Drying Clothes While Traveling: Tips, Tools, and Solutions
Drying clothes while traveling has always been, and perhaps always will be, an issue. There are no universal standards when it comes to rooms, beds, hooks, hangers, or usable hanging space. Many products are designed to simplify the drying process, but they don’t always work as expected in different environments.
This article aims to walk you through the common challenges you may face and provide practical tips for making the drying process faster and easier, whether you're in a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb.
In this article:
Drying Clothes in Hostels
Shared hostel rooms are particularly tricky when it comes to drying clothes, mainly due to limited space and unpredictable room setups. You might find:
Beds with side walls but no headboard or footboard.
Beds with frames but no bars, or vice versa.
Beds with no frames or bars at all.
Beds with built-in hangers (rare, but priceless when found!).
This inconsistency can make drying clothes a real hassle. To make things worse, damp clothes tend to drip, which requires you to be mindful of where you hang them. Do you want your clothes dripping on the bunk below you? Probably not.
When minimalist travel forces you to wash and dry clothes nearly every day, you'll need to get creative with your drying strategies. Below are some tips and tools to help you manage the process in a hostel setting.
Drying Clothes on Your Bed
While it's tempting to lay your clothes out on your bed to dry (since it’s the easiest option), there are several reasons to avoid this:
Risk of Mold and Bacteria: Dark, damp environments invite mold, mildew, and bacteria, which can create an unhealthy sleeping space.
Mattress Damage: Mattresses absorb moisture, which not only damages the mattress over time but also creates lingering odors.
Poor Airflow: Clothes dry slower when laid on the bed due to a lack of airflow, which could lead to a musty smell.
Personal Comfort: Your hostel bed is your only private space for rest, so covering it with wet clothes can make your experience less comfortable.
Portable Travel Hangers
Portable hangers are a convenient tool to have in your bag. They take up minimal space and come in handy in situations where hooks or hangers are provided. Combine them with a travel clothesline for even more versatility. While they aren’t always usable in every situation, they’re worth packing for when you do find a suitable spot.
Portable Travel Clotheslines
Travel clotheslines can be hit or miss in hostels. Often, there's no ideal place to string them, and you may end up stretching them across walkways or over your bed, which can cause problems in shared spaces. If the room has lots of wall-mounted hooks or an empty area, however, they can be useful.
Popular options include:
Bungee twist lines (no hooks required)
Retractable clotheslines (space-saving)
Elastic all-in-one lines (built-in hooks)
Paracord lines (simple and versatile)
Personally, I keep it simple with a 10-15 ft paracord, but the more specialized travel clotheslines may suit your needs depending on your space.
Portable Travel Clothes Racks
If you don’t want to rely on hanging your clothes, a mini-portable drying rack can be a lifesaver—if you have space in your bag. These compact racks are perfect for drying in a hostel where you might not want to hang clothes directly on beds or hooks.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try using a collapsible noodle drying rack. It’s an unconventional option but could get the job done!
Portable Dryers
If you're packing light, most portable dryers are too bulky to bring along. However, there are a number of compact options on the market. The options change faster than I can update this site, but consider doing a quick search if you have the bag space, you might be surprised!
For an unconventional approach (I've never tried it), consider a small, low-heat dog-hair dryer.
Female travelers who already pack a handheld hair dryer can also use it to dry clothes in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the noise may be disruptive in shared dorm rooms.
Drying Clothes in Hotels or Airbnbs
Hotels and Airbnbs offer more flexibility for drying clothes compared to hostels, but they still come with their own set of challenges. Here are a few tips to make the most of the space available:
Use the Shower Rod or Towel Rack: Many hotels have shower rods or towel racks that can be repurposed for hanging damp clothes. These provide decent airflow and are usually situated in well-ventilated areas.
Closet Space and Hangers: If your room has a closet, you can use the hangers to dry your clothes. Just be cautious not to hang dripping wet items directly inside the closet, as the lack of ventilation can slow down the drying process.
Balcony Drying: If you're staying somewhere with a balcony, take advantage of the fresh air and sunlight to speed up drying times. Make sure to secure your clothes, though, in case of wind.
Request Extra Towels: Some hotels allow you to request additional towels, which can be used for the towel method (explained below) or to place under your drying clothes to absorb drips.
Avoid Air Conditioning: Air-conditioned environments may seem ideal for drying, but they can actually slow the process. Opt for natural airflow by opening windows if possible.
Tips to Make the Drying Process Faster
Regardless of where you’re staying, drying clothes can be a challenge. Here are some techniques and products to help speed things up:
Quick-Dry Clothing: Invest in quick-dry clothing made from synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, or merino wool. These materials wick moisture and dry much faster than cotton or other natural fabrics.
The Towel Method: Lay your damp clothes flat on a dry towel, roll it up tightly, and press to absorb moisture. This removes a significant amount of water, allowing your clothes to dry faster afterward.
Proper Hanging Techniques: Maximize airflow by hanging your clothes in a well-ventilated area with plenty of space between items. If possible, hang them near a fan or window to encourage quicker drying.
Wring Out Excess Water: Before hanging clothes, wring them out to remove as much water as possible. Note! Be careful with delicate fabrics like merino wool, which can be damaged by excessive wringing. Use the towel method instead for these items.
Use a Portable Fan: If you have access to a small portable fan, it can help increase airflow and accelerate drying. Place it near the drying clothes to speed up moisture evaporation.
Commonly Used Tools for Drying Clothes While Traveling
To make drying clothes easier and more efficient while traveling, here are some key tools to consider packing:
Portable Travel Hangers: Compact and lightweight, these are useful when you have access to a hanging space.
Portable Clotheslines: A flexible option for stretching between hooks, walls, or trees.
Mini Portable Drying Rack: If you have the space, a small rack can make drying more efficient by allowing airflow all around the clothes.
Portable Electric Dryers: Small, compact dryers can be a lifesaver for quickly drying items like socks and underwear, especially in humid climates.
Microfiber Towels: Great for the towel method and dry faster than regular towels, which makes them perfect for travel.
Conclusion
While drying clothes on the road can be tricky, a few simple tools and techniques can make the process much smoother. Whether you’re staying in hostels, hotels, or Airbnbs, the key is being prepared with the right equipment and making the most of the available space.
What are your favorite tips for drying clothes while traveling? Feel free to share your suggestions!
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