One of the great things about RVing is that you can plan a long trip, and you’ll have everything in your home away from home with you every step of the way! Of course, one of the challenges of extended trips is that, at some point, you’ll need to do some laundry.
Whether you’re on a short trip and have a laundry emergency, or you’re on a longer trip and simply need clean clothes on a regular basis, there are tricks for how to do laundry in an RV versus doing laundry in a house or apartment. Here are a few laundry hacks to consider, and some tips for getting laundry done on the road.
10 RV Laundry Hacks
1.) Corral dirty laundry
If you’re trying to figure out where to put dirty laundry in an RV, store it in large laundry bags with drawstring closures. The bags are more flexible than solid baskets, so you can stuff them under a bed or store them in a cupboard – or even toss them in the shower while you’re traveling! The drawstring keeps clothes contained so they won’t spill out in the RV or on your way to a laundromat.
There are plenty of online options for grabbing a drawstring bag, and many of them come in several colors. You could get one for the entire family, or assign different colors to different family members to keep clothes sorted.
2.) Consider an RV washer and dryer set
If you have a large enough motorhome, it’s a huge convenience to have a washer and dryer on board! There are lots of different sets – to save room, consider a stackable washer and dryer, or a washer and dryer combo machine.
There are plenty of RV washer and dryer options available – let’s take a look at a few!
- Giantex 2 in 1 Portable Laundry: This machine can both wash and dry clothes. It can handle almost nine pounds of clothing and has ten washing modes and five water levels. It also has a child safety lock so kids can’t interrupt the machine.
- COMFEE’ Portable Washing Machine: This compact washing machine has several wash cycles and three water levels. It’s only 18.1 inches wide and 31.5 inches high. You will need to air dry clothes afterward, but getting them clean is half the battle!
- Equator Laundry Center Stackable Washer & Dryer: This set is designed for small spaces, including RVs. It has an energy-saving feature, so the auto display shuts off after five minutes. It also has child locks to keep kids from opening the machines. The set has a total height of 59 inches.
3.) Prioritize what needs cleaning
Obviously, items like socks and underwear need to be washed after each wear, but clothing like sweatshirts, jeans, and other outerwear may be able to be washed less often than it is at home. Avoid needing to wash as many loads by spot-cleaning stains and marks on shirts or sweaters, and have everyone wear pajamas for one extra night than they’re used to at home.
4.) Line dry clothing
If you have room for just a washer, or you want to save energy, you can line dry clothing at your campsite (make sure you’re not violating any campground rules first). You can also hang a drying rack in the shower, or get a foldable rack that lays flat when not in use. Set the foldable rack up in the shower or in another out-of-the-way area to dry clothes. Store it under a bed or in a closet when you don’t need it.
5.) Plan your laundromat visits
If you can, plan laundromat stops during the week, so you’ll miss the weekend crowds. Bring your own detergent, fabric softener, and any other products you like to use on your clothes. Many laundromats have these items available, but they’re going to cost quite a bit more than if you bring your own. If you have a large bottle of detergent, consider decanting it into several smaller watertight bottles so you don’t need to store a giant bottle. Be sure to save quarters and arrive with more than you think you’ll need.
You may want to keep all of your laundry supplies in one bag so it’s easy to grab everything, pick up your laundry bag, and head out the door! A simple tote bag with pockets for keeping quarters, laundry soap, and other products organized is all you need. You may even want to toss in a book or something to do to pass the time while you wait for your laundry to be done.
6.) Find other places to do laundry
You’re not confined just to laundromats if you’re on the road and don’t have your own laundry machine! Many campgrounds also have washers and dryers you can use. Truck stops sometimes also have laundry rooms with washers and dryers. If you’re visiting family, ask if they’ll let you use their machines.
7.) Save your dryer lint
You can reuse dryer lint to start campfires while you’re RVing! Just stuff your dryer lint inside an empty toilet paper or paper towel tube and use it as a firestarter. Build your campfire around the firestarter and light it up.
8.) Consider hand washing
For those times when you’re not near a laundromat or campground with washers and dryers, you can always clean by hand as well! Your RV sink should work just fine for one or two items. You could also use a bucket and wash clothes outdoors, where you won’t get the floor wet. Hang clothes to dry afterward – the fresh air will have them smelling great! Be sure to dispose of your water in a sink at the campground when you’re finished.
9.) Do small loads more often
If you’re using an RV washer and dryer, or handwashing clothes yourself, you’ll want to do smaller loads more often. You certainly don’t want to overload your washing machine and end up flooding your motorhome! Consider doing a small load every day, or every other day, as needed instead of saving up all your laundry for one day. You’ll also have more clothes available in case of a mishap like falling in a puddle or one of the many other laundry disasters that can occur while camping!
10.) Consider plant-based laundry products
To avoid sending any chemicals into the water supply, consider all-natural, plant-based laundry detergent. Seventh Generation makes a concentrated, plant-based laundry detergent, so not only does it involve less packaging, the detergent doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets use even less packaging and are chemical-free and vegan.
Doing laundry on the road can definitely have a few challenges that people in standard homes don’t deal with! However, with a little planning and creativity, you can make sure you have plenty of clean clothes to wear when you need them. It’s all part of the RV life, and it’s a worthwhile trade-off for the adventures of RV camping!
How to Wash and Clean a Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is a fabulous thing to have on any camping trip! Those sleeping in tents find sleeping bags convenient because they offer both a sleeping surface and a top cover. Meanwhile, RV campers enjoy them because they make RV bed making (a task that can be a total pain) a breeze.
Other great benefits of using a sleeping bag include the fact that there is an option for every type of weather and that they can be rolled up and stored easily.
Of course, if you’re going to be using sleeping bags on your camping trips, you will want to make sure you’re caring for them properly. After all, good sleeping bags don’t come cheap, so the longer you can make yours last, the better.
In this article, we will discuss how to clean a sleeping bag and what you can do to ensure your camping bedding lasts as long as possible.
How to Wash a Sleeping Bag
Can you wash sleeping bags? Yes! In fact, cleaning your sleeping bag is very important. Not only is a dirty sleeping surface just plain gross, but a bag that’s left uncleaned for too long will begin to absorb body oils and dirt into the fill. This can cause problems related to the loft and warmth of your bag.
That said, you can wash your sleeping bag too often, something that will result in extra wear and tear. Therefore, we recommend making washing a sleeping bag a yearly ritual unless something happens to make the bag excessively dirty in the meantime.
Can you wash a sleeping bag in the washing machine? Usually, yes, but there are some things you’ll want to know first.
Before you wash sleeping bags, be sure to check the care instructions on each one to ensure you don’t make any big mistakes. In most cases, instructions will be printed on a label attached to the bag.
You generally have three options when washing a sleeping bag. You can…
- Hand wash in the bathtub.
- Pay a professional to do the job.
- Head to the laundromat to use the commercial-size machines.
If you decide to go the DIY route, you will need to purchase the proper cleaning product. Which product you choose will depend on whether your sleeping bag has synthetic or down fill.
How to Wash a Sleeping Bag at the Laundromat
To use the laundromat option, place your sleeping bag into a commercial-size front-loading washing machine along with the appropriate amount of the special cleaning product, and without any other laundry or soaps. Use the gentle cycle and cold water to wash and run an extra rinse cycle to remove excess soap.
Remove the bag from the washer, making sure to support the entire bag to avoid straining fabric or ripping seams—and gently squeeze out excess water.
Place the sleeping bag into a commercial-size dryer and run the dryer on low heat. Plan to run multiple dryer cycles, as drying a sleeping bag can take several hours, depending on the size and fill of the bag.
How to Clean a Sleeping Bag by Hand
Don’t want to spend time and money at the laundromat? As mentioned before, you can also wash sleeping bags by hand.
Begin by filling the bathtub with cool water. Add a small amount of sleeping bag cleaning product, keeping in mind that it may be difficult to rinse out this way. Lay the bag flat in the water and work the soap through it, rubbing heavily soiled areas to remove grime. Allow to soak for up to 60 minutes.
Drain the tub, press any remaining water out of the bag, and refill the tub with cool water. Work the soap out with your hands and let the bag sit for an additional 15 minutes before draining the bathtub. Press out any remaining water and repeat the rinsing process until all soap is removed.
Squeeze out as much water as possible and lay your sleeping bag flat somewhere with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Hanging the bag is also a possibility.
If you opt to use your home dryer, be sure it is big enough to allow the sleeping bag to move rather than staying balled up during the drying process.
How to Clean a Sleeping Bag with Stains or Spots
Sometimes a full bath isn’t really necessary, and using the washing machine too often is bound to lead to a shorter life for your bag. If you notice your sleeping bag getting dingy at the top or bottom or find a stain on your bag, a short and simple spot-cleaning might do the trick.
How to Wash a Sleeping Bag Quickly
To spot-clean your bag and get back out into nature quickly, follow these simple steps:
- Pull the shell away from the fill in order to keep the fill as dry as possible. Keep the parts separate throughout the cleaning process.
- Apply a small amount of the proper cleaner to the area you’d like to clean, or the stain you’d like to remove.
- Rub the area gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use a wet sponge to rinse the area, using as little water as possible in order to ensure a quick dry time.
- Allow the bag to dry completely before storing it in order to avoid mold and mildew.
How to Take Care and Maintain Your Sleeping Bag
Of course, there are a few other things you can do to ensure your sleeping bag lasts a while. Here are our top tips:
- Avoid snagging and bunching by loosening drawstrings and closing hook-and-loop fasteners.
- Sleeping bags should be completely dry before being put away.
- Skip dry cleaning, which can damage the bag.
- Avoid cleaners besides the sleeping bag-specific cleaners mentioned above.
- Use a bag liner and sleep in clean clothes to avoid getting the bag dirty.
Sleeping Bag FAQs
Have a question about washing your sleeping bag? We might have an answer! Below are some questions people tend to ask about cleaning sleeping bags, as well as our best answers.
Can you put a sleeping bag in the washing machine?
Yes, as mentioned earlier in the article, washing your sleeping bag in a large front-loading machine on the gentle cycle is perfectly okay.
Can I wash a sleeping bag in a top-load washer?
No. Top-loader machines agitate, which can cause the fill in a sleeping bag to bunch.
How do you wash and dry a down sleeping bag?
Wondering how to wash down sleeping bag bedding? The steps for doing this are all the same ones noted above. That said, you will want to make sure you purchase down-specific sleeping bag cleaner. Additionally, you might find that tossing tennis balls in the dryer with your down sleeping bag cuts back on drying time.
Is it safe to put a sleeping bag in the dryer?
As long as the dryer is large enough to allow the sleeping bag to move freely without balling up, your bag should be fine in the dryer. Just make sure you stick to the low heat setting.
How do you clean a stinky sleeping bag?
Generally, washing your bag normally will do plenty to get rid of smells. That said, if you feel it needs extra treatment, adding a bit of vinegar to the wash can be helpful.
Drying outdoors is also useful, as sunlight kills bacteria and fresh air will help rid the bag of odors. Just be sure to avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric.
How do you disinfect a sleeping bag?
Disinfecting a sleeping bag can be tricky. Some campers have found spot-cleaning with white vinegar to be effective; others choose to use isopropyl alcohol to remove germs. That said, in some cases, you might be better off getting a new bag in order to ensure you avoid illness during your next camping trip.
Now that your sleeping bag is nice and clean, why not take it camping? Pick out the perfect RV rental and plan a trip to one of these amazing destinations.
How to Get Diesel Smell Out of Clothes
Having a nice, big travel trailer or fifth wheel means you’ll need a way to tow such a large RV. In fact, many modern towable RVs are so large and heavy that only a diesel truck can truly get the job done right.
While diesel trucks are fabulous for towing, they also come with their fair share of cons. For instance, maintenance and repairs for a diesel pickup require special mechanics, and they often cost a pretty penny. On top of that, big diesel trucks can be difficult to park.
However, one of the most common issues people run into when it comes to their diesel vehicles is the smell and stains left behind by diesel fuel. If you’ve ever gotten diesel fuel on your clothing or in your truck, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
Diesel in the US has a high sulfur content. As we all know, sulfur is awful to smell, meaning diesel fuel is no bed of roses either. This terrible smell leads many to desperately seek to get the diesel smell out of clothes.
Fortunately, there are ways to go about this. In this article, we will talk about how to get diesel out of clothing and leave your shirts smelling and looking fresh once again.
4 Steps to Removing Diesel Fuel Out of Clothes
When it comes to figuring out how to get diesel fuel out of clothes, there are several things you can try. In fact, there are countless ideas floating around—some of them work some of the time, and some never work.
Since you’ll obviously want the best methods possible, we’ve compiled the most effective options below.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
The first option is also the most natural choice. If you’re hoping to avoid chemicals, baking soda and vinegar should be your first line of defense.
To use this method, simply add ⅓ cup vinegar and ⅓ cup baking soda to your laundry along with your regular detergent and wash. Admittedly, this isn’t the most effective method, and you may have to wash your clothes more than once to completely remove the smell, but it should get the job done in most cases.
Baking Soda and Coke
The second option is a bit odd, and many may not be brave enough to give it a try. That said, it is surprisingly effective, and if you have both baking soda and Coca-Cola close at hand, it’s worth a shot.
First, add a cup of Tide detergent to a tub of warm water. Let your diesel-tainted clothes sit in this tub for a couple of hours before draining the water and rinsing the clothes. Refill the tub with clean water, a 2-liter of Coke, and a whole box of baking soda. Mix everything well, add the clothes, and let them soak for at least 12 hours before running them through the wash as usual.
Listerine
If Listerine can remove bad smells from your mouth, we see no reason why it can’t do the same for your clothes! In fact, some firemen use this method to remove smoke smell from their clothing after fighting a fire.
Add a half-cup of Listerine to your washing machine along with your regular detergent and wash. Not only will this help remove smells from your clothes, it’ll also help clean your machine. If the smell isn’t quite gone after the initial wash, run everything through again with another splash of Listerine.
Fast Orange
Fast Orange is our favorite answer to how to get diesel out of clothes. Technically, this product is for cleaning grease from your hands, but it can be used on clothing safely. It can be found on Amazon or at Walmart, it works consistently, and it removes both the smell and the nasty stains left behind by diesel fuel.
All you have to do is put a splash of this stuff in your laundry alongside your detergent, and your clothes will come out smelling and looking like new.
More Tips and Tricks for Removing Diesel Smell and Stains
Need to know a bit more than just how to remove diesel smell from clothes? We’ve got you covered. Below are some extra tips and tricks for dealing with diesel messes.
Removing Diesel Stains
If you have a diesel smell in your clothes, there’s a good chance you have a stain or two as well. As mentioned before, Fast Orange should remove those stains. That said, if you’re looking for other options, we recommend giving Shout or BIZ a try.
Grease Stain Don’ts
If you do have diesel grease stains, there are a few things you definitely should not do:
- Don’t use chlorine bleach on the stains.
- Avoid putting stained clothes in the dryer.
- Do not wash stained items with unstained items.
Cleaning Diesel Smell from a Vehicle
Sometimes diesel is just sneaky enough to make its way into your vehicle. This can stink up a whole truck in no time flat, making driving the vehicle absolutely miserable. If this happens to you, getting the smell out will likely skyrocket straight to the top of your to-do list.
Fortunately, it is possible to remove diesel smells from vehicles. Fast Orange is, once again, our go-to for this. Just find the spill, put some Fast Orange on a rag, and scrub the smell away.
Diesel smells and stains can be tough. That said, if you know how to go about it, removing these smells and stains is possible. Using these tips and tricks will likely save several shirts during the lifetime of your vehicle, something every diesel owner is sure to be happy about.
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