You need less laundry gear than you think. For most trips, a pack of dry detergent strips is all you need. Add a Scrubba wash bag only if you're on a long one-bag trip and wash a few pieces every couple of days.
Our picks
Tru Earth Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent (Unscented)
Dry, unscented detergent strips that skip the liquids bag at security and handle sink laundry on long trips.
Scrubba Wash Bag
A 5 oz wash bag with a built-in washboard, the backpacker's answer to washing socks, underwear and tees every couple of days.
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing Cube
A small waterproof cube that keeps a damp swimsuit or wet gear off your clean clothes.
OlarHike 10-Piece Packing Cube Set
A 10-piece packing set with a laundry bag, so worn clothes stay separate in a shared family suitcase.
Journey Breeze Laundry Sheets + Clothesline Travel Kit
The pin-free line is handy in hotel bathrooms and cruise cabins, but the sheets have few reviews so far, so we'd stick with strips.
Scrubba Tactical Wash & Dry Kit
A complete wash-and-dry kit for long-term travelers, but you probably own a towel already, so buy the wash bag alone.
What makes good travel laundry gear?
Dry detergent is the one thing worth packing. Strips and sheets don't count as liquids at security, weigh almost nothing and tear in half for a small sink load.
If you wash often, a wash bag with a built-in washboard lets you scrub clothes anywhere. Water, soap, clothes, then rub. No power needed.
How do you choose travel laundry gear?
Short trip with a machine at the rental? You may not need anything. A long trip with hotel sinks calls for detergent strips. On a long one-bag trip through hostels or campsites, bring strips plus a wash bag.
Keep the wet and dirty stuff away from clean clothes. A waterproof cube holds a damp swimsuit, and a simple laundry bag keeps worn clothes separate.
Which laundry gear can you skip?
Bundled laundry kits look complete. But most people already own a towel and don't need folding hangers. Buy the wash bag on its own and add a simple travel clothesline if you need one.
Be realistic about hand washing. Socks, underwear and tees are easy. Jeans and a full week of laundry belong in a machine or with a laundry service.
How do you dry clothes when you travel?
Don't hang it dripping. Roll the washed item in a towel and press to squeeze most of the water out, then hang it. A pin-free braided clothesline is handy in hotel bathrooms and cruise cabins.
Questions people ask
How do you do laundry while traveling?
Wash small things in a sink or wash bag with dry detergent, squeeze them out in a towel and hang them to dry. Leave bigger loads for a laundromat, rental machine or laundry service.
Can you bring laundry detergent sheets in a carry-on?
Yes. Dry strips and sheets aren't liquids, so they stay out of your liquids bag.
Is the Scrubba wash bag worth it?
On long one-bag trips where you wash a few pieces every couple of days, yes. For short trips or places with machines, a sink and detergent strips will do.
How much laundry detergent should I pack?
One Tru Earth strip per load, and half a strip for a small hand wash. A handful of strips in a zip bag covers most trips.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.