Can I Do Laundry In a Tiny House or RV?
Are you ready to live in a tiny home, off-grid, or extend your RV travels but find yourself wondering, “Can I do laundry in a tiny house? Would washing clothes in an RV be possible, or do I need to find a laundromat if I don’t want to hand wash everything?” The challenges of doing laundry in a small space require some planning, but with so many innovative and portable washing machines and dryers to choose from, there are efficient options that don’t require spending all day at the laundromat.
Washing your clothes in a small space doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.
What Is a Tiny Home?
Instead of defining a tiny home by certain square footage, think of a tiny home as any abode where you have to consider the efficiency and value of an item due to limited space. Whether you live off-grid or are living a nomadic lifestyle in your RV, you have limited space to work with and want to choose the most efficient laundry solution to save space, effort, and time.
Is It Possible to Do Laundry In a Tiny House?
You could be facing several challenges when it comes to laundry when living in a small space. Whether it’s cramped quarters, no electricity, no water line, or inability to create venting, there’s a solution. Read on for options that work for any space and climate and don’t require electricity, water, or venting.
Challenges of Doing Laundry in a Tiny House
Living in an apartment without full-size laundry machines or a shared laundry room is just as challenging. Perhaps a portable washer and dryer for apartments without hookups is the answer.
Electric Combination Washers and Dryers
If you have all the hookups but want to be efficient with your space, consider a combination washer/dryer. There are compact options that make laundry convenient. Most have several settings to choose from depending on fabric type, soil level, and desired temperature. You can set them (or even schedule for a future time), and they’ll wash and dry your clothes. If venting isn’t an option, no problem! Many models don’t require external venting.
Compact Washer and Dryer Units
- If you would rather have an appliance specific to washing or drying or need a mobile and stowable option, there are countertop and portable washing machines and dryers. Some compact washing machines and dryers use electricity, water, and venting like full-sized machines, but handle smaller loads. Many also have settings to accommodate different fabric types, soil levels, and temperature control.
- If you’re prepared with electricity but don’t want to connect a water line or deal with venting your dryer, there are suitable machines. Try an electric washer and spinner—Simply load your clothes, soap, and water; rinse, and then change the insert to spin your clothes before hanging them up to finish drying.
- If you live in a humid or cold climate or prefer the fluffiness of drying your textiles by machine, ventless dryers are perfect! Ventless dryers are available in various sizes and styles–just note that the drying time may be longer than a vented dryer, and the moisture from your clothes will be expelled into the air of your RV or tiny home. Running these in a kitchen or bathroom can minimize humidity in your living space.
Manual Washing Machine and Spinner Combined with Line Drying
There are ingenious washing machines that don’t require a water line, electricity, OR venting. Manual washing machines come in a variety of styles–some require hand-cranking and are designed similarly to a cement mixer, some utilize a foot pedal, and some are more of a plunger-style wand. If you envision cranking your laundry for an hour like the laundromat washers, rest assured that most of these methods only take a few minutes to clean your clothes and are much faster than hand washing individual textiles.
- When it comes to drying, there are manual washers that double as spinners, removing a remarkable amount of the soap and water before you hang up your clothes to eliminate the remaining moisture.
- Clotheslines come in so many options. There are accordion-style racks that fold flat for easy storage, retractable lines that work indoors or outside, and cleverly designed closet hooks. No matter your climate or space, you can line dry.
What Laundry Machines Are Available for Doing Laundry In a Tiny Homes or RV?
There are several options available, no matter your needs or constraints. Whether you’re dedicated to familiar brands or are up for reading the reviews of niche products, you’ll have plenty of choices.
Require Water Line
- Many familiar brands, such as GE and Whirlpool, have compact washing machines that use electricity and require a water line.
- PuriFI washer – marketed for diapers, but can handle any type of clothing
Don’t Require Water Line
- Drop! Compact Countertop Washing Machine and Spinner in One – electric
- WonderWash manual washer
- Yirego Drumi Washing Machine – manual
Vented
- Local big-box stores typically have several options from familiar brands such as Samsung, GE, and Magic Chef, which use electricity.
Unvented
- Drop! Compact Countertop Washing Machine and Spinner in One – electric
- Ninja spin dryer – electric
- Meticuloso portable spinner – unique manual design
Is It Practical to Do Laundry In a Tiny House or RV?
For day-to-day laundry, yes! However, the practicality may diminish if you’re regularly washing king-size bedspreads or heavily-soiled garments. If your machine can only handle small loads, sheets may have to be washed in multiple loads. Drying times will also be extended for thick or heavy materials.
Tips and Tricks
Utilize the resources around you. Washing your clothes can be an excellent way to use rainwater or greywater. Many of the products above use a lot less water and electricity than standard washers and dryers. Time your laundry to the warmest and brightest time of the day, and use solar power to dry your items. Enjoy the freshness of outdoor drying, even if you’re using a dryer or spinner to get the items nearly dry.
FAQs
What are the drawbacks of a washer/dryer combo?
The drying capacity is often about half of the washing capacity, so you may need to dry in two loads or line dry some of your items.
Where does the lint go in a washer/dryer combo?
It collects in a condenser tank and can be easily removed to keep your machine running smoothly.
Do portable washing machines exist?
Yes, portable washing machines exist. There are both electric and manual portable washing machines. These typically require you to input the water by hand and then drain at the end of the cycle.
