Traveling to Europe, with its rich record of the past, pictures, landscapes, and bustling cities, is a dream come true for some people. But amidst all this sightseeing and adventure, one significant aspect that usually gets overlooked is keeping your clothes clean.

With little luggage space and a jam-packed itinerary, doing laundry while traveling in Europe might look like a daunting task. However, with a little planning and the right approach and strategy, you can ensure fresh and clean clothes throughout your trip. Rest assured that you’ll be provided with an extensive guide on how to do laundry while traveling in Europe.

Moreover, laundry is an important task while traveling in Europe, particularly if you’re on an extended trip. Rather than paying exorbitant prices for hotel laundry services or packing enough clothing to last the entire journey, it is more reasonable, practical and cost-effective to do your laundry yourself. This guide will equip you with useful tips and tricks on how you can tackle laundry while traveling in Europe.

Many a times, people wonder if it is possible to do laundry while traveling in Europe. Yes, it is very possible to do laundry while traveling in Europe. However, many accommodations, such as hotels and even some Airbnbs offer laundry facilities for their guests to use.

Additionally, there are various alternatives available if your accommodation does not have laundry facilities or if you prefer a different option. In this article, we will discuss various ways on how to do laundry while traveling in Europe, including self-service laundromats, laundry services, and hand washing options.

A Guide on How to do Laundry while Traveling in Europe

1. Research your accommodation options:

Before booking your accommodations, check if the places you have in mind have laundry facilities or if there are laundromats nearby. Many hostels and budget hotels provide shared laundry facilities, while some higher-end hotels even provide in-room washing machines. Endeavour to prioritize such options during the booking process to save time and effort.

2. Packing for Easy Laundry

a. Pack Smart:

When preparing for your journey, consider packing clothing that is easy to wash and dry. Opt for lightweight and quick-drying materials that will not take up much space in your luggage. Avoid heavy fabrics that take a longer time to dry.

b. Pack Light and Strategically:

To make doing laundry on the go more painless, it’s essential to pack light. Only bring the necessary amount of clothes for your trip and opt for versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. With this, you won’t have to do laundry frequently. Additionally, packing items made from quick-drying materials will accelerate the drying process.

c. Choose Quick-drying and Versatile Clothing: 

Opt for lightweight fabrics that dry rapidly, enabling you to wash and wear them the next day.

d. Carry a Small Supply of Laundry Essentials: 

Come along with a travel-sized detergent or laundry soap, preferably in a spill-proof container, to save space and ensure that you have what you need.

3. Research Laundromats

a. Laundromat Location and Operating Hours: 

You can make use of online resources, such as Google Maps, to identify laundromats close to your accommodation and verify their opening hours.

b. Study the Facility’s Services: 

Check out if the laundromat offers only self-service options or if they also provide full-service options, combining wash-and-fold or dry cleaning.

c. Check for Additional Amenities: 

Some laundromats have Wi-Fi, seating spaces, and vending machines, which makes the experience more comfortable and convenient.

4. Washing Techniques

•Handwashing: 

Familiarize yourself with the procedure of handwashing your clothes using a sink or basin. This is useful, especially if you are staying in accommodations without laundry facilities.

a. Use Temperature-Appropriate Water: 

Separate your laundry colour by colour and wash them using warm or cold water, depending on the fabric’s prerequisites.

b. Choose an Appropriate Detergent: 

Dilute your detergent with water before you apply it to your garments to ensure even distribution without residue.

c. Agitate and Soak: 

Gently rub the clothes together to remove dirt. Here, you pay attention to stains and odors. Then you allow the garments to soak for 10–15 minutes.

d. Rinse and Squeeze Out Excess Water: 

Rinse the clothes thoroughly. Then you squeeze out the excess water before spreading them flat on a clean towel to dry.

5. Using a Laundromat

a. Separate Your Laundry: 

When making use of laundromats, sort your clothes by colour, fabric, and even the level of dirtiness to ensure even and efficient cleaning.

b. Choosing the Right Machine: 

Select the convenient washing machine size based on the volume of laundry you have, and determine the correct cycle settings.

c. Use the Right Amount of Detergent: 

Follow the instructions on your detergent label to avoid detergent residue or damage to your clothes.

d. Monitor Your Laundry: 

Use the time wisely while waiting for your laundry to finish by examining the surrounding area or completing other tasks.

e. Maximize Drying Efficiency: 

If you are using a dryer, limit the load size for effective drying and also to save time by partially drying clothes before hanging them to air dry.

6. Alternatives to Laundromats

a. Using Hotel Laundry Services: 

If functional, inquire about the laundry services provided by your hotel, as they may offer washing, drying, and ironing facilities at a certain fee.

b. Airbnb or Apartment Rentals With Laundry Facilities: 

Try booking accommodations that come furnished with washing machines or communal laundry areas.

c. Hygiene and Clothing Refreshment:

For shorter trips, prioritize hygiene by making use of travel-sized stain removers and cloth fresheners to maintain cleanliness without having to do laundry.

Benefits of Doing Laundry While Traveling in Europe

1. Convenience

Doing laundry while traveling in Europe eliminates the necessity of packing excessive amounts of clothes for your trip. You can pack lighter clothes and save space in your luggage.

2. Cost-saving

Rather than relying on costly hotel laundry services or dry cleaning, doing laundry at self-service laundromats can be a more affordable alternative. It allows you to avoid undue charges for laundry services.

3. Extended Trip Duration

By doing laundry while traveling in Europe, you can prolong your trip without worrying about running out of clean clothes. This flexibility permits you to research more destinations and also make the most of your time in Europe.

4. Comfort and Freshness

Neat clothes provide a feeling of comfort and freshness. Doing laundry while traveling in Europe ensures that you always have clean clothes to wear, enriching your overall travel experience.

5. Cultural Experience

Visiting local laundromats or using shared laundry facilities can offer a glimpse into your everyday life while in Europe. You might meet inhabitants, interact with other travelers, and have intriguing conversations, improving your cultural immersion.

6. Time-saving

Instead of spending time checking out for clean clothes, you can use that time to explore Europe’s iconic landmarks, museums, and attractions. Quick and efficient laundry sessions can free up your schedule for more impressive experiences.

7. Convenience for Longer Trips

If you are on an extended trip in Europe, especially if you are traveling for several weeks or months, doing laundry becomes a necessity. This is because it ensures that you maintain a clean and comfortable wardrobe throughout your trip, no matter the duration.

Final Words

How to do laundry while traveling in Europe doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a bit of planning, the right supplies and resourcefulness, you can keep your clothes clean and fresh throughout your trip. Whether you make use of a laundromat, utilize laundry facilities in your accommodations, or wash your clothes by hand, you can maintain a clean wardrobe without breaking the bank.