There is an easy way to make doing laundry on the road fast and cheap.
Heading out on a lengthy road trip-summer vacation is just around the corner-means a lot of organizing and packing. Why not take a few minutes and set yourself up for success with this handy laundry kit? Saving time and money while on the road is always a plus. No more buying expensive boxes of laundry soap in a brand you don’t like, and no more having to chase down change for the machines.
Here’s how to do it:
Get an Airline Travel Kit or similar, complete with the clear quart size bag and various bottles.
Fill the all bottles with your favorite laundry detergent. You could use each bottle for one wash, or as much as needed each time.
If you use liquid fabric softener, you can just purchase a second kit and use that for the softener.
Take the smallest container and fill it with quarters for the laundry machines.
Stuff dryer sheets inside the plastic bag and you are ready for laundry on the road.
For extra safety, put the laundry kit inside a larger plastic bag and seal carefully.
Hint for traveling to high altitudes:
Be aware that traveling to higher altitudes may cause a drop in air pressure. This can cause liquids to expand, so make sure you leave some room in the bottle and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it.
Tips for hand washing clothing:
- Take small packets of powder detergent that are made for hand washing. There will be fewer suds and clothes will be easier to rinse clean.
- Don’t wash the waistbands of pants-just do the legs and seat. Those parts dry faster.
- Hand washing is best if you have at least two nights in one place. Do your laundry the first night so there is more time to air dry clothes before having to pack them away.
- It’s easy to pack a rubber band clothesline and some clothespins along with your powder detergent in a small bag to keep items together and organized. Folding hangers are good, too.
What are your favorite travel laundry tips? Leave a comment.
Thanks to Alicia Meneses Maples (twitter.com/aliciasanera) for the laundry kit idea and photos.
