Travelling is fun, but keeping your clothes clean on the road can be a bit of a juggle. Whether you’re heading off on a big adventure, doing a quick work trip, or road-tripping around Australia, having a simple laundry plan makes life so much easier.
Here are some practical, no-fuss tips to help you keep your laundry fresh without slowing down your trip.
Your laundry experience starts before you even leave home. Choose clothes that are lightweight, comfy, and quick to dry. Fabrics like bamboo, polyester blends, or light merino wool are brilliant because they dry fast and don’t crease much. Travelling is not the time to be working out what mixes and matches in front of the hotel mirror, so stick to a simple colour palette so you easily combine outfits. Less laundry, less hassle.
A small kit saves you time, money and stress. Pack a travel-sized detergent bottle, a sink stopper in case the hotel sink doesn’t have one, a couple of spare zip-lock bags for dirty clothes or to separate worn and fresh clothes a packet of stain remover wipes. You’ll be able to do quick washed or freshen ups with no fuss. Some store-bought travel laundry kits will even include a foldable clothesline.
When you’re travelling light, the hotel or Airbnb sink becomes really important. That’s why taking a sink stopper is smart (in case it’s gone missing). Fill it with warm water, add a splash of detergent, soak your clothes for 10 to 15 minutes and give them a gentle scrub. Rinse well, wrap them in a towel to squeeze out the water, then hang them up overnight on the shower rail or clothes line. Most quick-dry fabrics will be ready by morning.
For longer trips or bulkier items like jeans, jackets, or towels, local laundromats are handy, and they’re often located near hostels or hotels. While machines run, you can explore the neighbourhood, catch up on emails, or relax with a coffee. Pro tip: always carry some coins, as not all laundromats accept digital payments.
Many hotels, hostels, and Airbnb stays offer on-site laundry services. While hotel laundry can be pricey, self-service machines in common areas or included washing machines in apartments are excellent for longer stays. Check in advance when booking accommodation because it can save you time and hassle.
When you can’t do a full wash, a little creativity keeps clothes wearable. Pack a small fabric freshener spray or use a mixture of water and a drop of essential oil to revive items. Hanging clothes in a steamy bathroom can help reduce wrinkles and odours. And don’t underestimate the power of airing garments in fresh air and sunlight.
Spills and stains are inevitable while travelling. A stain remover pen or wipes can rescue clothes until you can wash them properly. Always treat stains quickly before they set in.
Laundry isn’t the most exciting part of travel, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few smart hacks like packing the right fabrics, using local laundromats, and carrying a simple laundry kit, you’ll stay fresh and comfortable wherever your journey takes you. Fresh clothes, less stress, and more energy for the good stuff. That’s what travel should feel like.
And when you’re back home and settling in, make life even easier by finding a Star Laundromat near you. Our modern self-service machines handle large and small loads, with coin and cashless options, free detergent, 24/7 access, and free WiFi while you wait.
So next time you’re loading up your basket, have a quick look around your home, car, or even your pet’s favourite corner. You might spot a few extra things that could use a freshen-up. We’re here to help make it fast, easy, and completely fuss-free.