Washing Clothes in Your Hotel Sink: A Quick Guide for Light Travelers
For Just a Few Items, You Don’t Need a Laundromat
If you only need to wash one pair of socks or underwear, going to a coin laundry can feel like too much trouble. For small items, hand-washing in your hotel room is a good option.
Step-by-Step Hotel Hand-Wash
- Clean the Sink: Give the hotel sink a quick rinse first.
- Fill and Add Soap: Plug the sink, fill it with warm water, and add a small amount of travel detergent (or mild body soap in an emergency).
- Wash and Soak: Gently rub the clothes and let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse Well: Drain the soapy water and rinse the clothes thoroughly until the water runs clear.
The “Towel Roll” Drying Trick (Important!)
Don’t just wring the clothes out; they will drip everywhere and won’t dry.
- Lay a dry, clean hotel bath towel flat.
- Place your wet items on top of the towel.
- Roll the towel up tightly with the clothes inside, like a sushi roll.
- Twist or step on the towel roll gently to squeeze out excess water into the towel.
Where to Hang
Hang items near the air conditioner or in the bathroom if it has a ventilation dryer function. Never hang wet clothes directly on furniture or carpet, as it may cause damage.
