You’ve just spent a week hiking through misty mountains or exploring bustling city streets. Your backpack is full of memories, souvenirs, and a growing pile of dirty clothes. The last thing you want to do is spend a precious afternoon of your trip hunting for a laundromat. Keeping your clothes clean while on the move is a common travel challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a chore.
Understanding your laundry options can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. From high-tech apps that bring the service to your door to the simple convenience of your hotel’s offerings, there’s a solution for every type of traveler and budget. This guide will walk you through twelve different laundry services, helping you figure out the best way to keep your wardrobe fresh so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your adventure.
Full-Service & Professional Options
For travelers who prioritize convenience and are willing to pay a bit more, full-service options take the entire task off your hands. These laundry services are perfect for business travelers, families, or anyone who’d rather spend their time sightseeing than sorting socks.
1. Hotel Laundry Services
Nearly every hotel, from budget chains to luxury resorts, offers some form of laundry service. This is often the most convenient option available. You simply place your dirty clothes in a provided bag, fill out a form, and leave it for housekeeping. Your clothes are typically returned clean, folded, and ready to wear within 24 to 48 hours.
- How it Works: You’ll find a laundry bag and price list in your room’s closet. Prices are usually per item (e.g., $5 for a shirt, $3 for socks), which can add up quickly. Some hotels also offer a “wash and fold” service charged by weight, which can be more economical for larger loads.
- Best For: Business travelers with expense accounts, short stays where you only need a few items cleaned, or anyone seeking maximum convenience.
- Things to Consider: This is almost always the most expensive laundry service. Check the price list carefully before proceeding. Also, be mindful of turnaround times, as some hotels don’t offer same-day service, especially on weekends or holidays.
2. Local Laundromats with Wash-and-Fold
A classic and more affordable alternative to hotel services is the local laundromat, known as a laverie in France or a lavanderia in Italy. Many of these establishments offer a “wash-and-fold” (or “service wash”) option. You drop off your bag of clothes, and the staff will wash, dry, and fold it for you. You can then pick it up later in the day or the next morning.
- How it Works: Simply bring your laundry to the counter and pay by weight (per pound or kilogram). The staff will handle everything else.
- Best For: Travelers on a moderate budget who are staying in one place for a few days and want a hassle-free option that’s cheaper than hotel services.
- Things to Consider: Check the laundromat’s hours of operation, especially the last drop-off and pick-up times. It’s also a good idea to read reviews online to ensure the service is reliable and that clothes are handled with care.
3. On-Demand Laundry Apps
In many cities around the world, technology has made laundry even easier. Apps like Rinse, Tide Cleaners (in the US), and Laundryheap (global) operate like Uber for your dirty clothes. You schedule a pickup through the app, and a driver comes to your hotel or Airbnb to collect your laundry. It’s then taken to a professional cleaning facility and delivered back to you, often within 24 hours.
- How it Works: Download the app, create an account, select your service (wash-and-fold, dry cleaning), and schedule a pickup window. You’ll be notified when your clean clothes are on their way back.
- Best For: Tech-savvy travelers, digital nomads, and those staying in Airbnbs or apartments without laundry facilities. It offers a great balance of convenience and cost.
- Things to Consider: These services are primarily available in major metropolitan areas. Check the app’s service map to see if they operate where you’re staying. Ensure your accommodation’s front desk can accept a pickup or delivery if you won’t be there in person.
4. Dry Cleaners
While often associated with formal wear, most dry cleaners also offer standard wash-and-fold laundry services. This can be a reliable option if there are no laundromats nearby. Since they are professional garment care specialists, you can trust them to handle your clothes properly.
- How it Works: Similar to a wash-and-fold laundromat, you drop off your laundry and pay by weight or by the item. You’ll be given a ticket and a pickup time.
- Best For: Travelers with delicate items that require special care, or those needing both dry cleaning and regular laundry done at the same place.
- Things to Consider: Prices can be higher than a standard laundromat, but generally lower than a hotel. Confirm whether they offer a wash-and-fold service, as some smaller shops might only do dry cleaning.
DIY & Budget-Friendly Methods
If you’re traveling on a tight budget or enjoy a more hands-on approach, there are several ways to do your own laundry without breaking the bank. These methods require more effort but offer flexibility and significant cost savings.
5. Self-Service Laundromats
The self-service laundromat is a backpacker’s best friend and a staple for long-term travelers. It’s the most economical way to wash a large amount of clothing at once. You pay for the use of the washing machines and dryers, which are usually coin-operated, though many modern facilities now accept credit cards or mobile payments.
- How it Works: Bring your laundry, purchase detergent from a vending machine (or bring your own), and load up a washer. Once the wash cycle is done, transfer your clothes to a dryer. The whole process typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Best For: Budget travelers, backpackers, and families with large amounts of laundry. It’s also a great way to meet locals and other travelers.
- Things to Consider: Bring cash, especially coins, as not all machines will accept cards. To save time, try to visit during off-peak hours (like weekday mornings) to avoid a wait for machines.
6. Airbnb or Hostel Laundry Facilities
When booking accommodation, check if laundry facilities are available on-site. Many Airbnbs, especially entire apartments, come equipped with a washer and dryer. Hostels often have a laundry room with coin-operated machines for guests to use.
- How it Works: If the machine is in your private Airbnb, you can use it freely. In hostels, you’ll typically pay a small fee for the washer and dryer, similar to a laundromat.
- Best For: Anyone who wants the convenience of doing laundry without leaving their accommodation. It’s perfect for “rest days” during a long trip.
- Things to Consider: In Europe and Asia, “dryers” are often just drying racks or a clothesline. Washer-dryer combo units are also common, but be aware that the drying cycle can take a very long time and may not be as effective as a standalone dryer.
7. Hand Washing in a Sink or Tub
The oldest trick in the travel book is still one of the most effective for small loads. Hand washing is perfect for essentials like underwear, socks, and t-shirts, allowing you to pack lighter and extend the time between bigger laundry days.
- How it Works: Fill a sink or tub with warm water and a small amount of travel-sized detergent or a solid soap bar. Let the clothes soak, agitate them by hand, then rinse thoroughly. Wring out as much water as possible and hang to dry.
- Best For: Ultralight packers, adventure travelers, and anyone needing to wash just a few items between stops.
- Things to Consider: Bring a universal sink plug, as not all sinks will have one. Pack clothes made from quick-drying fabrics like merino wool or synthetics. A travel clothesline with suction cups can be incredibly useful for hanging clothes to dry in a hotel bathroom.
8. Using a Portable Wash Bag
For a more contained and efficient hand-washing experience, consider a portable wash bag like the Scrubba Wash Bag. This product is essentially a flexible, waterproof dry bag with an internal washboard. It allows you to achieve a machine-quality wash in minutes, using minimal water.
- How it Works: Add clothes, water, and detergent to the bag, seal it, and expel the air. Then, rub the clothes against the internal washboard for a few minutes. Rinse and hang to dry.
- Best For: Campers, hikers, backpackers, and travelers visiting remote areas with no laundry facilities.
- Things to Consider: While incredibly effective, these bags have a limited capacity. You can only wash a few small items at a time, making them unsuitable for large loads.
Specialized & Unique Laundry Services
Beyond the standard options, there are a few other methods that cater to specific travel needs and situations.
9. Mobile Laundry Trucks
A growing trend in some regions, particularly at festivals, campsites, and disaster relief areas, is the mobile laundry truck. These are fully equipped laundromats on wheels that bring the service directly to where people are.
- How it Works: You drop off your laundry at the truck, and they handle the rest. Some may also offer self-service machines.
- Best For: Attendees of multi-day outdoor events, campers, or anyone in an area where permanent facilities are unavailable.
- Things to Consider: This is a niche service, so you’ll need to check if one will be operating at your specific event or location.
10. Clothing Rental Services
Why wash clothes if you don’t have to pack them in the first place? Clothing rental services are emerging in fashion-forward cities like Tokyo, London, and New York. You can rent a curated wardrobe for the duration of your trip, which is delivered to your hotel.
- How it Works: You select items online before your trip, and the company delivers them to your accommodation. When you’re done, you simply leave them to be picked up. No washing required.
- Best For: Fashion-conscious travelers, business professionals attending events, or light packers who want access to a larger wardrobe.
- Things to Consider: This can be expensive, and sizing can be a challenge. It’s best suited for specific use cases rather than general travel.
11. Outdoor Gear Cleaning Services
If your travels involve skiing, hiking, or other outdoor adventures, your technical gear may need special care. Many specialty outdoor retailers (like REI in the US) or dedicated services in mountain towns offer professional cleaning for items like waterproof jackets, down coats, and sleeping bags.
- How it Works: Drop off your technical gear, and specialists will wash it with appropriate detergents that preserve its performance features (like water repellency).
- Best For: Adventure travelers whose gear needs a refresh after heavy use.
- Things to Consider: This is a specialized service that can take several days, so plan accordingly.
12. Community-Based Services
In some parts of the world, laundry is still a community affair. You might find local women who offer laundry services from their homes for a small fee. This is common in many parts of Southeast Asia and Latin America.
- How it Works: Ask your guesthouse owner or a local contact for a recommendation. You typically drop off your clothes and pick them up the next day, clean and often perfectly ironed.
- Best For: Travelers looking for an authentic, local experience and a very affordable service.
- Things to Consider: There may be a language barrier, so be clear about your needs. This is an informal service, so there’s a small amount of risk involved, but it is often a wonderful and reliable option.
Your Next Steps to Clean Clothes
Keeping your clothes clean on the road doesn’t have to be a drag. By knowing your options, you can choose the laundry service that best fits your travel style, budget, and schedule. For a weekend city break, a quick hand wash might be all you need. For a two-week family vacation, a wash-and-fold service can be a lifesaver. And for the long-term nomad, the self-service laundromat becomes a familiar and welcome sight.
The next time you pack your bags, think about your itinerary and which of these methods will work best for you. A little planning can go a long way in making your trip smoother and more enjoyable—leaving you with more time to explore, relax, and make lasting memories.
