Clean clothes and a tidy van make van life much more enjoyable. Here's how to stay fresh without a washing machine.
Hand Washing Clothes
The most reliable method — works anywhere:
What You Need
- Collapsible washing basin (£5-10)
- Biodegradable washing liquid (Ecover, Dr Bronner's)
- A clothesline and pegs
- A drying rack or clips for your van
The Method
- Fill basin with warm water
- Add a small amount of washing liquid
- Soak clothes for 30 minutes
- Agitate and scrub stains by hand
- Rinse thoroughly in clean water
- Wring out (or use a salad spinner for small items)
- Hang to dry
Tips
- Wash small amounts daily rather than building up laundry
- Dark and light colours separately
- Cold water works fine for most items
- Pre-treat stains with a stain bar
Using Laundrettes
Finding Laundrettes
- Search "laundrette near me" on Google Maps
- Many caravan parks have laundry facilities
- Travelodge and Premier Inn hotels sometimes allow laundry use
- Leisure centres often have coin-operated machines
Cost
Typical UK laundrette: £4-6 per wash, £1-2 for drying Budget £10-15 per week for a couple
Drying Clothes in a Van
Inside the Van
- Fit a retractable clothesline across the ceiling
- Use a heated airer (if you have hook-up or solar)
- Hang clothes over the shower rail
- Place a towel under wet clothes to catch drips
Outside the Van
- Use a portable clothesline between trees or posts
- Clip clothes to your awning poles
- Use clips on a rope strung between two points
In Bad Weather
- Dry clothes inside with windows slightly open
- Use a dehumidifier if you have one
- Choose quick-drying fabrics (merino wool, synthetic)
- Avoid cotton — it takes forever to dry
Keeping Your Van Clean
Daily Habits
- Make your bed every morning
- Wipe kitchen surfaces after cooking
- Sweep or vacuum floor daily
- Open windows to air the van
Weekly Deep Clean
- Mop or scrub floors
- Clean bathroom area
- Wipe all surfaces
- Empty bins
- Check for damp or mould
Storage Solutions
- Use storage cubes to keep things organised
- Hooks on walls for jackets and bags
- Under-bed storage for seasonal items
- Magnetic strips for knives and tools
Essential Cleaning Supplies
- Biodegradable washing-up liquid (multi-purpose)
- Microfibre cloths (4-5)
- Small broom or brush
- Collapsible bin
- Hand sanitiser
- Laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Quick-dry towels
Products That Help
- Dr Bronner's soap: Multi-purpose, biodegradable
- Ecover washing liquid: Gentle on fabrics and environment
- DampRid: Absorbs moisture and prevents mould
- Febreze: Freshens clothes between washes
Clean van life is happy van life. A few daily habits make all the difference.
