15 Smart Tips for Less RV Laundry

Camping adventures often lead to accumulating dirt and grime, from trekking and cycling to off-roading, cooking outdoors, and life on the move. How can you minimize your laundry pile while reveling in the great outdoors? What are some effective ways to manage laundry while traveling?

Here are my RV laundry tips.

Reduce RV Laundry

The first step to reducing RV laundry chores is to reduce the amount of laundry you need to do. That makes sense.

8 Suggestions to Reduce Your RV Laundry Chores

1. Minimize what you wear. Camping in warmer climates means less clothes to get dirty.
2. Choose clothes made of fabric that repels dirt.
3. Choose colors that don’t show dirt.
4. Set up a clothes drying rack at your campsite for towels and other wet items that can be reused.
5. Hang up dirty laundry during longer stays to air them out for reuse or later washing.
6. Once dry, keep soiled laundry in a foldable hamper.
7. Clean small stains with a spot cleaner to wear longer.
8. Make sure your clothes are ready for the laundry before you put them in the laundry bag.

Doing RV Laundry

RV laundry is unavoidable if camping for longer periods. Full-time RVers especially need to consider laundry options.

7 Options for Doing Laundry on the Road

1. Purchase an RV that includes or can be retrofitted with a washer and dryer or washer/dryer combination. Remember that the RV will require a larger hot water heater and gray water tank.
2. Choose campgrounds that have laundry facilities, are near a laundromat, or are in a community with a laundry drop-off service.
3. If possible, choose laundry facilities that offer wi-fi so you can multitask.
4. Buy and use a manual washing machine.
5. Use a laundry washing bag.
6. Wash clothes by hand in the RV sink or while taking a shower.
7. Select laundry detergent and additives based on the type of washing system you use.

5 Ways to Do Laundry While Traveling in an RV (Video)

Related Questions

1. Can you use regular detergent for my RV washer, or should you use a specific type?

If you are using an RV washer or washing machine, you can generally use regular detergent. However, if you’re washing by hand or using a manual washing system, a milder, low-suds detergent might be more suitable. Always read the user manual or instructions on the washing machine to know the type and amount of detergent to use.

2. Are there any clothing materials that are more suitable for RV living to reduce laundry load?

Yes, materials like synthetic blends (polyester, nylon) are not only lightweight and quick-drying but also repel dirt and odors better than natural fibers like cotton. Merino wool is also a good option since it’s naturally anti-bacterial and can be worn several times before needing a wash.

3. What should you consider while buying a manual washing machine for your RV?

When buying a manual washing machine, consider the capacity, how easy it is to use, and how much water it needs. Some may require manual spinning and rinsing, which could add to the effort. Look for one that fits well in your RV space, is lightweight, and is effective in cleaning clothes with minimal water usage.

4. What’s a laundry washing bag, and how does it work?

A laundry washing bag is a portable tool that you can use to wash your clothes. You just need to put in your clothes, add water and detergent, and then agitate the bag manually. It’s a useful tool for travelers as it’s light and doesn’t require electricity.

5. How can you deal with the laundry water while camping?

If you’re in a campground with facilities, they may have specific places to drain used water. If you’re more remote, use biodegradable, non-toxic soap and scatter the water over a wide area, well away from natural water sources, to minimize the impact on the environment. Always respect local regulations about wastewater disposal.