How to wash clothes in the sink while travelling
Short answer: Thin clothing in bamboo viscose can be rinsed in a hand basin in the evening and be dry by morning. The key trick is to press the water out in a towel before hanging it up, so it does not drip all night.
Rinse in the evening
Fill the basin with lukewarm water and add a little detergent or ordinary soap. Put the clothes in, press them under the water and leave them for about ten minutes. Squeeze them gently a few times. Then rinse thoroughly in clean water until no more suds appear. Doing it in the evening gives them all night to dry.
The towel trick
Lay the wet clothes flat on a dry towel and roll the towel up tightly. Press or step on the roll for a moment. The towel soaks up most of the water without any wringing. Wringing pulls the fibres out of shape, especially in thin bamboo viscose, so the towel is the gentle route to faster drying.
Hang freely
Hang the clothes so air can reach both sides. A hanger over the shower cubicle or a line between two hooks works better than a radiator where the clothes lie pressed against the heat. It is the air around the fabric that dries it. Shake each piece out first, so folds do not hold on to moisture.
What dries fastest
Underwear, socks and thin t-shirts in bamboo viscose usually dry overnight once the water has been pressed out. Thick sweat pieces, hoodies and jeans do not, and they are better left for a proper washing machine. Plan your travel wardrobe around this. See for example bamboo underwear for men for this kind of trip.
Pack fewer items
If you can wash along the way, two to three sets of underwear are enough for the whole trip, whether it lasts a week or a month. Wash one set in the evening while wearing another. Our packing list suggests a light wardrobe.
Skip fabric softener
There is rarely fabric softener in a hotel room, and that is just as well. Softener leaves a thin film on the fibres that reduces the fabric's ability to absorb and move moisture. That is exactly the quality that makes bamboo viscose comfortable in warm countries. A little mild detergent or hand soap is all you need when travelling.
Use very little
A hand basin holds only a few litres of water, so very little detergent is needed. Too much soap is hard to rinse out in a basin and leaves residue that can cause odour and itching when you sweat. An amount the size of a pea is usually enough for one set of underwear and a pair of socks.
Careful with hot water
Lukewarm water is enough to get sweat and odour out of thin clothing. Very hot tap water can make colours run and leaves the fabric more vulnerable while it is wet. Stick to a temperature you find comfortable on your own hands.
Travel line and pegs
A small elastic washing line takes up almost no space in your luggage and can be stretched between two hooks, a window or a balcony door. A few pegs hold the clothes in place if there is a draught. Without a line you can use the hotel hangers. Drape thin tops over the hanger instead of clipping the shoulders.
See also
More advice on what works well in the heat is in bamboo clothing for the summer holiday. There you can read which pieces suit the beach, the city and the flight, and how to combine a few items in many ways.
Frequently asked questions
Will the clothes dry overnight?
Thin clothing usually will, if you press the water out in a towel first and hang it freely. Thick items such as sweatshirts and hoodies take longer and belong in a washing machine.
Can I use hand soap instead of detergent?
Yes, a little mild hand soap works fine for underwear and socks while travelling. Use very little and rinse thoroughly, so no soap residue is left behind in the fabric.
Should I wring the clothes?
No, avoid wringing thin bamboo viscose. Roll it up in a dry towel and press instead. That removes just as much water and keeps the clothes in shape.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
