How to Make a Portable Washing Machine Kit

Bring a portable washing machine kit to do laundry at your hotel

Some people tend to overpack when traveling or vacationing because they feel that they cannot do laundry. What people do not always realize is that many hotel chains have washers and dryers in the building for their guests' convenience. A good way to keep a suitcase from bulging is by packing clothes for 1 week along with a portable washing machine kit. That way, you can wash your clothing and undergarments using your preferred detergent, softener and dryer sheets.

Things You'll Need

• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener
• 2 plastic bottles, 3 oz.
• Dryer sheets
• Envelope
• Travel laundry bag
• One-quart plastic zip bag

Instructions

1. Pour some laundry detergent to fill one of the 3-oz. plastic bottles. According to the Transportation Security Administration, nonflammable liquid or gel is permitted on airplanes as long as it is contained in a regulation 3-oz. bottle. To get the most out of the laundry detergent, use a concentrated formula that allows less detergent to be used per load.

2. Fill the second plastic bottle with fabric softener. Make sure that both bottles have a sturdy twist-on or snap-on cap. Test the bottles by holding them upside-down and squeezing lightly. If any detergent or softener leaks out, the bottles are not sturdy enough.

3. Fold two or three dryer sheets and place them in a small envelope. Close the envelope to seal in the scent of the dryer sheets.

4. Purchase a travel laundry bag. Most of these bags will be thin and folded into a small plastic bag for easy carrying. It can be used to haul laundry and can be folded back up into the packaging when finished.

5. Insert the bottles and the envelope with the dryer sheets into a 1-qt. plastic bag with a zip-close top. Government regulations limit each passenger to one plastic bag for bath products and another for nonflammable liquids or gels. These plastic bags should be removed from carry-on bags and x-rayed separately for faster security clearance, states the Transportation Security Administration.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a portable washing machine kit when traveling on the road. Purchase larger plastic bottles to hold detergent and softener. A travel-size or full box of dryer sheets can be brought along. Store the kit in a bathroom bag or a small, handled basket.

References

• Transportation Security Administration: Prohibited Items
• Transportation Security Administration: Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1