Dirty laundry on a trip without the smell

Short answer: Keep dirty laundry in a breathable bag rather than plastic. Let it dry fully before putting it away and it will not smell.

Why plastic is the problem

A sealed plastic bag traps the moisture. A damp garment in a plastic bag in a warm suitcase starts to smell within a day. A fabric bag lets the moisture escape and solves most of it.

Let it dry first

Hang a damp garment over a chair for an hour before it goes in the bag. That is the single action that matters most and it costs nothing. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

Wash along the way on long trips

On trips over a week, hand washing in the basin is easier than carrying a week of dirty laundry around. Bamboo fabric dries overnight. See bamboo underwear for men and bamboo socks for men.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use an ordinary bag

A fabric bag or a thin mesh laundry bag beats plastic, because air can reach the contents.

What do you do if it already smells

Hang it out to air. If the smell is strong, it has to be washed straight away.

Should socks and underwear go in the same bag

Yes, but let them dry first. They are what smells first.