Laundry

Whether done by hand or machine, by you or by someone else, laundry exists the world over. And thank goodness because then we don't have to carry eighteen thousand pairs of socks for those longer trips! Some youth hostels or campgrounds may have reasonably priced facilities - make sure you have the right change to get the job done. Check that the machine is completely empty first - you don't want to find that foreign stray red sock from Joe-traveller before you AFTER it has turned your whites to pinks. Have patience too for those inevitable times when the machine won't work nor return your pesos. Go easy on soap as rinse cycles aren't always reliable. The most exciting machines will shake maniacally, fill the entire laundry room with bubbles, or perhaps begin to emit plumes of black smoke. Whatever the case, don't expect too much from your do-it-yourself laundry experience.

Handing your laundry over at a facility where you will be charged by weight or by item is usually reliable, and you may be excited to see your clean duds returned to you wrapped so tightly and compactly in plastic that suddenly everything fits into your backpack again. If you use a laundry facility, machine or handwash, determine the cost ahead of time, as well as a pick up time. Keep an itemized receipt of the clothes you left behind - this way you have recourse if your snazzy new Tommy Hilfiger socks mysteriously don't come back to you. Point out any stains to your launderer, you would be surprised at what they can remove. Be aware though that the clothes you entrust to the laundry facility using machines are likely to be subjected to hot water washes and scorching dryers. You may wish to reserves delicates (such as polypropylenes and other so-called performance sports wear) for your own handwashing.

It may be likely that at some point during your travels, you will find yourself washing clothes by hand. An all-purpose sink plug, scrub brush and a bit of detergent can be useful but if you didn't plan ahead for this, try lining the sink or choking the drain with a plastic bag to keep the water in. This is useful for conserving what may be limited warm water, and especially for sinks with different taps for hot and cold water. Removing stains can be tricky - salt or soda can help remove wine stains whereas soap and COLD water may be the answer for things like blood and chocolate. Oil or grease spots may benefit from applying powder to help absorb the stain before washing in very hot water.

Wringing clothes out to dry is not the best method for the preservation of your garments - wrapping the item in a towel before hanging to dry is a good alternative for removing excessive moisture - but then you also have a wet towel. Be careful of where you hang your clothes to dry. Wet clothes on stained wood, coloured rope or bungee cord or exposed metal can pick up dye or rust. Hang your clothes where they are not going to be pilfered or blown away, but still exposed to as much air circulation as possible. Clothes that stay wet for long periods tend to smell... well� not so nice. If you must repack damp clothes, pack them in a plastic bag so as to avoid contact with other clothes which could transfer colour, or simply make other items wet too. Try packing your clothing by rolling it to both conserve space and avoid wrinkling. If you do have wrinkles in a garment you would rather not, try hanging it in the bathroom while you have that glorious steaming hot shower.

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