Travel for an extended period and you will find yourself washing some clothes in your hotel room. Whether it’s to remove a stain from a shirt or to save on expensive hotel laundry costs, here’s a quick, efficient, and budget-friendly method to clean your garments.
Get Scrubbing
The Scrubba is a unique laundry bag ideal for travelers. It resembles the shape of a small backpack (imagine a daypack) that can be compacted into a small triangle. Once opened, the Scrubba can accommodate several pairs of socks along with a few shirts, but items that are bulkier, such as jeans, won’t fit.
Along with the Scrubba, make sure to bring some laundry detergent sheets as well. Place a few items of clothing into the Scrubba, add a detergent sheet, then toss in a few more garments.
Fill it with water up to the marked line on the laundry bag, fold the top, and then secure it closed with the clip.
Rinse, Rest, Relax
As the name indicates, scrubbing is part of the process, but first, release any excess air through the blue valve on the Scrubba. The instruction suggests scrubbing for anywhere between 30 seconds to 3 minutes, extending the time for dirtier or stained items. However, I diverge from Scrubba’s advice to rinse right away. I have discovered that clothes tend to come out cleaner (and smell significantly better) if left to soak for a few hours. During this time, I’ll grab a meal or explore while my clothes soak with the detergent sheet for a little longer.
Afterward, you can begin rinsing and then hang them to dry on a balcony or over the shower rod or door. You can also use a dryer sheet to give your suitcase contents a pleasing scent, and if you need to clean water-resistant gear, do this instead.