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When it comes to my packing lists I constantly get asked how I get away with how little clothing I pick. Every time I travel I seem to take less and less. The answer is super simple, I just do laundry wherever I go. Doing laundry in a foreign country is way easier and less daunting than it sounds. In fact, it can even be fun!
So how should you go about doing it?
Check If Your Hostel Has Laundry Machines
When doing laundry in a foreign country this should be your first stop. It is surprising how many hostels have laundry machines for the guests to use. You usually do have to pay, but it’s almost always cheap.
However, I’d avoid laundry services at hotels since they usually charge out the ass! It’s ridiculous what some hotels get away with.
What if they don’t have laundry machines? Well, there are two options:
Wash Your Clothes in the Sink
It sounds weird, I know… Who does laundry in the sink? You might be surprised to find out that a lot of people do! It’s super easy and convenient. You can get a cheap sink plug pretty easily online or at some shops. Use it to plug up the sink, throw in some normal laundry detergent and scrub away!
When done, rinse them out in either the sink or shower. Don’t forget to wring them out like they are the embodiment of that baby that was crying the entire flight there! If the place you’re staying doesn’t have a place to hang them you can find a travel clothesline pretty easily or just get some twine.
Ask About Local Laundromats
Most places these days have a laundromat somewhere. The trick is finding it. The easiest way is usually to just ask the staff at the place you are staying. Some might even do laundry there themselves and can give tips on what machines are best.
Most laundromats have a set time they are open, but if you’re lucky you might come across one open 24 hours a day. Laundromats make doing laundry in a foreign country a decent, if not great, experience.
Hold Off Purchasing Soap
Unless you are washing your clothes in the sink you probably won’t need soap. You’ll still have to use soap or things will start to smell really bad. Yet most laundromats will have either little soap packs you can purchase or some might be automatically added when you wash your clothes.
They are a tiny bit more expensive, but it’s better than lugging around an extra thing.
Be Social!
A lot of people will wait around for their laundry to be done so try striking up a conversation. Ask if they are locals or travellers. Maybe where you should go. I have gotten so many great tips from conversations that start with my asking, “Soooo, where are you from?”
Save Money by Grouping Up!
If you are anything like me you probably pack pretty light. When travelling I almost never have a full load of laundry with all my clothes. You can forget about sorting them into lights and darks! It’s actually shameful how long it took me to come up with this idea.
You’re travelling, which means you’re staying in places with other travellers… Chances are there is somebody in the hostel that needs to do laundry as well. Even if they don’t think that they do. Seriously though going in groups can drastically reduce the cost of an already cheap endeavour.
There was one trip where to get two loads, one light and one dark, we needed seven or eight people. And the washing machines still weren’t full. Dryers are normally double the size so you can put both loads together saving even more money.
If one load is seven bucks then you’re looking at less than two bucks a person. It’s crazy how much you can save. Doing laundry in a foreign country can be crazy cheap even when getting full service.
Walk Around While You Wait
When you throw your laundry into the machine and get it going the machine will lock. A timer starts and it will be locked until that timer is done. This gives you the chance to take note of the time and walk around.
A lot of times the laundromat ends up being in a place you would never have gone otherwise. Maybe you’ll find some hole in the wall with the most amazing food you’ve ever had. Who knows, but you’ve got a bit of time to explore a new area. Seize that opportunity.
Don’t Forget to CHECK POCKETS!
I know some people that never check their pockets when doing laundry. It drives me nuts. What if you left money, a lighter, your wallet, or, god forbid, your phone in the pocket?! On average I find about two or three things in my pockets every time I do laundry.
You only make the mistake of throwing a pen in by accident once. A costly mistake I assure you.
Give it a Whirl
Doing laundry in a foreign country is super easy. If you haven’t done it before I highly recommend you try it and hopefully these have helped!
Check If Your Hostel Has Laundry Machines.
Or
Don’t Forget to CHECK POCKETS.
No seriously. Check the pockets. There’s a bad joke about pens exploding and smurfs somewhere there.
Stay authentic and stay nomadic.
