Handwashing clothes such as when on holiday?

dekaspace

I did bring a brand new pair of jeans with me and a pair of tracksuit bottoms and loads of underwear.

Problem is despite being 2 sizes too big the jean button popped the first time I wore them and the zip snapped minutes later (Ebay cheap tat except they were £20!)

Had to be aware of my surroundings and make sure I pulled down my t shirt as often as I could.

So it was a nice day yesterday and my tracksuit bottoms now smell a little smelly so rinsed them in sink with soap (better than nothing) and let them hang overnight.

But is there a better way? All I did was pour water on, rub soap bar over the insides then rinse then wring out.

jackieblack

Depending on the item, I usually either rinse out in the sink or take in the shower with me and wash them in there, then wring out, then lay out a towel, lay the item on top and roll up the towel - you'll be amazed how much extra water you can get out and of course this makes the drying time a lot quicker

Dill

Soap is ok, but it may leave a residue. I tend to use it on woollens or waterproof raincoats which won't withstand a normal detergent.

Not sure whereabouts you are, OP, but you can get travel size washing detergent in Superdrug for £1.20
http://www.superdrug.com/Travel/Travel-Accessories/Superdrug-Travel-Wash-100ml/p/427900

maman

Shampoo might be easier as a liquid detergent leaves less residue but soap will be fine. It's an emergency.

THIRZAH

I've used the hotel shampoo to wash clothes before now. I then roll them in a towel then hang up in the shower or put them on the heated towel rail if there is one.

Bollotom

I ask reception if there are any staff who do laundry and ironing. Gets a professional job done and gives someone extra money. :cool:

[Deleted User]

find a launderette perhaps

dekaspace

Laundrettes cost between £5-£8 yet I can buy a new pair of jeans for that (not the best but good enough to last me the holiday)

And I am staying in a holiday bedsit, quite miserable little place but cheap.

melanzana

Febreze decanted into a travel size spray can be your Best Friend on hols. LOL.

pigpen

bin the jeans.. go to a shop and buy some new ones!

you can get a pair of leggings or cheap jeans or anything for less than a launderette would cost!

Anne_Marie_2

What you did was fine, although I'd probably have used washing up liquid/shower gel/cream or shampoo instead in an emergency situation.

Used to always take travel size washing liquid or Stardrops on holiday, but was in the days when weight didn't matter with airlines (sure you used to get 32kg each). Then started getting a bit cannier, and just buying what I needed in the local shops, and travelling as lightly as possible.
So much easier these days with internet and the ability to translate, rather than guesswork, as I used to do. One thing though is don't go for familiar British brands abroad, they are bound to be more expensive being imported, go for local brands.