Stashing dirty clothes in your backpack for days on end can sour even the best travel experience. Knowing where and how to wash your clothes while traveling can save you money and keep your gear fresh.
In major cities like Bangkok, you have plenty of options. For instance, head to Khao San Road, where laundries like ‘Khao San Laundry’ offer services for as little as 40 THB (about $1.20) per kilo of laundry. Most places will wash, dry, and fold for you. Just drop off your clothes in the morning and come back in the afternoon or evening, depending on how busy they are.
If you're in Europe, check out budget-friendly laundromats in neighborhoods like Montmartre in Paris. "La Lavanderie" on Rue des Martyrs offers self-service machines for around €5 ($5.50) per load. You can also find laundry services that will wash and fold for around €10 ($11). Don’t forget to bring your own detergent, which you can buy at nearby convenience stores or use the free sachets provided by some laundromats.
If you're more adventurous or want to save even more money, consider washing your clothes yourself. This is a great option for budget travelers who may not have easy access to laundry facilities. Most hostels, such as Hostelworld's “HI Hostel” in Toronto, offer sinks or buckets where you can wash a few items by hand. A travel-sized detergent like Tide Pods (around $0.50 each) can be super convenient. Just fill a sink with warm water, add detergent, agitate the clothes for about 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and hang them to dry.
For a unique experience, explore local markets where you can find washing supplies. For example, in Marrakech, the Souk Semmarine has shops selling traditional Moroccan soaps that are perfect for laundry. You might spend around 10 MAD ($1) for a bar of soap, perfect for handwashing your clothes. Just remember, the Moroccan sun is great for drying clothes, so hanging them outdoors is a bonus!
Getting to laundry facilities can be a hassle, but using public transport can save you time and money. In Barcelona, take the L3 metro line to the Paral·lel station, and then walk to “Laundry Love” on Carrer de Muntaner. Prices are around €6 ($6.60) for a wash and dry cycle. Be prepared to wait during peak hours, usually after 5 PM. Alternatively, if you're in Ho Chi Minh City, use the local buses to reach areas like District 1, where many laundries like “Wash & Go” are located. A bus ride costs about 7,000 VND ($0.30), which is cheaper than a taxi.
Don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions or recommendations on the best laundries nearby. They can point you to places that might not show up on Google Maps but offer great services. In Tokyo, for instance, you can find washers in neighborhoods like Shinjuku and Shibuya; a wash can cost around ¥300 ($2.70), and drying will be an additional ¥100 ($0.90).
When you’re on the road, convenience is key, so here are some essential tips for making laundry day less of a hassle.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine cycle | 40 THB | Khao San Laundry, Bangkok |
| Detergent pack | 50 THB | Available at 7-Eleven stores in Thailand |
| Self-service wash | €5 | La Lavanderie, Paris |
| Washing bar soap | 10 MAD | Local souks in Marrakech |
| Bus fare | 7,000 VND | Ho Chi Minh City public transport |
| Portable clothesline | $10 | Available on Amazon |
| Travel-size detergent | $3.50 | Dr. Bronner’s Soap |
If you find yourself in an area without laundry facilities, consider handwashing your clothes in a sink or bathtub. Use a small amount of detergent and rinse thoroughly. Look for local laundromats in more populated areas or even inquire at your hostel about laundry services. If all else fails, consider wearing your clothes a bit longer or investing in a few disposable items until you find a washing option.
To simplify laundry day, try to plan it around your sightseeing schedule. For instance, drop off your laundry in the morning while you explore nearby attractions, then pick it up in the afternoon. Bring portable detergent and a clothesline to do quick washes if you’re in a pinch. Staying at a hostel with laundry facilities can also streamline the process, allowing you to multitask.
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