When it comes to doing laundry while living in a van, there are a few options.
The first and most obvious option is to use laundromats.
Laundromats are located in most towns and cities and are relatively easy to find. Most laundromats offer coin-operated machines that can wash and dry clothes, and some even have larger machines that can accommodate bulky items like comforters or sleeping bags.
What’s the best way to find a laundromat when living in a van?
One of the easiest ways to find a laundromat is to search for "laundromat" or "laundry" on Google Maps. You can then filter the results by location, rating, and distance to find the nearest laundromat.
Yelp: Yelp is a popular review website that can be used to find laundromats in your area. You can search for laundromats, read reviews, and get directions to the closest one.
laundromatsnear.me: This website is specifically designed to help you find laundromats near your location. You can search for laundromats by zip code, city, or state, and the website will provide you with a list of laundromats in the area.
Hamper App (or others): There are a few apps like this, so chose your favorite. However, as an example, this app basically finds the laundromat for you and can even process your laundry. The service is available through an app and operates in select cities across the United States. Users can choose from a variety of laundry services, including wash and fold, dry cleaning, and ironing, and can track the progress of their order through the app. Hamperapp aims to provide convenient, on-demand laundry services to its users.
Another option is to use portable washing machines. Depending on your build type and space available, these may or may not be feasible.
That said, they’re something to look into as some vanlifers have opted for washing machines. Don’t expect the same washing machine you may have in your home or apartment - these machines are small, lightweight, and can be more easily stored in the van. They work by using a minimal amount of water and can be powered by a generator, solar panel, or an inverter. Portable washing machines are great for small loads of laundry and can be a great alternative to laundromats. There are a few different types or portable washing solutions, so there should be an option that fits your need and build requirements. In reality, most vanlifers typically rely on laundromats as their foremost method, but may supplement with a small portable option. That said, there are definitely vanlifers who prioritize laundry on the road, and make sure a portable machine can fit into their build.
There are several types of portable washing machines, which can be broadly divided into two categories: electric and non-electric.
Electric portable washing machines are powered by electricity (as you might have guessed) and can typically wash clothes more efficiently and effectively than non-electric machines. They come in different sizes and capacities, from small, single-tub machines to larger, double-tub machines that can wash and spin dry clothes. Some electric portable washing machines can even be connected to a faucet for automatic water supply.
Non-electric portable washing machines, on the other hand, are manually operated and do not require electricity. They are often smaller and more compact than electric models, making them a great option for camping or other outdoor activities. Non-electric portable washing machines are often operated by a hand crank or foot pedal, and some models use a pressure system to clean clothes without the need for electricity. We’re not trying to sell you on any product, but to give you a starting point in your product research, many van lifers look for something similar to the Scrubba Wash Bag. It’s a lightweight and compact portable washing machine that is perfect for vanlife. It can hold up to 3 gallons of water and features a built-in washboard for effective cleaning. It is also easy to use and requires only a small amount of detergent.
Hand-washing clothes is also an option for van lifers.
This method can be done using a washbasin and soap, and is a great way to conserve water. However, hand-washing can be time-consuming and physically demanding, especially if you have a lot of laundry to do.
Some vanlifers look to do laundry in a house or hotel.
This definitely isn’t the most common strategy, but since many people take a break from the van to rent an airbnb or hotel once in a while anyways, think about how this may support your laundry needs. It may be possible to rent an Airbnb or hotel to do laundry, but it would depend on the host's specific policies and the availability of laundry facilities in the rental. Some Airbnb listings may explicitly state that laundry facilities are not available to guests, while others may allow access to a washing machine and dryer for an additional fee.
It's important to note that renting an entire Airbnb for the sole purpose of doing laundry may not be cost-effective or practical but depends on the amount of laundry you’re doing. However, if you are planning to stay in an Airbnb for other reasons, or need a break from the road, it might make sense to use the staycation to complete your laundry needs. On a similar note, if you’re desperate or have a lot of laundry to do, think if you have any friends in the area that would allow you to stay overnight and use their washer/dryer.
Dry cleaning when living in a van
Unfortunately, there isn’t a great solution for this one if we’re being honest. For clothes that require dry cleaning, you may need to seek out a professional dry cleaning service in the area. Some van lifers opt to bring their dry cleaning with them to a larger city or town where they can find a cleaner.
How to dry clothes while living in a van
Drying clothes can also be a challenge in van life. One option is to hang clothes to dry inside the van, using a clothesline or hangers. However, this can create a lot of humidity inside the van and can be problematic in cold or wet weather. Another option is to use a portable dryer, which can be powered by a generator or an inverter but again, would probably only be realistic or worth the power draw if you have a shore power hookup. Your best bet is going to be to use the dryer at a laundromat, or hang your clothes outside if you’re in a dry, warm climate.
The best laundry solution is to do less of it
To reduce the amount of laundry you need to do when living in a van, consider rewearing clothes that aren't actually dirty - part of this may require an adjustment in your perception of ‘dirty’. Instead of washing pants after every wear, for example, wear them for a week before washing. You can also separate your active clothes from your casual clothes which may not get as sweaty. If you’re going hiking and getting sweaty anyway, it can’t hurt to wear clothes you’ve previously hiked in. Change clothes when you shower, and wear loose fitting / more exposed clothing (ex. tank tops) instead of clothes that cover up your body to minimize contact with body odor. Switching to natural deodorant can also help reduce clothing stains and unnecessary washing.
Keep your van clean even with dirty clothes piling up
In order to maintain a clean and fresh environment in your van, it's important to store your soiled clothes efficiently while also preventing any unpleasant smells from permeating the space. One option for this is a mesh laundry bag, which allows for air flow and prevents the growth of mold and bad odors. However, if your clothes tend to have a strong odor, it's recommended to use a sealed laundry bag instead to contain any smells. Many people have a dedicated storage compartment or cabinet that helps to keep dirty laundry isolated. If you’re clothes really reek, think about tossing an air freshener into the laundry bag or compartment where you keep your dirty clothes.
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