{"id":38938,"date":"2023-10-10T14:47:51","date_gmt":"2023-10-10T04:17:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=38938"},"modified":"2023-10-12T08:05:12","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T21:35:12","slug":"laundry-list-a-guide-to-washing-laundry-when-camping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/laundry-list-a-guide-to-washing-laundry-when-camping\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Laundry at the Campsite"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are many schools of thought around doing laundry on the road<\/a>. Really, it comes down to your personal preference, the specific environment in which you are camping, the weather conditions, and the length of time for which you are away.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, there\u2019s just no way around it: you need to change your camping clothes, especially if you are away for longer than a few days. Perhaps they are dirty enough to stand up on their own, or maybe you\u2019ve pulled into a town and have decided to treat yourself to a meal out? Then there are just those occasions when you\u2019re booked into a day tour and feel like wearing a fresher outfit. Whatever the reason, washing laundry while camping is, for the most part, a necessary chore.<\/p>\n

Here are just a few tips to keep up your sleeve when planning your next trip.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Sometimes, there\u2019s just no way around it: you need to change your camping clothes. Image: Scrubba<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Clothing<\/p>\n

Sometimes the next caravan park is too many days away, so a bush washing line does the job.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wash \u2018n Wear<\/h2>\n

There are many options for washing on the road; it doesn\u2019t matter if you are touring, base camping, driving a 4WD, car camping, or travelling by bicycle<\/a> \u2013 it is inevitable that you will need to wash something on your travels (even if it\u2019s just your underwear).<\/p>\n

First things first, allow me to debunk any notion in favour of packing extra garments in an attempt to avoid washing. You will gather an increasingly full bag of dirty laundry<\/a>, and it\u2019s false to believe this is advantageous; it will only clutter your limited camp storage, even if you\u2019re using a laundry bag<\/a>. If your clothes aren\u2019t obviously soiled or smelly, don\u2019t bother washing them. Surprisingly, this saves a lot of time, arguments, and precious real estate on your drying line!<\/p>\n

If your travel plans include an overnight stay in a caravan park, this is a good time to cycle through one larger load where you can get both the clothes and bedding done. Take advantage of the extra-wide communal line and hang everything out to sun-dry. Take that time to enjoy a cuppa or a swim!<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

You may not want to wear the same underwear every day, but dark colours are good to pack. Image: Elemental<\/em><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The communal clothesline in a caravan park is great for getting everything dry.<\/em><\/p>\n

Avoid Packing \u2018Lights\u2019<\/h2>\n

Dark colours and patterns are always a good choice for hiding marks and stains. Clothing with a longer wear-life, like denim shorts or jeans, are ideal to pack. Skirts and dresses can also prolong the number of days between washing sessions; good space-saving garments that can be perfect for dining out in the new town or days when a tour is booked.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t despair if bore water discolours your clothes, or turns your light clothes look a little brown. Wear it as an outback badge of honour, but remember that darker colours help to disguise that bore water trademark.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve also heard a tip to skip PJs; the idea is to sleep in what you intend to wear the next day. I\u2019m not sure that\u2019s one for everyone, but it could suit you. Although there are many more ideas out there, both odd and practical, most are worth considering and maybe even experimenting with.<\/p>\n

\"Clothes<\/p>\n

A simple wardrobe with small loads washed more often makes managing laundry easier.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Be you touring, base camping, driving a 4WD, car camping, or travelling by bicycle \u2013 it is inevitable that you will need to wash something on your travels. Image: Elemental<\/em><\/p>\n

You can stretch out the days between washing through one simple strategy \u2013 wear the same thing! Generally, no one will notice if you dress in the same clothes day in, day out \u2013 and if they do, it\u2019s unlikely they\u2019ll care! If you don\u2019t believe me, look at anyone\u2019s holiday snaps and you will see that they repeat their wardrobe between locations.<\/p>\n

Another tip for a fresh look without the need for suds and water is to take a couple of scarves. Or, simply a different t-shirt over the same shorts. Perhaps the trend towards a \u2018capsule wardrobe\u2019 has its roots in camping? For more info on how to maintain personal hygiene while camping, check out this blog here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Look at anyone\u2019s holiday snaps and you will see that they repeat their wardrobe between locations! Image: Scrubba<\/em><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Another tip is to skip PJs, and instead sleep in what you intend to wear the next day. Image: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n

Man Vs Machine<\/h2>\n

Washing smaller loads of clothing<\/a> more frequently is a better system than putting it off until there\u2019s a monumental pile \u2013 you will save both time and water<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Washing by hand can be done with a folding bucket<\/a> or even the Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink<\/a> for a compact but watertight option. If you\u2019re on the go, you can also use a\u00a0Scrubba Washbag<\/a> or watertight bucket<\/a>. Simply mix laundry detergent<\/a> and water together, pop in your dirties, and it will agitate as you drive along. If possible, replace the washing water with clean water during your lunch break, lock on the lid, and your cycle will rinse as you drive. When you stop, wring them out and hang on the line.<\/p>\n

I like to use a wool wash, as it\u2019s gentler on fabric and you needn\u2019t rinse it as thoroughly as other liquids or powders \u2013 yet it still achieves clean, fresh-smelling clothes. When buying detergent, look for\u00a0biodegradable options<\/a>, especially\u00a0for handwashing out in the middle of the bush or by the beach when you are not disposing of the wastewater down a drain. Biodegradable options are just what their label suggests; they are far less disruptive to the natural environment.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re on the go, you can use a Scrubba Washbag for laundry. Image: Scrubba<\/em><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Simply mix laundry detergent and water together, pop in your dirties, and it will agitate as you travel. Image: Scrubba<\/em><\/p>\n

Cash and Carry<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re away for an extended time, campground laundries are a necessary evil. Use these tips to make washing less of a chore.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re unable to line-dry, try to gather\u00a0a stash of $1 and $2 coins for the washing machine and dryer before leaving home. There\u2019s no guarantee what coin you\u2019ll need, so at an average of $4 per load, I start with $10 of each and use purse change to top up as I go.<\/p>\n

When you arrive, ask at the office what coins are required and only take them. Staff or other campers using the machines usually know how long a load takes, which is useful information, but if you\u2019re not sure, why not save yourself a walk back and forth and get the kids to go and check instead?<\/p>\n

\"Old<\/p>\n

Be prepared with a stash of gold coins.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Leave your basket on the machine to make it easier and more efficient for everyone.<\/em><\/p>\n

Get to the laundrette as early as you can; a load is done in around 45 minutes, so you could have it on the line before breakfast! Otherwise, do it last thing at night and if you\u2019re lucky it will be dry after breakfast the following morning and you can fold it away before the day\u2019s activities. It\u2019s a good idea to avoid the peak time of between 3pm and 4pm, as most people are either returning from their day trips or arriving to set up camp, eager to get a load on.<\/p>\n

To avoid taking the whole box to the laundry, I use a Ziplock bag to decant a load\u2019s worth of powder and a small dash of Napisan to brighten the whites and colours. Always leave a basket<\/a> or bag<\/a> on your machine and check the time to be back. If your cycle finishes and you\u2019re not there, the next person can take out your load get theirs in without delay.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

One laundry method is to hang washing in groups, per person.<\/em><\/p>\n

Drying\u2019s a Breeze!<\/h2>\n

If you are going to use the tumble dryer, be the person who (finally<\/em>) cleans out the lint! The machine won\u2019t have to work as hard to dry your clothes, making it more efficient and saving you some gold coins.<\/p>\n

If you have space for one, travel with a\u00a0folding rack<\/a>,\u00a0mini folding clothesline<\/a>, a folding\u00a0\u2018smalls hanger\u2019, or\u00a0airer. I prefer to line dry, folding and sorting as I go. There is often limited space back at camp, so I use two methods. The first involves hanging out deliberately in per-person groups, the second is to unpeg one family member at a time.<\/p>\n

I have heard some people use a compartmentalised bag like those for supermarket trolleys, to separate clothing, linen, and towels. It sounds a bit pedantic, but useful to get away and see the sights instead of sorting on site!<\/p>\n

If I need a makeshift line on wash day, I carry a couple of\u00a0Sea to Summit Clotheslines<\/a>\u00a0which are designed to use without pegs. They are easy to fix onto a couple of awning poles, or tied between two trees.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The Sea to Summit clothesline is designed to use without pegs. Image: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Different<\/p>\n

Never leave home without the pegs!<\/em><\/p>\n

Down a Peg or Two<\/h2>\n

I have saved the best advice till last, as it is almost impossible to survive without them. You may think these are obvious, but I have seen many washer folks at the point of collapse for failing to take them.<\/p>\n

So, the number one tip? Don\u2019t forget to pack the pegs!<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Pack essentials only, and favour dark colours or patterns. Image: Elemental<\/em><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s recap for those who want a quick list on the go\u2026<\/h2>\n