There are times on my travels when hand-washing a few articles of clothing in the sink is just plain easier than trying to find a washing machine. When you’re on a tight schedule and have to be out and about at opportune laundry machine usage times, being able to hand-wash a few pairs of undies and a t-shirt can be a godsend.
Look, I know you won’t get it to the same level of clean as a machine, and I’m not saying that you should hand-wash your clothes ALL the time. I’m just saying that being open to the world of sink washing your clothes on the road can save you both time and money.
That’s where the proper hand-washing laundry soap comes into play. Early this year, I was sent a couple items from Sea to Summit (Pocket Laundry Wash and Wilderness Wash), both of which I used while traveling through Russia, Mongolia, China, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey. I enjoy both of these products, but one, in particular, wins out over the other.
Pocket Laundry Wash
These little plastic cases (that fit in your hand) come with 50 sheets of dry laundry soap. Think like those breath freshener sheets. These guys are dry and tiny, which means the 50 sheets of laundry soap are TSA friendly (our favorite!) and they won’t ever leak in your bag. Win!
When washing clothes, toss 2-3 sheets into a sink filling with water. Then, wash and rinse your clothes.
I don’t think the Pocket Laundry Wash strips are a bad option at all. They seemed to get the job done, and they are biodegradable (good for the environment). However, they don’t suds up very much (or stay sudsy very long), and they don’t have that clean clothes smell you might get from using traditional detergent.
>> Pick up some Pocket Laundry Wash on Amazon.
Wilderness Wash
The Wilderness Wash made an impact on me because it not only acts as a laundry wash, but it also acts as dish washing liquid, shampoo, and body wash. With its multipurpose capabilities, the Wilderness Wash definitely takes the cake.
Unfortunately, it does take a little bit more space in your bag since it is a liquid (also be sure to get the 3oz bottle or smaller version for TSA reasons). That said, I feel like you get more suds and more washes out of the 3oz bottle than the pocket strips – which is better for someone that might be in destinations where hand-washing will be a common activity.
Just put a squirt or two in the sink with running water and go about your washing. Like the pocket laundry wash, it doesn’t leave a scent on your clothes like a normal laundry detergent.
Other benefits include the fact that it is environmentally friendly, and the bottle itself is tough, durable and doesn’t leak.
>> Get the Wilderness Wash on Amazon.
Final Thoughts:
While both products provide similar outcomes, are environmentally friendly, and take up little room in a backpack, the winner between the two – for me – is the Wilderness Wash as it offers so many more opportunities to be used during travels. The multipurpose capabilities make all the difference.
So, if I’m camping for a couple days and need something to wash my hair, my dishes and my clothes, the Wilderness Wash will get the job done.
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Both products in this post were provided free-of-charge from Sea to Summit.
Brooke,
I’m a new follower to your blog. I’ve never hand washed my clothes but I’m planning on traveling a lot next year for speaking engagements and this might work especially if an emergency arise.
Great review.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I’m happy you found this useful. Having the ability to hand wash on the go is great 🙂 Happy travels!
I love summit to sea products, because they are environmentally friendly and I can use them in the wild whilst camping or trekking without harming the environment. I have both their shower gel and shampoo, but have never seen the washing products. The wilderness one looks like a great combination of everything, although I do have to say that I also like the look of the dry sheets, as they don’t take up much room. Thanks for posting this. Will definitely give it a try!
Personally I just carry around either a small gotoob of liquid Dr. Brommer’s magic soap or the solid bar. I’ve used it as shampoo/conditioner, laundry detergent, and normal face and body wash. They also smell great!
Sea to Summit also offers the Wilderness soap in dry sheets 😉 Best of both worlds