Laundry on sites in Europe

[carolynS]

Sorry to be so mundane but new to caravanning and Hubby and I are setting off in May for a 6 month stint in Europe so just wanted to know what laundry facilities to expect (appreciate it will depend on type of site) and will I need to take iron/ironing table??

many thanks

 

[lucky13_374352098]

Hi as you say it depends on the site, I have found so many different standards of washing machine (usually toploading) on even 4 star sites. Very often the machine has been so abused it hardly does the job and don't expect the driers to dry.

One solution I have found is to buy a plastic bucket with a TIGHT fitting lid so you can put your soiled clothes in with a decent soappowder and site it in the bathroom when you travel, the motion will "wash" the clothes for you meaning all you have to do is rinse them under the tap.However remember it will add to your towing weight so I ensure a nearly empty water tank and loo. Not quite "automatic" but better than all that scrubing, I also saw a small washing machine in the local caravan store the only thing that worries me is where does all the water go!

Ironing? I always take a small iron with me which I had fitted with a contintal plug my caravan being Continental I have solid seats under the cushions which I use as an ironing board.one more tip if you fold all your laundry being sure they are dry, place them under the seat cushions and after a day they look as if they had been carefully ironed. (An old trick from Granny)

Shame we still have all those homely chores but some things just have to be done it's never quite as boring when caravaning as we all love a challenge.

Enjoy your trip you lucky duck.

 

[TD42]

we have found that most of the sites have reasonable machines & ironing facilitys but we tend to use the local washaterias & use the freestanding table in the van covered with a doubled blanket topped with a bath towel as an ironing board.as said we have a large plastic bucket with a lid to keep dirty washing in.

A good travel iron or cheap ordinary iron will be all you should need

 

[Clubman1]

We have a Purple Line twin tub washing machine we take with us. Cost about

 

[carolynS]

Thanks for all the good advice, not seen a portable washing machine may be something to check out as going for such a long trip but weight is a big consideration.

thanks again

 

[Guest]

Our first solution was a washboard, remember them?? It actually worked well, or so my better half advised me.

Now we tend to head for the sun so clothing usually involves shorts T shirts and swimsuits, so washing can be done by hand a lot of the time. For bedding etc then we use the camp machine, if available or laudertette.

My wife's advice is to do it regulalry and not let a big pile build up, as that can be depressing. Also if you have kids, get them to join in. We found they had fun and as it is hot and sunny, who cares if soap gets everuwhere.

As the 'boss' I controlled operations froma chair with a cold beer.

 

[myra1]

Our first solution was a washboard, remember them?? It actually worked well, or so my better half advised me.

Now we tend to head for the sun so clothing usually involves shorts T shirts and swimsuits, so washing can be done by hand a lot of the time. For bedding etc then we use the camp machine, if available or laudertette.

My wife's advice is to do it regulalry and not let a big pile build up, as that can be depressing. Also if you have kids, get them to join in. We found they had fun and as it is hot and sunny, who cares if soap gets everuwhere.

As the 'boss' I controlled operations froma chair with a cold beer.

the portable twin tubs are great nice and light for moving around they are about