Keeping up with household laundry is a constant struggle. In an RV, it’s a downright puzzle. You have to balance limited space and compact appliances, often doing multiple small loads just to keep dirty clothes from piling up. But this eats into your free time—not to mention your water supply! And that’s if you even have a washer and dryer on board. For those who don't, finding laundromat access while traveling adds another layer of complexity.
Needless to say, doing laundry on the road can be a headache for many RVers. So, how do full-timers manage it? Or that adventurous couple exploring the country in their tiny camper van? They’ve got a strategy!
From washing to folding, savvy travelers know that successfully doing laundry in an RV comes down to having a plan—and the right tools. That’s where Parts Via comes in, offering helpful hacks and top-notch product recommendations that make keeping your clothes clean as easy as planning your next destination.
Assess Your Laundry Setup
Before diving into that dirty clothes pile, take stock of your RV’s laundry setup—or lack thereof. Understanding your options is key to building a cleaning strategy that works for you.
Onboard Units
Some RVs are equipped with 2-in-1 washer/dryer combos or stackable units, similar to those found in small apartments. These can be lifesavers if you have the space, giving you the flexibility to do laundry whenever you need from the convenience (and privacy) of your own home on wheels.
Brands like Splendide, Pinnacle, and Contoure offer reliable RV-friendly options—which you can check out here on Parts Via.
Just remember, these onboard washer and dryer units are compact and high-efficiency, but they can also be water-hungry. This means you'll need to keep load sizes small, use compatible detergent, and be mindful of your water usage. With some models, a single load can nearly fill a gray water tank, so plan for full hookups if you have a laundry day scheduled.
Portable Units
Since not all RVs can accommodate a complete laundry system, many campers opt for portable washing machines they can bring along for the ride. These versatile units vary in size and functionality, with some featuring electronic controls and faucet hookups, and others requiring manual filling, cranking, and wringing.
While portable units are smaller than traditional RV washers and dryers, they are also lightweight, making them easier to move around. You’ll still need to keep an eye on your gray water tank, since most of these units drain into the sink via hose—so again, opting for full hookups is best if there’s a lot of laundry to do.
DIY Options
Plenty of folks manage to do their laundry on the road without lugging along an appliance. And really, for quick, small loads, a DIY handwashing setup might be all you need. You can even let the RV do half the work—simply place soap, water, and clothes into a bucket with a tight-fitting lid and let it agitate as you drive.
Drying is simple too. If the campsite allows it, hang a line outside to dry your clothes. Sunlight not only freshens up your laundry but also has natural disinfecting properties. After 30 to 60 minutes, your clothes will not only smell like sunshine but also be germ-free!
If you’re stuck drying inside, consider setting up a drying rack in the shower or bathroom—if your camper has one. This space typically includes a vent or fan, which helps reduce moisture buildup inside the RV and keeps the air circulating.
Don’t Sleep on Laundromats & Park Services
Admittedly, items like sheets and big heavy towels are difficult to wash by hand. They can also be tricky to get into a tiny RV appliance. That’s where campground laundry facilities come in handy. However, if you’re not in a rural area, we recommend using a commercial laundromat. These businesses are dedicated to laundry, so their machines are more likely to be well-maintained and have dryers that get very hot, cutting down your drying time.
To ensure you find a laundromat that’s safe, convenient, and reliable:
Check the reviews: Reading reviews on Google or Yelp can give you a good sense of the cleanliness of the space and quality of the machines.
Look at photos: Visuals can help you gauge how well-maintained the space is and if it offers any amenities like seating or free Wi-Fi.
Location matters: Make sure the laundromat is in a safe part of town. You’ll be spending time there while your laundry washes and dries, so you want to feel secure.
Know the prices: Before you head out, check the prices online or give the business a call. Some laundromats can be surprisingly expensive, so it’s better to be prepared.
If you’re relying on the campground’s laundry facilities, we recommend scoping them out early. You’ll want to know how many machines are available, what their condition is like, and how much they cost. If the space is small, consider doing your laundry during off-hours, when machines are more likely to be available.
Additionally, be sure to bring your own supplies like detergent, fabric softeners, or dryer sheets and don’t forget those quarters!
Pro Tips and Hacks for Doing Laundry on the Road
No matter how well-equipped your RV is, laundry on the road always comes with its own set of challenges. Fortunately, we’ve scoured the web to draw up a list of clever ways to make the process easier, faster, and maybe even a little more enjoyable.
- Line your laundry baskets with drawstring bags. This makes it easier to transport dirty clothes, whether you’re hauling them to an outside facility or just to the other side of the camper.
- Sort your dirty clothes by fabric type rather than color to maximize drying time. For example, items like workout clothes and bathing suits might only need 10-15 minutes in a commercial dryer, while bath towels could take up to an hour. While you’re folding the quick-dry items, the others can keep tumbling. (Toss a color catcher sheet into the washer if you’re worried about dyes fading or bleeding.)
- Keep a second set of sheets on hand for quick changes after you strip the bed. This way, when you’re staring at that giant pile of laundry that needs to be folded, you’re not also staring down a bed that needs to be made.
- Bring some disinfectant wipes in case you need to wipe down the laundry machines or folding tables if they’re looking a little worse for wear. Remember, a lot of people bring allergy-laden items to the laundromat, such as dog beds and outdoor patio mats.
- Swap bulky detergent jugs or pods for laundry detergent strips. These concentrated sheets are super compact and weigh up to 90% less than liquid detergent, making them perfect for tight RV spaces.
- Save that dryer lint! Stuff it into an empty cardboard toilet paper tube for a quick campfire firestarter.
- Upgrade to Turkish towels, as they’re exceptionally lightweight and quick-drying. In addition to taking up less space in your camper, they also won’t hold sand after a day at the beach.
- For families, sort clean clothes by person instead of type. Then, once folded, place each person’s items into their own reusable grocery tote for easier distribution to each room.
Simplify Laundry on the Road with Parts Via
Laundry can be a hassle when you're on the road, but with a few simple tips, you can lighten the load (pun intended). Whether you're doing laundry in an RV or using a campground facility, Parts Via has the products you need to stay organized and keep your clothes clean!