How Should I Wash My Clothes When Backpacking in Europe?

By Michael Ferguson

Backpacking through Europe is an amazing experience, but it can be a challenge to keep your clothes clean and presentable. Washing your clothes while backpacking can help you save money, as well as ensure you look and smell your best for the duration of your trip. So how should you go about washing your clothes when backpacking in Europe?

The most important thing to remember when washing your clothes while backpacking in Europe is to be conscious of the water usage.

Many European countries have strict water conservation regulations, so it’s important to be mindful and respectful of the environment while still getting your laundry done. To conserve water, you should hand wash all of your items in a sink or basin with cold water and a small amount of detergent. This will limit the amount of water used, while still allowing you to get your clothes clean. Additionally, try to avoid washing items that don’t need it – if an item is only lightly soiled, hang it outside instead of running it through a full wash cycle.

When drying your clothes, hanging them up is usually the best option. If there is no sun or wind available, use a drying rack or towel rail inside a room or bathroom with good ventilation. Drying racks are often available for purchase at local markets or camping stores; they help save energy by not using a dryer and are easy to transport from place to place.

Finally, some laundromats may be available in larger cities throughout Europe; however, these can often be expensive and time consuming. If possible, stick to hand-washing and air-drying for optimal savings both in terms of money as well as resources.

Conclusion:

Washing clothes while backpacking in Europe is possible with minimal effort and resource usage. Be mindful of local water regulations and opt for hand-washing smaller loads with cold water and detergent if possible. Hang up wet items on drying racks or outside on sunny days whenever possible; this will help save money as well as energy.