10 Tips for Doing Laundry on Holiday: Get Ready for your 2025 Adventure

Traveling is all about freedom, adventure, and making memories - not lugging around heavy detergent bottles or dealing with messy spills. Whether you’re backpacking, road-tripping, or jet-setting, laundry on holiday can be a hassle. But it doesn’t have to be.

Here are 10 expert tips to keep your clothes fresh, clean, and smelling incredible - no matter where you are.

1. Pack detergent sheets - the ultimate travel laundry hack

Qlean laundry offers the number 1 travel detergent on the market right now. Our Qlean Travel Pack comes in a convenient 10-pack, perfect for any trip. These travel detergent sheets are lightweight, compact, and TSA-approved, making them ideal for carry-ons and suitcases. They dissolve completely in all water temperatures and leave your clothes smelling like luxury - not chemicals. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and zero waste, so you can feel good about every load.

Pro tip: Tear sheets in half for smaller loads or hand washing to stretch your pack even further.

2. Use hotel laundry services wisely

Laundry services at hotels can be convenient but often pricey and slow. Before handing over your clothes, check the cost and turnaround time. Sometimes, doing laundry yourself with travel detergent sheets is faster, cheaper, and more reliable.

Pro tip: If you do use hotel laundry, pack your detergent sheets to freshen clothes between washes.

3. Hand wash delicates in the sink

Delicates like lingerie, swimwear, or silk need gentle care. Bring a small travel laundry bag and a few detergent sheets to hand wash these items in the sink or basin. It’s quick, effective, and keeps your delicate fabrics safe.

Pro tip: Use cold water and gently agitate clothes to avoid damage. Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent.

4. Dry clothes efficiently

Without a dryer, drying can be a challenge. Roll wet clothes in a towel to squeeze out excess water before hanging. Choose a well-ventilated spot or use a portable laundry line to speed up drying.

Pro tip: Hang clothes inside out to protect colors and reduce fading from sunlight.

5. Pre-treat stains immediately

Spills happen, especially on holiday. Use a stain remover bar or dissolve a bit of travel detergent sheet in water to pre-treat stains as soon as possible. This prevents stains from setting and makes washing easier.

Pro tip: Dab gently instead of rubbing to avoid spreading the stain or damaging fabric.

6. Pack a portable laundry line

A lightweight, retractable laundry line is a travel essential. It lets you dry clothes anywhere - hotel rooms, balconies, or campsites - without relying on dryers or shared laundry facilities.

Pro tip: Bring a few clothespins or clips to keep clothes secure in windy conditions.

7. Choose quick-dry fabrics

When packing, opt for clothes made from quick-dry materials like nylon or polyester blends. These fabrics dry faster, saving you time and hassle on the road.

Pro tip: Avoid heavy cottons or denim for travel unless you plan to wash infrequently.

8. Don’t overload the washing machine

If you’re using a laundromat or hotel machine, don’t stuff it full. Clothes need room to move freely for a proper clean and rinse. Overloading can leave detergent residue and cause poor washing results.

Pro tip: Split your laundry into smaller loads if possible for better cleaning and faster drying.

9. Use fragrance-free travel detergent sheets if you have sensitive skin

Traveling can expose your skin to new irritants. Qlean offers an unscented option that’s gentle, hypoallergenic, and perfect for sensitive skin or fragrance-sensitive travelers.

Pro tip: Test a small patch of skin with new detergent if you’re prone to reactions.

10. Plan laundry days into your itinerary

Don’t wait until you’re out of clean clothes. Schedule laundry days into your travel plans so you’re never caught off guard. This keeps your wardrobe fresh and your trip stress-free.

Pro tip: Combine laundry days with rest or sightseeing days near laundry facilities to maximize your time.

Travel light, clean smart, and smell amazing with these tips. Ready to upgrade your travel laundry game? Grab your Qlean Travel Pack here and make laundry the easiest part of your holiday.