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Detergent for hand-washing clothes

Ginabina

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino de Santiago (2016)
I won't be checking my backpack, so I need to "worry" about what I am and am not allowed through security: liquids, etc. What do people typically bring for washing their clothes by hand? Is there a store in SJPDP that sells laundry soap that's light and takes up little space? Any other suggestions? Thanks!
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
I won't be checking my backpack, so I need to "worry" about what I am and am not allowed through security: liquids, etc. What do people typically bring for washing their clothes by hand? Is there a store in SJPDP that sells laundry soap that's light and takes up little space? Any other suggestions? Thanks!

@Ginabina
If you are staying in albergues you will be washing your clothes daily by hand in cold water in a basin or laundry tub. Bring cold water laundry soap powder. It is lighter than liquid soap and you do not have to worry about taking it through security or it leaking in your pack. Bring large pins (diaper/nappy pins) to fasten your laundry to the laundry line, or to the back of your pack if the laundry is not all dry in the morning. . On my camino last year, I brought my regular laundry powder, but it would not dissolve in cold water and left bits of undissolved laundry soap in the clothes. This year, I tried out some new soap powder in cold water before packing it (I leave in September). It's a good idea to try out any new item before packing it, as there may be unexpected results.
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
I bring half a bar of clothes washing soap, Fels Naptha. $1.00 at Walmart. Also, Spain sells a similar laundry bar in supermercados.
 
To answer your other question... yes you can buy different kinds of soap in SJPP. But you could also just rough it for a few days, using bath soap and then have a better selection in Pamplona.
 
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
Savon de Marseille, or a bar of Sunlight soap, depending on where you live. Also small packets of Tide but zi find I need 1.5 of them per wash and waste some soap.
 
some travel sized shampoos work well. Can be used for all washing. If its gentle enough for hair well it will be for everything else
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
I won't be checking my backpack, so I need to "worry" about what I am and am not allowed through security: liquids, etc. What do people typically bring for washing their clothes by hand? Is there a store in SJPDP that sells laundry soap that's light and takes up little space? Any other suggestions? Thanks!

There are lots of useful tips given to you already.

I've used this stuff for years. I find it's perfect for everything.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/lifeven...g-l8fCewy9wxlrTLf5RhVRoC567w_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I don't know if it's available SJPDP and I don't recall seeing it in any shops along the Frances route.

I don't know where you are and I don't want to complicate your planning, so I offer this suggestion with some hesitancy. If you have pre-booked accommodation in SJPDP, you could consider sending some to yourself c/o your accommodation, or if you chose to buy it on line, use your accommodation as the delivery address.

Buen (lots of soapy-bubbles) Camino
 
I used Ivory bar soap for everything -- hair, bathing, and laundry.
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
I used liquid shower gel or shampoo for all washing needs including clothes. I filled 2 empty 100 ml bottles which I bought at a drugstore and could carry them on the plane. They worked well and lasted more than 30 days. if you run out you can always buy more to refill them. this way you can take them on the plane and have less weight to carry.
 
I won't be checking my backpack, so I need to "worry" about what I am and am not allowed through security: liquids, etc. What do people typically bring for washing their clothes by hand? Is there a store in SJPDP that sells laundry soap that's light and takes up little space? Any other suggestions? Thanks!
You'll soon get used to living as a "pilgrim"... believe me !!!! There are bar soaps in Super Markets.... very reasonably priced too. This is really the last of your worries at this time (worries??? hmmm excitement more like it :). Its going to be an experience of a life-time.... so love every moment. Buen Camino :), Caesar
 
I just use shampoo, for body, hair and clothes - one bottle for everything.
Buen Camino, SY
SY... its little wonder you smell good all the time :) Buen Camino, Caesar
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
There are lots of useful tips given to you already.

I've used this stuff for years. I find it's perfect for everything.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/lifeven...g-l8fCewy9wxlrTLf5RhVRoC567w_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I don't know if it's available SJPDP and I don't recall seeing it in any shops along the Frances route.

I don't know where you are and I don't want to complicate your planning, so I offer this suggestion with some hesitancy. If you have pre-booked accommodation in SJPDP, you could consider sending some to yourself c/o your accommodation, or if you chose to buy it on line, use your accommodation as the delivery address.

Buen (lots of soapy-bubbles) Camino
That post made me smile, John :)
 
If bringing powdered laundry detergent, you can also mix in some powdered oxygen bleach (the type safe for colored fabrics). I think that it helps removing odors, as well as stains, from synthetic fabrics.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Lagarto jabon, only €0.35 a bar, cut it in half and give the other half away.
 
I use Doctor Brommer's bar soap for laundry, body wash, shaving ...

So far has been the best.
I used to take few of the combo sheets of laundry soap/softener for laundry. Cut sheet in half for hand washing in sink.

I take piece of para cord with brass safety pins to hang laundry on.

Put wet bar in mesh bag to air dry. Other wise will "melt" if in sealed bag/container when wet.

https://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/category/BARSOAP.html
 
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