laundry

[joan]

I definately intend to do my laundry on the road but should I bring detergent with me? If so, does anyone have tips about what kind? Powdered or liquid, etc?

[Eagle]

joan, I wouldn't bother bringing laundry detergent along, as it takes up room and adds weight. Every laundromat that I visited had soap dispensers, so there's no reason to pack this. If necessary, it's easy enough to go to a small local market and buy a small container of soap.

Having said that, I do usually pack along a small bottle of liquid travel soap (I use the Rick Steves brand or the type Magellan's sells). If taking liquids along (any kind!), it's a good idea to place these in a zip-lok bag in case of leakage (Murphy's Law - if a liquid ISN'T in a zip-lok bag, it will leak for sure during the flight!). My reason for taking liquid soap is that the "travel clothing" I use can be washed in a Hotel room sink if necessary and will be dry in a few hours, so I can minimize my trips to the Laundromat (I do a "proper wash" about once a week, or so).

Regarding the Laundromats in various countries, you'll find some of these much different to what we're used to here in North America (those Europeans, always ahead of the rest of us, LOL). In some cases, the same coin machine dispenses the laundry soap, activates the washer and activates the dryer. I found the machines differed a bit between countries. I wanted to mention that so that you don't get a big surprise. Most of the time, there will be someone else there (usually another tourist) that can help you get the machines sorted out.

Hope this helps. Happy travels!!!

[Jules80]

i went to the dollar store and bought 2 single use laundry detergents just in case and they did come in usefull. i also brought a small bottle of all purpose camping suds... good for washing clothes, you and dishes! we occaisionally picniced in our room...