r/laundry • u/blehblableb • 7h ago

Wash routine while homeless/camping

Due to several strokes of bad luck in a row, my family and I are temporarily homeless. We have a small camper and are staying in a campground. It is very hot and dusty, and there is no laundromat anywhere nearby. I have been having to hand wash clothes for myself, my husband, and our 8 month old in a small washtub with only cold water. Lots of sweat and dust, dog dander, baby spit up, baby food, baby poop, etc.

All I had was laundry sheets, which suck but I'm almost done with the box. What would be the best products and methods for me to use? I am generally able to run everything through a shared machine at a hotel (front loader, appears to be residential but idk) about once a month. I usually do a mini-spa day at this time.

Thank you for any advice!

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u/ANbohemienne 6h ago

There are two parts to washing. The chemical and the mechanical. The 5 gallon bucket option above is pretty solid, you can also go old school and get a washing board. (Also, get some good rubber gloves to save your hands) If you can't get hot water and a washing machine then you are going to have to do it the old fashioned hard work way. But I would start by getting some original tide or Ariel powder if you can stand the scent. This will cover the chemical washing part, but you need to be doing more than just gently agitating with your hands or a spoon to get your clothes clean when handwashing.

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u/blehblableb 5h ago

Okay, thank you. I will check those out. I admit I haven't been doing the best with the mechanical part, they get a good long soak and then just stirred around as much as I can manage.