How To Wash Clothes With Very Little Water & Electricity
Doing RV laundry when you’re out camping can be tough, especially when you’re boondocking without any hookups. You might find that laundromats are miles away and cost way too much money. Plus, regular RV washing machines need tons of water and electricity, which isn’t great when you’re trying to live off-grid.
We’ve been living in our travel trailer full-time for years now. Over that time, we’ve discovered a really simple low water laundry method that works perfectly for laundry while camping away from any power or water connections.
This way of washing clothes camping helps us save money, use less water, and only needs a tiny bit of power from our solar powered energy setup.
I’m going to share with you the best way to wash clothes camping when you’re boondocking. I’ll tell you about the gear we use, how to wash clothes camping with just a little water and power, and give you some helpful tips for keeping your clothes clean while doing off-grid laundry.
It doesn’t matter if you camp on weekends, live in your RV all the time, or travel in a van. This eco-friendly camping laundry method will work great for anyone in a tent, trailer, or tiny home.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
- Washing Machine: WonderWash Portable Washing Machine | #The_Laundry_Alternative_Wonderwash | A hand-cranked washer that uses no electricity and very little water, making it perfect for off-grid laundry in an RV or while boondocking. | View on Amazon
- Dryer: Panda 3200 RPM Portable Spin Dryer | #Panda_Portable_Spin_Dryer | This high-speed spin dryer removes water fast using minimal power, helping clothes dry quickly without the need for heat or hookups. | View on Amazon
- Drying Rack: SONGMICS Foldable Drying Rack | #SONGMICS_Drying_Rack | Lightweight and collapsible, this drying rack is easy to store in an RV and can be used indoors or outside to air-dry laundry anywhere. | View on Amazon
- Soap: Soak No-Rinse Laundry Detergent | #Soak_No-Rinse_Plant-Derived_Laundry_Detergent | A biodegradable, no-rinse formula that saves water and is gentle on hands, ideal for hand washing clothes while dry camping. | View on Amazon
The Ultimate Boondocking Laundry Products
The Laundry Alternative Wonderwash
Key Features
- No electricity required, hand-powered crank.
- Uses only 1–2 gallons of water per load.
- Cleans up to 5 lbs of laundry at a time.
- Durable ABS plastic drum with sealed pressure lid.
- Compact size: great for small RVs, vans, and apartments.
- Takes just 2–5 minutes of cranking per wash.
My Review
The WonderWash has become one of our favorite tools for boondocking laundry. This portable washing machine for RV life doesn’t need any electricity, you just turn a handle to wash your clothes. It can handle about 5 pounds of laundry at a time and barely uses any water, making it perfect for off-grid laundry.
We’ve washed everything in this small washing machine, from our everyday t-shirts to our bed sheets.
The WonderWash is really light and doesn’t take up much space, so it fits easily in any RV or camper. The plastic legs it sits on feel kind of wobbly at first. But they’ve actually lasted way longer than we expected.
When you need a dependable way to do laundry for dry camping without using any power, the WonderWash really is one of the best options out there.
Quick Facts
- The WonderWash is perfect for off-grid laundry because it requires no electricity, uses very little water, and can clean clothes faster than most DIY bucket methods.
Panda Portable Spin Dryer
Key Features
- High-speed spin at 3200 RPM.
- Dries clothes quickly without heat.
- Stainless steel inner drum.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Measures 25.5 x 13.5 inches.
- Uses only 300 watts of electricity.
- Can handle up to 22 lbs of wet laundry.
- Gravity drain, no plumbing required.
My Review
The Panda 3200 RPM Spin Dryer has been a game-changer for our off-grid laundry routine. This RV spin dryer doesn’t heat up your clothes. Instead, it spins really fast to squeeze out the water from everything, including heavy towels and jeans.
What’s really cool is how much faster your clothes dry after using this spinner. It helps avoid that gross, musty smell you sometimes get when clothes take forever to dry in damp weather. This is super important when you’re doing laundry while camping in humid places.
The spin dryer is small enough to tuck away in a tiny RV closet or even in your bathtub when you’re not using it. It only needs about 300 watts of power, which is perfect for a solar powered laundry setup.
We run ours using a small power station, it could handle at least 10 loads (5-7 minutes of spinning) in a row without killing our battery. This makes it an awesome tool for anyone doing boondocking laundry without hookups.
Quick Facts
- This spin dryer is ideal for boondocking because it dries clothes fast using very little power, making it perfect for solar setups or low-watt generators.
SONGMICS Drying Rack
Key Features
- Winged design with adjustable height for max drying space.
- Folds flat for compact storage.
- Sturdy stainless steel frame supports up to 55 lbs.
- Includes sock clips and bottom rack for shoes or towels.
- No tools needed for setup.
My Review
When you’re doing RV laundry off the grid, you definitely need a good drying rack. The rack we use is perfect for boondocking laundry because it folds completely flat when you need to store it, but pops open in just a few seconds when it’s time to dry clothes.
The wing design on the sides gives you extra room for bigger items. This really helps when you’re trying to dry clothes in an RV without a dryer. Plus, those wings catch more sun and wind when you set it up outside, which speeds up drying time.
We move our rack inside or outside the trailer based on what the weather’s doing. If it’s windy outside, we just put some rocks on the legs or use tent stakes to keep it from blowing away. This thing has survived all kinds of weather and still works great.
When we’re done using it, it slides right into our truck bed without taking up much space. It’s one of those simple tools that makes off-grid laundry so much easier when you’re camping without hookups.
Quick Facts
- This drying rack is great for RVers because it’s lightweight, folds flat, and lets you dry laundry outside or indoors without needing trees, hooks, or a clothesline.
Soak No-Rinse Plant-Derived Laundry Detergent
Key Features
- No-rinse formula.
- Biodegradable and made with renewable, plant-derived ingredients.
- Safe for hand washing and HE machines.
- Lightly scented (multiple scent options, including unscented).
- One 12 oz bottle lasts for up to 75 loads.
My Review
When you’re hand washing clothes camping or using a manual washer like the WonderWash, the right laundry detergent for camping can make your life a lot easier.
We use Soak detergent because it’s made from plants, breaks down naturally in the environment, and won’t irritate your skin. This means you don’t have to stress about nasty chemicals when doing eco-friendly camping laundry.
What makes it really great for off-grid laundry is that you don’t need to rinse your clothes after washing them. This is super helpful when you’re trying to save water while boondocking.
You only need about a teaspoon of this detergent for each load, so one bottle can do around 75 washes. When you’re figuring out how to wash clothes with limited water and no power, using a no-rinse detergent like this is a real game-changer.
It’s perfect for any low water laundry method you might use while camping.
Quick Facts
- Soak is ideal for boondocking because it requires no rinsing, making it easy to clean laundry with minimal water and without leaving any soapy residue behind.
How I Do Laundry While Boondocking
Step 1: Wash
Here’s how I do RV laundry with my WonderWash. First, I put 1 or 2 teaspoons of Soak no-rinse detergent in the washer.
Then I add cold water until it’s about half full. You can use warm water too, but stay away from hot water as it can make pressure build up, which isn’t good.
I only fill the washer halfway with clothes so they can move around and get clean. It ends up around 6-8 shirts together in one load. Then I turn the handle for about a minute to mix everything up and get the clothes wet.
Next comes the waiting part, I let everything soak for 15 to 20 minutes. This really helps get the dirt out. After soaking, I crank the handle again for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how dirty the clothes are.
It’s actually pretty easy and kind of relaxing to do, especially if you’re a full-time RVer. Stuff like this can become a regular part of your week.
Step 2: Spin
When the clothes are done washing, I put them right into the Spin Dryer, no need to wring them out first. I try to spread the weight evenly so the RV spin dryer doesn’t shake too much.
Then I plug the drying into a portable power station (an inverter will work as well if you have one), close the lid, and turn it on. Portable spin dryer’s spin really fast and can pull 80% of the water out of clothes in just 3 to 5 minutes.
Water starts pouring out the bottom drain right away. When it slows down to just a few drips, I know the clothes are ready. They come out just a little damp, which makes drying so much faster.
Step 3: Rinse (If I Have Enough Water)
When I have extra water and want things super clean, I’ll do a rinse. I dump out the soapy water from the WonderWash, fill it with fresh water (no soap this time), and run the clothes through for 2 or 3 minutes. Then they go back in the spin dryer again.
You don’t really need to rinse when using Soak detergent since it doesn’t leave any gunk behind. But I like to rinse when I can, especially for socks or really dirty clothes. This is totally optional when you’re doing boondocking laundry with limited water.
Step 4: Dry
After spinning, my clothes are just slightly damp. When it’s nice out, I hang them on my drying rack outside. If it’s windy, I put rocks on the rack’s legs or stake it down so it won’t blow away. On hot, sunny days, even thick clothes dry in just a few hours.
When it’s raining or cloudy, I bring the rack inside our RV and let everything air dry there. It takes longer, but it still works great. This whole system is perfect for how to dry clothes in an RV without a dryer.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Clean Laundry
And that’s all there is to it, clean clothes without needing a regular washing machine or RV hookups!
I can usually wash three loads of laundry using only 7 gallons of water and about 100 watt-hours from our solar powered laundry setup. To put that in perspective, that’s the same amount of electricity one 100-watt light bulb uses in just an hour.
This eco-friendly camping laundry method is simple and perfect for boondocking laundry. I actually feel pretty proud knowing that our whole off-grid laundry system runs on sunshine and a bit of arm power.
It’s proof that you really can figure out how to do laundry without hookups in an RV and still have fresh, clean clothes.
This is definitely the best laundry method for full-time RV living that we’ve found. Whether you’re trying to save water, reduce your power use, or just want to be more self-sufficient while camping, this system works great.
Tips for Saving Water When Doing Laundry While Boondocking
When you’re doing boondocking laundry and water is precious, you need to make every drop count. I’ve learned some great tricks over the years that help us save water while keeping our clothes clean during off-grid laundry days.
Reuse Rinse Water
Here’s one of my favorite water-saving tips: always reuse your rinse water for the next load. When water is really limited, I wash my cleanest stuff first (like t-shirts or pajamas), then save that rinse water to wash dirtier clothes like socks or work pants.
It might not sound like a big deal, but saving just one rinse can keep a couple gallons of water in your tank. This low water laundry method really adds up over time.
Use No-Rinse Detergent
Soak detergent has totally changed how I do laundry while camping. When I’m really running low on water, I just skip rinsing completely.
This detergent is made to stay in your clothes without causing any problems. There’s no skin irritation or weird sticky feeling. Even without rinsing, my clothes come out fresh and clean.
Skip the Spin Dryer (If Needed)
Before we got our spin dryer, I used to wring everything out by hand. It’s definitely more work and takes longer, but if your battery is dead or you want to do no electricity laundry, it gets the job done.
Just know that clothes will take way longer to dry. Thick hoodies sometimes took two whole days to dry without spinning first.
Wash Smaller Loads More Often
I’ve discovered that washing small loads more often actually saves water compared to doing huge piles of laundry. Smaller loads get cleaner with less work, and you can reuse rinse water better between loads.
This is a key part of figuring out how to wash clothes with limited water and no power.
Spot Clean Between Washes
Not everything needs a full wash! If something isn’t really dirty, I just spot clean it with a damp cloth and a tiny bit of soap. This works great for jeans, hoodies, or anything you’ve only worn once that doesn’t smell bad.
Less washing means major water savings when hand washing clothes camping.
Time Laundry Days With the Weather
I always check the weather before doing laundry. Sunny, warm, or windy days are perfect because clothes dry super fast. This way, I don’t end up with musty clothes that need washing again.
Quick drying also means less water stays trapped in the fabric, which helps when you’re figuring out how to dry clothes in an RV without a dryer.
RV Laundry FAQ
Can you do laundry in an RV without hookups?
You bet! When you’re boondocking or dry camping without any power or water hookups, you can still get clean clothes.
Just use a portable washing machine for RV life like the WonderWash along with a small spin dryer. You’ll need to bring extra water and have a way to dry your clothes, either a rack or a clothesline.
We do all our RV laundry using just solar power and extra water we carry in refillable jugs.
What’s the best way to do laundry while boondocking?
From what I’ve learned, the best way to wash clothes camping is using the WonderWash to clean them and a spin dryer to squeeze out the water.
This off-grid washing machine combo uses hardly any electricity or water but still gets clothes really clean. I can wash three loads with only 7 gallons of water and a bit of solar power, no need to find a laundromat!
How much water do you need to do a load of laundry when camping?
It really depends on how dirty your clothes are and if you rinse them. I usually use 2 to 3 gallons for each load, but I’ve washed full loads with just 1 gallon by using no-rinse detergent and skipping the rinse step.
Saving rinse water for the next load helps make your water last even longer when doing off-grid laundry.
What detergent is best for off-grid or RV laundry?
I always suggest using a no-rinse detergent that breaks down naturally, like Soak. It’s the best laundry detergent for camping because it’s gentle on your skin, doesn’t leave any gunk on your clothes, and you don’t have to rinse it out, which can save tons of water.
Plus, you can safely dump the used water outside in many places (just check the rules first).
Do I need a spin dryer for RV laundry?
You don’t absolutely need one. You could squeeze your clothes by hand and hang them up. But an RV spin dryer makes a huge difference!
It gets way more water out than you ever could by hand, which means clothes dry faster. This really matters when you’re short on space, it’s cloudy outside, or you just don’t want wet clothes hanging around all day.
Can you air-dry clothes in an RV?
Of course! I have a folding rack that I use inside the trailer when it’s raining, and I set it up outside when it’s sunny. You can hang clothes from awnings, trees, or even your truck’s side mirrors if you get creative.
Just remember to put rocks on your rack or tie it down when it’s windy so it doesn’t blow away!
Is it safe to dump used laundry water while boondocking?
If you’re using natural detergent like Soak and you’re far from any streams or lakes, it’s usually okay to dump gray water outside, but always check the local rules first.
In area’s I’m not allowed to dump water, I collect my used wash water in a tub and pour it into our RV’s black tank to help get it clean.
How do you dry clothes in bad weather?
When it’s too wet or cold outside, I put my drying rack inside near a vent, fan, or cracked window to help air flow through.
The spin dryer really helps here, clothes are just damp instead of soaking wet, so they won’t drip everywhere or make the RV all steamy inside.
What if I don’t have a WonderWash or spin dryer?
That’s okay! You can still do hand washing clothes camping the simple way. Just use a 5-gallon bucket and a clean plunger, or wash with your hands. It takes more work and time, but it definitely works.
Squeeze out as much water as you can and give clothes extra time to dry. You’ll need more water and patience, but people have been doing laundry while camping this way forever.
How often should I do laundry while camping?
This depends on how long you’re staying somewhere and how much room you have. I like doing small loads every couple of days instead of letting dirty clothes pile up.
This low water laundry method saves water, keeps clothes from getting stinky, and makes the whole job faster and easier.
Do RVers go to laundromats?
Yes, even we visit laundromats occasionally! But many of us prefer doing boondocking laundry ourselves to save money and avoid driving to town.
Laundromats can be expensive and far away when you’re camping in remote spots. With the right setup, you can handle all your laundry needs right at your campsite.
