Laundry services and experiences while travelling

I would never have considered a sink plug to be an essential travel item.
Informative👍

You mean one of these?
View attachment 328274
Once you try washing without one it will be an item. We've also taken those lightweight plastic coat hangers that are used for clothing displays in target etc plus a lot of metal pegs that are lightweight and don't break.
 
When we are going to be away for a good while, and mixed accommodation (eg Airbnb, Hotels, Cruise ships etc) we do plan out where/when we can wash. All the Airbnb are carefully assessed to make sure they have washing machines.

Our first two weeks in London in an Airbnb was no problem as it had a machine and a drying rack. 4 days in a Paris apartment was a bit trickier as we had a washing machine that purported to dry, but we could not get the latter to work. Had to pump up the heating while we were out to get the job done (it was 4 adults and 2 children, so lots of washing).

Then we had an Airbnb in Normandy where the machine got a work out, and a good drying rack was provided along with some help from the heaters - at this stage it was just the two of us.

Finally, back to London, 4 adults and 1 child, the latter having football practice and matches, swimming lessons, school uniforms, kept the machine busy and the rack full. We took a load to a nearby laundromat for a service wash, GBP14 for wash, dry and neatly folded.

Some items didn't get a wash. I had two pairs of heavy duty chinos, wore one pair for the first three weeks, the other for the second period.
 
When I was in the mountains of Colorado in a vacation rental. (Similar to Airbnb) the air was so dry that we resorted to hanging out the wet washing inside the condo with extra wet towels. The clothes and towels all dried quickly. No need to use the dryer.

I find damp jeans dry quickly by wearing them
 
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Plastic bag and a couple of coins makes a good plug...no you cant use a credit card or an app to get FF points...only REAL money.

My experience is more the sink/tub WONT drain and I have to get maintenance.
 
When travelling for more than just a few days, one of the most important items on the checklist along CarPark View, Room Upgrade, Executive Lounge Freebies, is the Laundry.

I would put Laundry as the number one amenity, It is often a make or break for me.

I hate Hotel Laundries which charge by the piece.

Self service Laundry onsite is a plus as is an easily accessible offsite laundromat. And sometimes even a pickup/drop off service. Increasingly short stay apartments have been my go to because of this one amenity. No amount of chain hotel status (which may toss you a free laundry item or three) will beat that.

What laundry services do you use and what have been your experiences while travelling.

For those doing trip reports, I would appreciate a laundry report as well... thanks

Also should I create a "Laundry Trip Report" and maybe move this there?
I totally agree - the worst culprits are cruise ships, as you are a captive audience. I strongly object to paying a high price for a cruise, then having to wash the undies in the shower!
And as for ironing!!!!!!!!! They recommend a dress code, but offer no way to comply unless you stick trousers under the mattress or pay $$$$ to have them pressed.
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I totally agree - the worst culprits are cruise ships, as you are a captive audience. I strongly object to paying a high price for a cruise, then having to wash the undies in the shower!
And as for ironing!!!!!!!!! They recommend a dress code, but offer no way to comply unless you stick trousers under the mattress or pay $$$$ to have them pressed.
 
This thread triggered me 😞

About 8 years ago I used a laundrette in Surbiton, Surrey UK as my Airbnb didn't have a washing machine. I was sexually assaulted by the manager which resulted in a Magistrate's Court Hearing which was very traumatic for me (and I had to return to the UK as they wouldn't do it online). The outcome was terrible in that he was let off because I didn't run out screaming so there were no witnesses and he had fake cctv cameras. He was known as a local pervert and the police said there were other complaints against him which were only made known after my court case :-(

I've been extremely careful about laundry when overseas since then.
So sorry to hear this! :(
 
Plastic bag and a couple of coins makes a good plug...no you cant use a credit card or an app to get FF points...only REAL money.

My experience is more the sink/tub WONT drain and I have to get maintenance.
What are these things called coins you speak of?
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Select a different cruise line. Viking and Cunard have free washers and dryers on most decks. Viking has free ocean safe detergents. There's even a TV in the laundry room.
I totally agree - the worst culprits are cruise ships, as you are a captive audience. I strongly object to paying a high price for a cruise, then having to wash the undies in the shower!
And as for ironing!!!!!!!!! They recommend a dress code, but offer no way to comply unless you stick trousers under the mattress or pay $$$$ to have them pressed.
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On cruise ships, the walls and even the ceiling is metal. Bring along some magnetic hooks and Woolies etc lightweight clothes hangers and bobs your uncle.

IMG_3944.jpeg

I’ve given up on the laundry room. Hell that’s a cluster!

They are also great for keeping all your paperwork in one place as you leave the cabin.

IMG_3441.jpeg
 
I buy all my magnetic stuff from AMF Magnetics - an Australian company.
Check them If you need a rare earth fix👍 and they also classify their magnets by pull force strength in kg

Yes, but where do they get their neodymium from? :)

Reminds me of a school mate who's dad used to work with very powerful magnets. Kid used to walk through pre-Harvey Normans selling the CRT type TVs and leave a trail of completely scrambled images in his wake :p
 

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