Traveling is not as exciting as before. The pandemic has robbed us of several opportunities to travel around the world. Every person in the world is told to wear face masks to prevent the spread of the virus.
Since it began, traveling through planes and buses, makes people overthink. How will I sanitize my clothes? What are the things I should keep up with? People are adapting to home setup, online tasks, and doing a mundane task– and by mundane task, it is meant laundry.
Do not worry! You can sanitize your clothes on travel almost everywhere. You only have to choose the best method for washing your clothes. When it is time to do the laundry, avoid hugging the dirty laundry, or reduce contact with your body. CDC recommends wearing disposable gloves while handling laundry. After holding the dirty laundry, immediately throw the gloves and wash your hands.
It is best to search for a reliable laundry service and dry cleaning expert around the neighborhood of your travel destination, rather than plan it on the spot. You do not want to ruin your favorite moments during travel, right?
Bring a Travel Wash Bag
Have you heard about a travel wash bag? It’s a pocket-sized portable washing machine, and it does not need any electricity. You only need a small amount of water to deliver a machine-quality wash.
You can wash two clothes at a time or use the wash bag as a dirty laundry sack. Traveling with a wash bag will make things easier and lighter. All you need is a pocket-sized laundry detergent, which you can bring or buy at the convenience store at your destination.
A travel wash bag is your solution for packing light and sanitizing clothes while on travel. You can bring the travel wash bag to hotel rooms, cruise decks, hostels, or campsites. It is perfectly designed for travelers.
Hand Wash Clothes in Hotel Sink
If you cannot find a travel wash bag, you can use the sink or bathtub in your hotel room. If you sanitize and wash your clothes in this method, there are some things you have to keep in mind.
Hand washing your clothes in a sink may be quick and easy. However, it might not be a quality wash without the help of other laundry essentials. Moreover, washing your clothes in a sink can be unhygienic. You do not know who used the sink before you or whether the room service thoroughly cleans the bathroom sink. Remember, your goal is to sanitize your clothes while on travel.
Thus, if you plan to use the hotel sink or bathtub, it is best to do a quick wipe down before using.
Hotel Laundry Service
Most full-service hotels offer a laundry and dry cleaning service to their guests. However, the disadvantage of hotel laundry service is their service rate. Although their service rates vary from place to place, they exceed the regular laundromats’ regular price quotations. They charge per clothes.
If you do not mind paying more for laundry services, then the hotel laundry service offered is the best option for you. You are not only paying for the convenience and faster turnaround, but you are keeping your clothes safe.
But, if you wish to experience sightseeing during your travel without spending too much on laundry services, you can consider several options.
Laundromats
Laundromats are every tourist and local’s best friend. Most developed destinations have laundromats around. If you go to a city or any urban place, there are several laundromats everywhere. However, they might be scarce in rural areas.
Tourists love laundromats because they are a cheaper alternative to hotel laundry service, but their rates may vary on the location, even if they are reasonably priced. However, you need to assess the laundromat first before leaving your clothes to them. Some use old and battered machines that can be dangerous to your garment.
Moreover, laundromats require your effort. You have to carry your laundry to the nearby laundromat, wash your clothes, and bring the clothes back to your accommodation place. Not to mention, you have to waste your time around to wait for a full wash and dry cycle. It is frustrating to do as you are supposed to have sightseeing around your destination.
Do research before heading to your destination. You can ask hoteliers or accommodation owners ahead of time to reserve a room. Do not forget to mention that you will avail of additional services.
Tips on How to Preserve and Sanitize Clothes While on Travel
If you are new to laundry while on travel, hold on to these extra tips that might help you.
- Avoid packing white clothes: Although white clothes are comfortable in humid or hot environments, white clothes stain easily. It might give you a hard time washing them during travels.
- Avoid creases by hanging your clothes. Doing the laundry inside the bathroom is frustrating, but if you insist, you can hang your clothes. Hang your clothes as soon as you arrive and bring them to your accommodation place.
- Bring pocket-sized and eco-friendly laundry detergent: Do not bring bottled detergent. Go with small packets of powdered laundry detergent. Bottled ones may spill inside your luggage. Also, use gentle and eco-friendly detergent to minimize the impact on the environment.
- Use a microfiber towel: If you decide to wash your clothes in your hotel room sink, bring a microfiber towel with you. Drying clothes inside the hotel room is not reliable. You might need a quick-drying and super absorbent towel. Roll your damp clothes in the microfiber towel and press it firmly to absorb moisture and speed up the drying process.
Hold on to these tips, especially if you decide to sanitize your clothes inside your hotel room.
Final Thoughts
If you are still unsure about sanitizing your clothes while traveling, you can assure your doubts through the several options above. You can choose the best way that will suit you. After all, it is your preference that matters. Choose the method that is convenient for you.
