Practical guide: How do you do your washing when travelling?
Whether you're a keen globetrotter or just take the occasional trip, knowing how to do your laundry on the move is a useful skill. Not only will it reduces the amount of clothing you need to take with youBut it also gives you the flexibility to wash your favourite clothes when you need to. Here's a handy guide to doing your laundry when you travel.
Understanding the principles of laundry when travelling
Doing your laundry while travelling means dealing with limited resources and sometimes unpredictable conditions. Whether you have access to a washing machine or you have to washing by handThe process generally involves sorting clothes, applying detergent, washing, rinsing and drying.
Packing what you need
Before you leave on your trip, make sure you pack everything you need for washing. This could include a travel detergenta portable washing bagand accessories such as a travel clothesline and a set of clothes pegs. Note that many travel detergents are concentrated, so you'll only need a small amount for each wash.
Choosing a travel detergent
Travel detergents are specially designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. They are often biodegradable and can be used with fresh or sea water, which is useful if you are travelling to remote areas.
Hand washing
Without access to a washing machine, the hand washing is often the only option. Simply fill a sink or bucket with water, add the detergent and rub the clothes together. Then rinse the clothes with clean water and leave them to dry.
Tips for washing by hand
To make hand-washing easier, you can use a portable wash bag. These are waterproof bags into which you can put your clothes, water and detergent, then shake to wash. It's a practical and effective solution for hand washing on the move.
Drying clothes when travelling
After washing, it is important to rinse and wring out the clothes before drying them. You can lay them out on a travel clotheslineOr hang them from a balcony or tree branch. Make sure they are well spread out to avoid wrinkles and speed up drying time.
Doing your laundry when you're travelling can seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and the right tools, it's a totally doable task. Not only does it give you more flexibility in your travel wardrobe, but it can also help you save money on expensive washing charges. Bon voyage and happy washing!
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