A checklist for packing the laundry when you travel
Short answer: Laundry on a trip needs a bag for the dirty things, a plan for the wet things and a clear separation from the clean. With six simple steps you avoid the whole suitcase smelling of worn clothes when you get home.
Step 1: Bring a bag for the dirty things
Pack a large, strong bag that can be closed at the bottom of the suitcase. Use a mesh laundry bag if you want the clothes to air a little. Have an extra small bag for wet things such as swimwear. Put dirty clothes straight into the bag as soon as you have worn them, instead of leaving them loose in the suitcase. That way clean and dirty do not mix, and the smell stays in the bag.
Step 2: Air the clothes before they are packed
Hang the clothes up for half an hour before you put them in the bag. What has only been worn briefly can hang and air and then be used again. Air especially clothes that have been in sun and heat, because moisture and sweat settle easily if the fabric is shut in. See bamboo training trousers for women if you need something soft and warm for travel days where the clothes are used both for sitting and walking.
Step 3: Separate the wet from the dry
Wet things should never be packed together with dry ones. Wring swimwear out as well as you can and put it in a separate bag. Hang it up to dry as soon as you arrive at the next overnight stop. Wet shoes, if you have them with you, should lie in their own bag. Leave the suitcase open afterwards so it can air, and wipe the bottom with a cloth.
Step 4: Use a packing plan with layers
Put the dirty clothes at the bottom of the suitcase and the clean on top. That makes it easy to get at clean clothes and removes the need to rummage. Keep small things such as underwear and socks in a bag of their own, so they do not disappear. See bamboo bra without underwire if you want a soft bra that is easy to pack and takes little room. Mark the bag with a note, so you know what is in each.
Step 5: Hand washing on the way
If you cannot wait until you get home, wash a little along the way. Underwear and socks are easy to wash in the sink with mild soap and dry overnight. Pack a small bar of soap or a tube of travel detergent. See home and homewear in bamboo if you want comfortable clothes for the evenings that are easy to rinse and hang up. Dry the clothes completely before they are packed, otherwise the smell comes.
Step 6: Unpack and wash straight away
When you get home, take everything out of the suitcase at once. Wash the dirty clothes quickly and hang them to dry. Air the suitcase and wipe it inside before you put it away. Clothes that have lain damp in a suitcase for several days can develop an unpleasant smell that is hard to remove. Check the care labels and sort by colour and temperature, so you do not wash anything too hot.
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid the suitcase smelling
Pack dirty clothes in a closed bag, air the clothes first and wipe the suitcase out straight after the trip. Never pack damp clothes together with dry.
How often should I wash while travelling
Underwear and socks should be washed daily or every other day. Other clothes can often be worn several times if they are aired in between.
Should I bring detergent
A small bar of soap or a tube of travel detergent is handy if you want to hand wash. Many hotels do not have detergent for guests.
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