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Step 1
First of all, choose your travel clothes wisely. Emphasize dark colors or patterns that don't show every speck. Also look for knits, since they usually do not wrinkle. If you only take one of an item - for example a coat - it is even more important that it not show soil.
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Step 2
Also, the majority of your clothes should be washable. Pick clothes that you have already successfully washed at home or that are marked washable. Even some sweaters, jackets, and coats can be washed.
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Step 3
Plan to spend a couple of minutes every day or two doing hand laundry. This will actually save you time over going to a pay laundry, and you can use the extra time sightseeing! You can put most items in the sink with a little detergent or dishwashing liquid. Add water and agitate a few times. Let the clothes soak while you shower or do something else. Then drain, add rinse water, soak a few more minutes, and drain again. You can put larger items in a bathtub if one is available.
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Step 4
To dry your clothing, you can wring it out if this is safe for the garment. Or you can roll it in a towel. Hang the clothing on plastic hangars brought for the purpose. Be sure to hang it where it will not damage surfaces - the shower is a good place. If the clothing is not dripping, you can also place it directly on towel racks.
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Step 5
Depending on weather, your clothing should be dry in a day or two. If it doesn't dry fast enough, see if you can safely hang it near a radiator or source of heat. You can even put clothes on slightly damp in good weather.
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Step 6
If you are willing to do a little hand laundry, you can really stretch your wardrobe and always look good while traveling. Some travelers do this for trips of a month or more, and so can you!
