HOWTO: Use a Plastic Bag to Wash your Clothes

By Ethan Zara

 What do you do if you have clothes to wash and you don’t have a bucket with you, and you also lost your universal sink plug to stop the hostel sink?    

You'll need a sturdy plastic bag and detergent.For this tutorial you’ll need a sturdy plastic bag and detergent. 

Hang bag on nozzle and fill with water. Careful not to overfill it.(1) Hang the bag on the hostel’s laundry faucet and fill with water and detergent. Careful not to overfill.

Leak inspection A-OK!(2) Check for leaks.

Dump in your dirty articles.(3) Dump in your soiled travel wear.

Submerge. Then leave to soak for an hour or two, depending on how soiled your clothes are . . .(4) Submerge. Then leave to soak for an hour or two, depending on how soiled your clothes are. . .

. . . pull out, then wring . . .(5) . . . fish out. Squeeze, wring, rinse, repeat.

Dump out dirty water and rinse bag for reuse.(6) Dump out the dirty water and rinse bag for reuse.

Hang up to dry and voila. You now have clean clothes.(7) Hang up to dry and voilá. You now have clean clothes.  

 

4 Responses to “HOWTO: Use a Plastic Bag to Wash your Clothes”

  1. lgiovanetti Says:

    That’s a handy idea for camping too! Thanks for sharing.

  2. Odale Says:

    That’s too funny but a very cool idea!! Will definitely keep that in mind with my improvising self…Thanks1

  3. Kitty Says:

    I have done that so many times. I always end up with skint knuckles.

    Happy travels.

  4. Gern Blanston Says:

    Works better if you can double-bag. Most of the time these bags develop small leaks at the corners…

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