Van Life Laundry Tips: Keeping Clothes Clean on the Road!
Laundry might not be the most glamorous part of van life, but it’s essential for maintaining cleanliness and comfort on the road. Van dwellers face unique challenges when it comes to doing laundry, like limited space and water access. In this article, we’ll share practical tips and solutions for keeping your clothes clean and fresh during your van life adventures.
Plan Your Wardrobe Wisely
Choose quick-drying and low-maintenance fabrics
When living in a van, selecting clothing made from low-maintenance materials can make a world of difference. Opt for fabrics like merino wool, polyester, or nylon, which dry quickly, wick moisture away, and often require less frequent washing. For example, merino wool socks and polyester athletic wear are perfect for van life because they’re easy to care for and dry quickly.
Opt for darker colors and patterns
Darker colors and patterns can help disguise dirt and stains, allowing you to go longer between washes. Instead of white or light-colored clothing, choose darker shades and eye-catching patterns that can hide minor imperfections. This way, you can still look fresh and stylish, even if your laundry day is a bit overdue.
Laundry On-the-Go Solutions
Use laundry detergent sheets or concentrated laundry soap
Traditional laundry detergents can be bulky and inconvenient for van life. Instead, consider laundry detergent sheets or concentrated laundry soap. These space-saving and eco-friendly alternatives are perfect for van dwellers. Brands like Tru Earth and Sheets Laundry Club offer detergent sheets, while Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds is a popular concentrated soap option.
Portable washing machines and manual washing methods
When you don’t have access to a laundromat or campground facilities, portable washing machines or manual washing methods can save the day.
The Scrubba Wash Bag is a lightweight, portable option that doubles as a dry bag, while the Lavario Portable Clothes Washer is more robust and effective for larger loads. Alternatively, you can simply use a bucket or sink and some elbow grease to get your clothes clean.
Drying Clothes
Utilize portable clotheslines
Portable clotheslines are a godsend for van dwellers, as they provide a convenient way to dry your clothes without taking up much space. The Sea to Summit Lite Line and Gideon Retractable Clothesline is both durable and easy to set up, making laundry day a breeze.
Consider alternative drying methods
If you don’t have access to an outdoor drying space, get creative with drying clothes inside your van. Use hangers, hooks, or bungee cords to hang your clothes, or speed up the drying process by laying them on a microfiber towel, which absorbs excess moisture.
Keeping Clothes Fresh Between Washes
Spot cleaning and stain removal
Accidents happen, and sometimes your clothes need a quick touch-up. Learn how to spot, clean, and remove stains while on the road, and keep a portable stain remover like the Tide To Go pen or a small bottle of Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover handy for emergencies.
Odor control and prevention
To keep your van smelling fresh, invest in odor-eliminating products like activated charcoal bags or fabric refresher sprays. Prevent odors by ensuring proper ventilation and storing dirty clothes separately from clean ones.
Utilizing Public Laundry Facilities
Finding laundromats or campground laundry facilities
Planning your route to include stops with public laundry facilities can make laundry day much more manageable. Apps like iOverlander can help you locate nearby laundromats or campgrounds with laundry facilities.
We find when travelling, most good campgrounds will provide some sort of laundry washing facilities, but its best to call or email ahead just to be sure.
Making the most of your time
While waiting for your laundry to finish, use the downtime to restock supplies, update your travel journal (or Insta), or explore the local area. You can also use this time to connect with other van dwellers or travelers and exchange tips and stories about life on the road.
Conclusion
Keeping your clothes clean and fresh during van life doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By planning your wardrobe wisely, utilizing space-saving laundry solutions, and taking advantage of public laundry facilities, you can maintain a comfortable and clean living space in your van. Remember, cleanliness is an essential part of self-care, and with these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle laundry day, no matter where your journey takes you.
