Let’s face it - dirty laundry isn’t anyone’s favorite topic. But, while dirty laundry at home is already a hassle, it’s a different animal when you’re living in an RV.
Here are a few RV dirty laundry solutions to help you store and clean your laundry.
Get Wet, Dirty Laundry Off the Floor
There’s a reason why you hang your wet towels and bathing suits instead of just leaving them on the floor. Wet laundry sitting on the floor stays wet. If you hang it, the extra airflow will help it actually dry off. Plus, it prevents your floor from getting water damage.
Just like at home, we suggest not leaving your wet laundry on the floor of your RV. Hang a laundry bag and put your wet laundry in there instead.
Find a Storage Compartment for Dry, Dirty Laundry
When you have dry dirty clothes, they’re a little easier to store until you can wash them. You can put them in the same hanging laundry bag as your wet stuff, or you can find another solution.
The key here is to designate a particular space. Maybe you have room under your bed for a plastic storage tote. Maybe your bathroom has a corner that’s large enough for a hamper. You may have to get a little creative, but having a designated area will help the RV from feeling cluttered. Nobody wants dirty laundry lying around everywhere.
Stay at an RV Park with Laundry Amenities
There are a ton of great RV campgrounds with amenities. These amenities include everything from video game rooms to swimming pools and playgrounds for kiddos.
One of the most practical amenities available is a laundry facility. Being able to wash and dry your clothes right there at the RV park is an excellent option for most people living the full-time RV lifestyle.
Use a Laundromat in a Nearby Town
Are you staying somewhere without laundry machines? No problem, assuming you’re close to a decent-sized town.
You may be able to go into town and use a public laundromat there. While waiting for laundry, why not explore the city a bit? Check out the shops or sit and read at a coffee shop. Getting your laundry done and relaxing is a win-win.
Wash Your Laundry in the RV with a Washing Machine
If you have a bigger RV, you may have a washer and dryer inside. In that case, make sure you have the washer and dryer accessories you need before you head out on your trip.
If you don’t have any built into your RV, you may consider investing in a portable washing machine.
Either way, this may be a good option if you don’t like the idea of using laundry machines open to the public.
Dry Your Clothes with a Clothesline
The old-fashioned way of drying clothes by hanging them outside isn’t the most convenient, but it has some benefits.
It’s inexpensive, as you just have to buy the (inexpensive) materials once upfront.
It can be done almost anywhere.
There are downsides, of course, like people may see (or even steal) your clothes. Most people won’t go this route, but it’s an option - especially if you’re in a remote area without other people around.
Avoid Big, Bulky Bottles and Boxes with Laundry Sheets or Pods
When you’re at home and have all of the space in the world, you can afford to buy in bulk and have a giant box or plastic bottle sitting on the shelf. It’s not taking up much space, and you probably save money buying bulk.
When you’re in an RV, it’s a bit different. You have minimal space, so you need to be smart with what you have around. Two space-saving things to consider are detergent pods or laundry detergent sheets.
The pods are just like what you may be using with your dishwasher. It doesn’t have a ton of detergent, but it’s enough for most laundry jobs. Detergent sheets are similar in concept but are thin and flat, like paper, instead of a small sphere.
Conclusion
How do you deal with your dirty laundry while RVing? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks!
