Travelling is all fun and games until your clothes get dirty, whether it’s by dust, sand, or mud. But don’t let your soiled clothing stop you from enjoying your time, though. More often than not, your travel destination has a few laundry services nearby. Use them to your advantage!
You’d be surprised to learn that globally, dry-cleaning and laundry services are on the rise. Asia Pacific, in particular, has a 35% market share and is expected to grow further, with many people–locals and tourists alike–seeking convenient garment care.
That means you have many laundry service options to choose from. You’ll learn more about each in this article so you can select the ideal one for your dirty clothes and enjoy the most of your travels. Read on!
Local Laundry Services
If you’re staying in rental accommodations or a budget hotel with limited amenities, you’d do well calling local laundry services. This option is quite convenient when you have a tight schedule in your travel itinerary. Just drop off your clothes and pick them up later. Sometimes, they’re done within a day!
Suppose you’re visiting Thailand, for instance. Before your trip, it helps to research a laundry service in the city that offers free pickup and delivery so you don’t have to visit their establishment when time doesn’t permit. Look for those with rave reviews from both locals and travellers. But don’t just settle for the first one you find. Check out different local laundry service options because prices can change depending on where you are.
Hotel Laundry Services
Higher-tier hotels usually offer laundry services as part of their amenities. To use this service, you might call housekeeping, and they’ll come to pick up your garments. It’s one of the more convenient options out there since the washing, drying, and folding will all be done in the same building you’re staying in.
The drawback to using hotel laundry services is you may expect to pay a premium. To save money, consider bundling items or checking for discounts.
Laundromats
Laundromats offer another budget-friendly laundry solution. While more time-consuming than other options, they allow you to control the washing process.
One advantage to using laundromats is that you can use your own laundry supplies, such as detergent and fabric softener. Try to avoid using laundry pods, though, especially if sustainability matters to you. Over 75% of plastic particles from laundry pods eventually end up in oceans, rivers, and the soil.
You can find laundromats in most urban areas. So, if you’re travelling within cities, you’re likely to spot one or two options just blocks apart. To maximize efficiency, bring your detergent and check machine availability before arriving.
Self-Service Laundry in Accommodations
Have particular laundry preferences or no time to search for laundry service options? Your accommodations might have a laundry area where you can wash your clothes freely. However, you may need to inquire with the landlord about it first since many rental accommodations might have strict rules on using their washing machine and dryer.
Don’t forget to double-check the laundry equipment before dumping all your dirty clothes inside, especially if you’re staying in a rental home. Studies show that 79% of household washing machines contain fungi like Candida and Fusarium, which can be harmful, especially to people with weakened immune systems. If you have doubts, feel free to ask around for a nearby laundry service provider.
Handwashing Clothes
If you’re particular about the quality of your clothes, especially if you own capsule pieces, handwashing may be preferable over other laundry service options. It’s a viable choice for smaller loads or delicate items, too.
Pack travel-sized detergent and a drying rack if you prefer to handwash your clothes when travelling. Gently wash your clothes using cool water and mild detergent, squeeze out excess water, and hang to dry in the appropriate place.
Laundry Hacks and Tips
Want to do less laundry while travelling? Pack smart! Choose clothes that dry quickly and don’t wrinkle easily. Accidents may also happen. So, if you spill something on your clothing or personal linens, act fast. Cold water and a stain remover can save the day.
Need to dry your clothes quickly? Try hanging them in the bathroom after a hot shower. The steam can help loosen wrinkles, too. But if you’re in a rush, break out the hair dryer. Just use the cool setting.
Wrapping Up
Choosing laundry service options generally depends on your travel plans, but budget, time, and the kind of trip you’re taking matter, too. Do you have a tight schedule? Are you on a budget? Maybe you’re picky about your clothes and want to make sure they’re handled with care. These factors will help you decide.
Plan ahead, follow these tips, and laundry won’t stress you out. That way, you’ll be free to soak up every moment of your adventure, knowing your clothes are sorted.
