A sweaty T?shirt, swimwear or a stain on the kids' pants: on holiday you don't need a whole machine load for that. A few items can be washed in the sink or in a clean bowl. However, using too much detergent and vigorous wringing often makes the laundry worse rather than better.
Check the care label and colors beforehand
Silk, wool and delicate technical clothing require special care. Observe the care label and wash light and brightly colored items separately. New dark clothing can bleed. The sink should be thoroughly cleaned and well rinsed before hand-washing.
Hand-washing step by step
- Fill with lukewarm water:Water that's too hot can damage fibers and colors.
- Dissolve a very small amount of detergent:A small amount of liquid or travel detergent is sufficient. Concentrated detergent should not be applied directly to the fabric.
- Thoroughly wet the clothing:Press and move gently, but do not rub roughly.
- Treat stains directly:Gently work the soiled areas between your fingers. Test first on an inconspicuous spot.
- Rinse with clean water:Change the water until no detergent residue remains.
Remove water without distorting the clothing
Delicate items should not be wrung out forcefully. Press the water out gently, lay the garment on a dry towel and roll the two together. With gentle pressure the towel absorbs a lot of moisture. Heavy knitwear should be dried flat so it keeps its shape.
Drying properly in hotels and holiday apartments
- Hang clothes with some space on a drying rack or on available hangers.
- Ensure airflow and air out regularly by opening windows briefly, provided the weather and accommodation allow it.
- Do not hang wet laundry permanently over upholstered furniture, wooden doors or lamps.
- Remove swimwear and towels from your bag immediately after use.
- Let them dry completely before packing so odors and moisture do not remain in the suitcase.
What should be done first after a day at the beach is also covered in our article Emptying the swim bag properly.
Typical mistakes when doing laundry on vacation
- Too much detergent:It is hard to rinse out by hand and can leave residues.
- Soaking everything together:Colors can bleed, and delicate materials can be damaged.
- Putting damp items in the suitcase:Even a plastic bag is only suitable for short-term transport.
- Putting them on radiators or hot lamps:This can damage fabrics and furnishings.
After returning home, suitcases, shoes and any remaining laundry are best separated immediately. A short sequence for this is provided by Unpacking your suitcase after vacation. For preparation, our Travel checklist.
Source and further information
Article image: AI-generated symbolic image.
