A basket full of sheets, underpants, and towels… Your camper is already overflowing with dirty laundry. What now? Time to do laundry! But how do you manage van life laundry while living in a campervan?
Handy Laundry Tips for Camper Life
Laundry is one of the weekly tasks of camper life that often requires time and research. Here are some simple tips that can make a world of difference for us in our van life laundry routine. Additionally, we’ve gathered some options for doing laundry on the road or in a small space.
Smart Storage Solutions
Choose a designated spot to store your dirty laundry to prevent a mess. Get a laundry bag that can be tucked away; its flexibility allows it to fit into the smallest corners of your camper. A good storage solution is key to an efficient van life laundry system.
Consider buying a portable clothes dryer. This is ideal for laundry that shouldn’t go in the dryer and for small washes. You can hang it up somewhere in the campervan without it getting in the way.
Essential Preparations
Always keep some cash on hand. Many washing machines require payment in coins, and cash exchange machines don’t always work. We speak from experience!
Keep a supply of detergent in your camper. Most laundromats provide detergent, but it’s not always the case, and it often doesn’t smell fresh. Having your own detergent is part of a successful van life laundry strategy.
Having two sets of bedding can be handy so you don’t have to wash every week; you can keep the dirty bedding separate until laundry day.
Cost-Saving Strategies
This may sound a bit boring but try to avoid mixing many colours (especially whites) in your laundry. This way, you won’t have to wash separately often, which saves money on van life laundry expenses. Instead of multiple washes, consider doing some hand washing of your clothing.
If you use a dryer, toss in a tennis ball with your laundry. It helps reduce creasing and speeds up drying, saving you costs on the drying program!
Multitasking: Get More Done
While waiting for your laundry, you can do something else, like shopping. This way, you can accomplish two productive tasks at once—how handy for your van life laundry routine!
Your Laundry Options While Traveling in a Camper
During our travels, we typically do our laundry in washing machines next to gas stations or in laundromats. We also dry most of our laundry at these locations since washing once a week can be too much to hang inside the camper. However, there are many other options for washing; let’s explore them!
Finding Laundromats on the Road
Laundromats can be found almost everywhere—in towns and villages. So far, we’ve always been able to locate one near where we sleep.
Most laundromats are open 24/7 and offer both small and large wash options. For us, 10 kg is usually ideal for washing both bedding and clothing. Typically, there are dryers available with programs that run for half an hour, 45 minutes, or an hour; half an hour is often sufficient for us.
You usually pay in cash for washing. Some machines also accept bank cards, but many only take coins ranging from €0.50 to €2. Always have some cash on hand for laundry day.
How do we find laundromats? It’s usually simple—just use Google Maps. Look for the word “laundromat” in the local language to find more options near your location. You can also check if the laundromat is easily accessible and see its opening hours.
We also use Park4Night, which allows you to filter for “laundry.” This shows not just laundromats but also other locations like washing machines on campsites or near supermarkets.
Revolution Laundry: A Convenient Choice
One launderette we often use is Revolution Laundry, which can usually be found at gas stations in the Netherlands and other countries in Europe, including Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Spain, the UK, and France. They’re open day and night, and there’s always parking available for your campervan while you wait for your laundry—very handy!
Detergent is included at these launderettes. You can typically pay with a debit card, but not always, so make sure to have some cash ready. The cost for a wash ranges from €8 to €12 and takes about half an hour to an hour.
Find a Revolution Laundry near you here.
Campsites: A Great Laundry Option
If you’re planning to stay overnight at a campsite, it’s an ideal opportunity to do your laundry.
We recommend apps like Campercontact and Park4Night to find campsites with washing machines. Payment for a wash varies by campsite; sometimes you pay in advance at the reception and receive a washing coin, while other times you pay cash at the washing machine. Detergent is usually not included, so bring your own. Keep in mind that washing machines at campsites may be smaller than those at laundromats, so plan accordingly.
Innovative Washing Devices for Small Loads
Besides laundromats and launderettes, there are other options for washing while travelling, especially for small loads of clothing.
Mobile Laundry Machine on Electricity
These portable machines work on electricity (about 250W) and can handle around 3.5 kg of laundry, making them ideal for small washes. Most have both washing and spinning compartments. You can connect the machine to a permanent water supply or fill it manually. If you want to use warm water, you’ll need to boil some water first. The drain is simple; just place a container underneath and let it flow out.
Off-Grid Laundry Machine
There are also mobile washing machines that don’t require electricity, handy if you’re running low on battery. For example, the laundry machine from BO-camp works similarly to the electric version but uses a hand crank or paddle for washing. It includes a centrifuge and can wash a maximum of 2.5 kg of laundry in about 5-10 minutes.
Scrubba Wash Bag: Your Portable Solution
If you lack space for a washing machine and don’t have access to electricity, the Scrubba wash bag is a fantastic alternative! Compact and easily storable, the bag features internal studs that function like a washboard. Just add water and knead for a few minutes to clean your clothing. This eco-friendly option comes in two sizes: original and mini.
Final Thoughts on Van Life Laundry
Navigating laundry while living the camper life doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tips, tools, and resources, you can keep your clothing fresh and your camper organised. Whether you’re relying on laundromats, campsites, or portable washing devices, staying prepared will make your van life experience all the more enjoyable.
So grab your laundry bag, hit the road, and embrace the adventure of life on the go—dirty laundry and all! Happy travels!
