X Caravan & Camping Laundry Accessories You Need For Your Big Lap

Doing laundry on a Big Lap is one of those tasks that can either be a simple weekly routine or a frustrating ordeal that eats into your travel time and budget. The difference comes down to having the right gear.

Whether you’re planning to use caravan park facilities, public laundromats, or wash everything by hand in camp, the right laundry accessories will save you hours of hassle and hundreds of dollars over a long trip. From portable washing machines to clever drying solutions, here’s everything you need to keep your clothes clean and fresh on the road.

Portable Washing Machines

A portable washing machine is the ultimate game-changer for extended travel. You’ll save hundreds of dollars on laundromat fees and wash clothes whenever it suits you, not when you can find facilities.

The Companion Aquawash ~$279 sits in the sweet spot for most Big Lappers. Its twin-tub design means you can wash a load while spinning the previous one, cutting your total wash time significantly. The 3kg capacity handles about four days of clothes for two people.

For those wanting maximum capacity, the Kogan 7kg Twin Tub ~$349 handles larger loads but requires more storage space and 240V power. It’s worth considering if you’re travelling with kids or plan to stay put for longer periods.

Hand Washing Accessories

Not every camp spot has power, and sometimes hand washing is your only option. The right tools make the job manageable and effective.

The Scrubba bag revolutionised hand washing for travellers. Fill it with water and detergent, add your clothes, then rub the fabric against the internal washboard surface. It’s surprisingly effective for small loads and weighs just 150 grams.

A collapsible wash basin is essential for hand washing. The Coleman model ~$29 holds 15 litres and folds to just 4cm thick. Use it for washing, rinsing, and even foot washing after dusty hikes.

The Mobile Washer looks like a toilet plunger but creates genuine washing machine agitation in any bucket. It’s old-school technology that works brilliantly for camp washing and handles much larger loads than the Scrubba bag.

Drying Solutions

Getting clothes dry quickly is often harder than washing them, especially in humid coastal areas or during winter travel.

The Hills Supa Fold ~$89 is the gold standard for caravan clotheslines. It folds completely flat against your van wall and provides serious line space. The build quality is excellent and it handles windy conditions better than cheaper alternatives.

For quick drying indoors, the Ozito 12V Fan Heater ~$79 runs off your house battery and can dry a small load overnight. Position it carefully to circulate air through hanging clothes without overheating your van.

Storage & Organisation

Keeping dirty and clean clothes separated and organised is crucial in the confined space of a caravan. Smart storage solutions prevent your bedroom from becoming a laundry bomb site.

The IKEA Pluring bags are perfect for pre-sorting laundry in your van. Use one for lights, one for darks, and one for delicates. When wash day arrives, you can grab the appropriate bag and go.

A collapsible laundry basket serves double duty as storage and transport. The Brabantia model is well-made and the mesh sides prevent moisture buildup in dirty clothes.

Mesh wash bags are essential for protecting delicates and keeping socks from disappearing. Use different sizes for bras, underwear, and small items that tend to go wandering in washing machines.

Detergents & Cleaning Products

Choosing the right detergents for caravan life means balancing cleaning power with storage space, environmental impact, and versatility.

Tru Earth strips are perfect for space-conscious travellers. Each strip weighs just 3 grams but cleans a full load. A 32-strip pack replaces 4 litres of liquid detergent and takes up less space than a paperback book.

Solvol isn’t just for hands. It’s incredibly effective on grease stains from cooking or mechanical work. A small tube goes a long way and handles stains that regular detergent can’t touch.

Napisan powder is your secret weapon against the tough stains that accumulate during active travel. Red dirt, blood from fishing mishaps, and food spills all respond well to an overnight soak.

Laundromat Essentials

Even with your own washing setup, you’ll still use laundromats occasionally for big items like sleeping bags, doonas, and heavy jeans. Being prepared makes the experience much smoother.

A portable trolley transforms the laundromat experience, especially when dealing with heavy wet washing. Look for one with large wheels that handle uneven surfaces around caravan parks.

Many laundromats still operate on coins, and being prepared saves time and frustration. Keep a dedicated coin jar topped up with $1 and $2 coins. Most loads cost $6-8, so $20 in coins handles several washing sessions.

Most smartphone timer apps let you set multiple named timers. Label them “Wash Load 1”, “Dryer 3”, etc. This prevents the embarrassment of leaving wet clothes sitting in a machine for hours while you explore town.