ensures the machine will never be rust eaten, blue transparent body design allows you to check your cloth anytime, conveniently and practically for daily life
- ★- Its compact and lightweight design allows you to move and transit the machine to anyplace; Easily to fit in most place such as bathroom or closet; Separate timer allows you to use the washer and spinner separately or together to save time; This is a perfect time/space/energy saving washing machine
- ★- Easy to operate the machine, simply put in your load of clothes, fill with water, set the timer and start washing/spinning, the washer and spinner can run at the same time; Separate time controller for the washer and spinner, maximum 15mins for washer and 5mins for spinner
- ★- With this mini twin tub washing machine you will no more trouble to do laundry in compact area or moving environment; This is your ideal washing machine choice for such as dorms, college rooms, apartments, RV’s, camping, traveling and more. Please feel free to contact us if you have any problems with your order. Replacement or Refu
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Pros: Very easy to use. Super affordable. Clothes get clean.
Cons: You can’t do large loads. You will still need to find a place to store it.
Options For Drying Clothing
- Outside Line Drying
Drying your clothing outside on a line is great if the weather is suitable. Many RV’s come equipped with a shower line as well.
- ✅ EASY TO INSTALL – YAMEAER retractable clothesline can be easily installed by women within a few minutes.
- ✅ EASY TO USE – Pull rope to any length that you want using the Lock Button. Retract the clothesline wire after use to save space.
- ✅ TOP QUALITY – Sturdy, durable, and rust resistant. Beautiful closed outer case made from heat and crack resistant plastic.
- ✅ MODERN DESIGN – Simple design, perfect decoration to match any indoor and outdoor spaces you need.
- ✅ UNLIMITED SPACE – Excellent for Hotels, Patio, Balcony, Bathroom, Shower, Laundry room and more. Load up to 55 Lbs. Extendable up to 13.9 feet retractable hanging line.
- ✅ 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE – We offer no-reason returns and exchanges within 30 da
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- RV ACCESSORIES Suitable for RV, Camper, Trailer, Teardrop, Fifth Wheel, Travel, Hotel and Home, where there is a vertical tubing with 1 inch diameter, its special designed U-shaped clamp works.
- MULTIPURPOSE DESIGN TO HANG 5 CLOTHES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT 12 inches long rack arm with 5 grooves ensure the clothes couldnt be blown away even under strong wind
- EASY TO INSTALL AND UNINSTALL WITHOUT ANY TOOLS Screw clamp makes it very easy to install and uninstall on RV ladder tubing or any other tubing with 1 inch diameter, it is perfect suitable to 1 inch diameter vertical tubing. No any drilling or cut needed, no any damage to your RV ladder. Home use is also suitable. An attractive hand-feel draw string velvet bag is included and it can store and keep the 2 racks when you dont use then
- ABS MATERIAL Perfect rust-resistant, easily scrubbed when stained. Support up to 45 lb. So not only summary clothes, but also heavy winter coat and sport equipment can be hung.
- MONEY BACK GUARANTEE –100% SATISFACTION is our goal and we stand behind our product! We offer hassle free returns and a money back guarantee if, for whatever reason, you are not happy. No questions asked, simply great customer servi
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Spinner
These portable spinners get most of the water out of the clothes and don’t take up much space. Just hang the clothes for a bit after and they are done in a bit.
- Stainless steel drum to ensure long life.110V outlet, plug anywhere you like. Household use only. Large capacity, easy mobility and portable to carry around
- Perfect for Apartments, Dorms, RV, Boat, Travel. Space Saver. Match with various choice of Panda Portable Washing Machine as a set
- Gets washing almost dry (not 100% dry, slightly damp) and saves line time. Dramatically speeds up drying for hand washing. Bring efficiency, safety and economy to your washing
- Gravity draining means the product can go anywhere without being located to a sink or drain. Just place a small bucket under the outlet to catch the wat
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Conclusion To RV And Camping Laundry
Nobody wants to spend their time in a new place worrying about laundry or finding the next place to wash clothing. It is more important in the lifestyle to make the next memory. To watch the sunset and hike the next trail. I hope that this list will help to ease some of the concern that those darn hampers are causing. They are going to fill up. There are easy ways to empty them and move on. Wash the clothes and get out there and enjoy this great RV life.
Share with me your great laundry tips!!
Please comment, share and subscribe. Thanks for reading.
- Easy Campfire Desserts: Recipes for an Awesome Summer Night
- The Best RV Toilet Paper: How to Keep Your Sanitation System Running Smooth
- RV Gifts Under $100: The Best Gifts for RVers
- RV Cleaning Checklist: How to Keep Your RV sparkling clean
- 11 Tips for RVing With a Cat: Ultimate Guide to Keep them Safe And Happy
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
With regards laundry, I think it’s a good plan to have only colored clothes, bed linen and towels. Then:
1. You don’t need to sort into colored and whites, because you don’t have light colors which will turn pink!
2. You can do all your weekly wash in one load, especially if you are a solo traveler like me, and you have limited the number of items you take along.
Saves time and money.
Great tip!! Thanks for sharing it!!