Washing clothes on the camino

[Pasha]

Ok... so I've read a lot on this forum and often hear people saying they rinsed clothes out and dried them too... how are you all doing this? Is there some kind of laundry service or am I being ridiculous even thinking that... is it just a bucket and soap
Thanks again folks
Paula

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Hi Pasha - not ridiculous just not that common...! Most who stay in Albergues tend to hand wash their items and sinks for doing so are often provided but you'll need your own soap (I read numerous people who use a all-in-one soap bar for clothes, hair, skin, etc). Some will have coin operated laundry machines but not too many. More common in private Albergues they will offer a laundry service (wash and dry) but usually in my experience, pretty expensive 7-8 euros. Since you generally have very few items to wash, if you don't mind sharing you can get together with other like-minded Pilgrims and share the cost.

Oddly enough, I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed hand washing my clothes. It became part of my daily ritual, chores if you will, done after checking into the Albergue for the night and then hung on my clothes line so they had time to dry overnight, which they did even in winter.

 

[Pasha]

Hi Pasha - not ridiculous just not that common...! Most who stay in Albergues tend to hand wash their items and sinks for doing so are often provided but you'll need your own soap (I read numerous people who use a all-in-one soap bar for clothes, hair, skin, etc). Some will have coin operated laundry machines but not too many. More common in private Albergues they will offer a laundry service (wash and dry) but usually in my experience, pretty expensive 7-8 euros. Since you generally have very few items to wash, if you don't mind sharing you can get together with other like-minded Pilgrims and share the cost.

Oddly enough, I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed hand washing my clothes. It became part of my daily ritual, chores if you will, done after checking into the Albergue for the night and then hung on my clothes line so they had time to dry overnight, which they did even in winter.

Thanks for reply Jozero
I just wasn't sure if they even provided somewhere to hand was or dry clothes.. but clothes lines ... perfect ..!!! Not that I'm going for long or plan in having to wash much.. I'm going in may so hoping I won't need too many heavy clothes and the clothes I do take shouldn't take up much room.. least that's the plan I think...
Thanks again
Paula

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Thanks for reply Jozero
I just wasn't sure if they even provided somewhere to hand was or dry clothes.. but clothes lines ... perfect ..!!! Not that I'm going for long or plan in having to wash much.. I'm going in may so hoping I won't need too many heavy clothes and the clothes I do take shouldn't take up much room.. least that's the plan I think...
Thanks again
Paula

I should also mention not everywhere has a clothes line (EDIT: to clarify, not everywhere I stayed had anywhere to dry clothes inside I could use in the winter months or space on the line if you arrive last like I usually do...) so I carry my own which weighs only 1 ounce. I wrap it around my bunk and hang my towel and wet clothes so it has a dual purpose, dry the clothes while adding a small privacy barrier

Buen Camino!

 

[trecile]

Generally, most people just have two sets of clothes - the ones they are wearing, and the ones that they will wear tomorrow. Today's clothing gets washed at the end if the day, and become tomorrow's clothing.

 

[trecile]

I should also mention not everywhere has a clothes line... I carry my own which weighs only 1 ounce. I wrap it around my bunk and hang my towel and wet clothes so it has a dual purpose, dry the clothes while adding a small privacy barrier

Buen Camino!

I have never encountered an albergue without a place to dry clothes.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

I have never encountered an albergue without a place to dry clothes.

During the winter, cloth lines outside didn't help me much...! Was happy to have my own in my clothes line.

 

[domigee]

Ok...is it just a bucket and soap
Thanks again folks
Paula

Yes, very much so. Actually a sink and soap and albergues have clothes lines. I walk in the Summer so it's no problem drying stuff. It is quite nice from time to time to use a washing-machine, they are more and more common on the camino francés. Depending on your budget they can be quite expensive so it is worth sharing with another pilgrim. (electricity IS expensive in Spain so they are not having you on...)
If staying in hotels washing/drying is more difficult - unless you are in a hotel that has laundry service No clothes lines either so I carry my own.
If NOT walking in Summer....I'd advise taking three changes of undies/socks. They don't dry as easily.
Buen camino

 

[C clearly]

If staying in hotels washing/drying is more difficult

What are you talking about?

 

[Robo]

The clothes washing ritual was not one I relished @jozero
The facilities indeed varied a lot. I stayed in 2-3 Albergues that had a laundry service.
Mostly I washed my own clothes at the end of each day (first chore usually) and got them out to dry, before doing anything else. To ensure they were dry for next day.
O'Cebriero has a laundry service next to the small store... That was handy.

Mostly it was wash the clothes in the sink in my room and hang up in my room, using my own washing line and safety pins (as clothes pegs)
A couple of Casa Rurals also has a laundry service...
Hotels never did. I couldn't work that out

One of the reasons many people use very lightweight 'tech' clothing, is that it dries very quickly.....
The socks take the longest to dry and would sometimes travel next day pinned to the outside of my pack.
Ready to be swapped during the day.

Afternote........ Of course I then had to go and look at the list of places I stayed....
Out of 40 nights on the CF (mainly in casa rurals and private rooms in Albergues)
I had access to a washing machine 10 nights !
Only a couple included drying.......

 

[domigee]

What are you talking about?
View attachment 36162

 

[Robo]

What are you talking about?
View attachment 36162

Love the use of Poles. Never thought of that!

 

[C clearly]

Love the use of Poles. Never thought of that!

These creative challenges, which change every day, are among the joys of the Camino. Taking a purchased clothes line is too easy! (Although you would usually need to rig up a contraption to hang it from.)

 

[Robo]

These creative challenges, which change every day, are among the joys of the Camino. Taking a purchased clothes line is too easy! (Although you would usually need to rig up a contraption to hang it from.)

Mine is a long length of this elastic bought in a haberdashery shop. When my wife Pat is with me and we have a 'double' laundry task, our room can look like a laundry 'Cat's cradle'....
Never needed to rig up a contraption, the elastic gets tied around all manner of things..........

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I love this thread, as I'm also one who enjoys the challenge of staying clean...and I do like freshly washed clothes. Here are Deb's hints:

1. Don't be that person who puts clothes in the washer or drier and then goes drinking, leaving others to deal with your clothes! Be Johnny on the spot.

2. Use your quick-dry towel to SQUEEZE the last bit of moisture out of socks and underwear. In fact, if you need to, roll up damp clothes in quick-dry towel and walk on the towel. Then, wash the towel out afterward. Towel dries fast. Wool socks, not so much.

3. As others have noted in other threads (this is not the first laundry thread, my friends!), put your dirty clothes in the bottom of your shower. As you wash and clean, agitate your clothes! Don't fall!

Merino wool undergarments can keep you smelling fresh when you're not, which is why so many of us like them!

Buen Cleanino

 

[Telelama]

As others have noted in other threads (this is not the first laundry thread, my friends!), put your dirty clothes in the bottom of your shower. As you wash and clean, agitate your clothes!

Hi Deb, agree completely, although this one needs the caveat that if there's people waiting for the shower, laundry should be done at the sink. We've experienced pilgrims washing their clothes in the shower that took too long and used too much hot water for the volume of pilgrims in the albergue at that time.

 

[C clearly]

put your dirty clothes in the bottom of your shower. As you wash and clean, agitate your clothes! Don't fall!

I don't get this. How do you wash your hair and various parts while stomping on your clothes, especially without falling or taking a long time and thus using a lot more water? It seems harder than the trick of simultaneously patting your head and rubbing your tummy in a circle.

Surely agitating the clothes in the sink for an extra minute or two makes more sense! On the other hand, maybe it's good that you are cleaning the shower floor for us!

 

[Deleted member 43985]

The clothes washing ritual was not one I relished @jozero

My wife will be the first to say this was pretty out of character for me!! Can't explain it very easily but something about finding a routine in my day allowed my mind to be free for the real reason I was there. Luckily I managed to snap out of it when I stepped off the plane at home

 

[TMcA]

Bring a few clothes pins (pegs). Occasionally there is a shortage in the albergues and this will allow you to: 1) hang your clothes out to dry and 2) attach anything still damp to your backpack the following day (the so called "pilgrim's clothesline").

Some prefer safety pins for attaching their wet socks, shirt, etc. to their backpacks. Probably more secure. Your choice.

Buen camino.

Tom

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I don't get this. How do you wash your hair and various parts while stomping on your clothes, especially without falling or taking a long time and thus using a lot more water? It seems harder than the trick of simultaneously patting your head and rubbing your tummy in a circle.

Surely agitating the clothes in the sink for an extra minute or two makes more sense! On the other hand, maybe it's good that you are cleaning the shower floor for us!

Well, one must be vigilant in choosing the shower floor, of course! Many variables at play here.

Just pretend you are stomping Rioja grapes while participating in a nude festival?

 

[C clearly]

Just pretend you are stomping Rioja grapes while participating in a nude festival?

I think I would rather get out of the shower quickly and go sit, fully clothed, drinking the wine!

 

[David Tallan]

I brought a clothes line and never used it. Definitely bring clothes pins (or safety pins) to attach your clothes to the line.

I thought I would be handwashing clothes every day. But I was travelling with my son and we had three sets of clothes each (one on us and two in the backpacks) and I found I often machine washed the four sets every other day. It was worth it to me.

 

[KinkyOne]

What are you talking about?
View attachment 36162

I can't stop laughing at this one
So imaginative. Remembers me of the old albergue (no longer existed) in Villamayor de Monjardin in 2009:

 

[KinkyOne]

These creative challenges, which change every day, are among the joys of the Camino. Taking a purchased clothes line is too easy! (Although you would usually need to rig up a contraption to hang it from.)

And they are collapsible so you can really adjust them for your needs

 

[C clearly]

Does anyone else have this experience at home...? I decide it is time to do the laundry so I get the basket of dirty clothes and start sorting whites from the darks. Often now, I think "I would just wash all these things together on the Camino." And I toss them all into the machine!

 

[trecile]

I used a dry bag (mine is a 12 liter from Osprey which weighs just 1.2 ounces/34 grams) to wash my clothes in. I put my clothes in the dry bag as I was getting into the shower, added soap and warm water, sealed it shut and shook it up a bit while I was showering. (I usually rinsed my socks a bit before adding them to the bag, as they were usually quite dirty) As I dried off, and got dressed my clothes got a good soak, and I would agitate the bag a bit more. Then I took it to the laundry sink and dumped out the wash water and rinsed the clothing. I would wring them out, then lay out my quick dry towel, and wrap the clothes in it, and wring them out further before hanging them on the line. I brought these mini clothespins that I found in a crafts store which worked better than safety pins on most clothes lines.


Here's a video that shows how to use a dry bag to wash clothes:

 

[hel&scott]

I love this thread, as I'm also one who enjoys the challenge of staying clean...and I do like freshly washed clothes.

You are a domestic goddess... Must admit I left the washing to Scott and I went off to get the cold beer...

 

[CaminoDebrita]

You are a domestic goddess... Must admit I left the washing to Scott and I went off to get the cold beer...

My scepter is my walking stick....

My backpack is my throne....

A floppy sunhat is my crown,

and domestic goddess, a title I now own!

HAIL TO ME!

 

[Robo]

I now use the Scrubba. Recommended by @Kanga I think.
It works very well, and has a kind of 'washboard' effect on one side.

But the dry bag in the video above is probably just as good!

 

[Robo]

My scepter is my walking stick....

My backpack is my throne....

A floppy sunhat is my crown,

and domestic goddess, a title I now own!

HAIL TO ME!

As the Cry went up...........

"All Hail Deb"
"All Hail Deb"
"All Hail Deb"
"All Hail Deb"
"All Hail Deb"
"All Hail Deb"
"All Hail Deb"
"All Hail Deb"

 

[C clearly]

Just pretend you are stomping Rioja grapes while participating in a nude festival?

domestic goddess, a title I now own!

Hmmm. Quite the image!

 

[trecile]

I now use the Scrubba. Recommended by @Kanga I think.
It works very well, and has a kind of 'washboard' effect on one side.

But the dry bag in the video above is probably just as good!

I chose the dry bag over the Scrubba because it weighs quite a bit less, and costs less too.

 

[VNwalking]

I used a dry bag (mine is a 12 liter from Osprey which weighs just 1.2 ounces/34 grams) to wash my clothes in.

Great idea, @trecile . A portable manual washing machine!

 

[Robo]

I chose the dry bag over the Scrubba because it weighs quite a bit less, and costs less too.

I would too. But I have the Scrubba now

 

[Penbaysail]

I brought a fine mesh zipper bag that weighs practically nothing. My dirty clothes & soap went into the bag for soaking, agitation & rinsing. The handiest thing was that the walk to the clothes line didn't have me dropping socks and other pieces of clothing along the way, and a small hook on the mesh bag allowed me to hang it on the line rather than dropping clothes on the ground.

Also worked when gathering clothes from the line, especially the mad sprint when it's started raining on your drying clothes. All part of the daily ritual.

 

[Deleted member 29041]

I have never encountered an albergue without a place to dry clothes.

I have. Several actually. Admittedly, most of those had a coin-operated dryer, but not all.(see my take on dryers below)

Then there are quite a few albergues with insufficient space for drying clothes. Albergues with room for something like three persons drying their clothes for every 20 beds (or less) are, in my experience, quite common. Just to mention a few, I seem to recall that Albergue de peregrinos in Roncesvalles had beds for 183 and drying space for less than 20, while Jesus y Maria in Pamplona, last time I was there, had beds for 114, but only drying space for something like eight persons (two small racks). The lovely Xunta albergue in Betanzos is not exactly over-endowed with drying space either. On dry days it usually works out fine, as most of the others will use the dryer(s), but on rainy days, all bets are off.

Also keep in mind, that some of those albergues with plenty of drying space, have it located outside, which is fine in dry weather, but on rainy days, a dryer is usually the only option .

Dryers may be fine for some, but I won't mistreat my woolies by putting them in a dryer (reduces their useful life significantly), so I usually carry my own (twisted) clothes line, plus some large safety pins, for drying things while walking. The line is nice to have on those rainy days

 

[FrankieBallz]

I love this thread, as I'm also one who enjoys the challenge of staying clean...and I do like freshly washed clothes. Here are Deb's hints:

1. Don't be that person who puts clothes in the washer or drier and then goes drinking, leaving others to deal with your clothes! Be Johnny on the spot.

2. Use your quick-dry towel to SQUEEZE the last bit of moisture out of socks and underwear. In fact, if you need to, roll up damp clothes in quick-dry towel and walk on the towel. Then, wash the towel out afterward. Towel dries fast. Wool socks, not so much.

3. As others have noted in other threads (this is not the first laundry thread, my friends!), put your dirty clothes in the bottom of your shower. As you wash and clean, agitate your clothes! Don't fall!

Merino wool undergarments can keep you smelling fresh when you're not, which is why so many of us like them!

Buen Cleanino

You listed every trick I learned on my first camino! It doesn't take more water or longer time if you have a routine before you step in. I shared this with many Pilgrims last year.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I brought a fine mesh zipper bag that weighs practically nothing. My dirty clothes & soap went into the bag for soaking, agitation & rinsing. The handiest thing was that the walk to the clothes line didn't have me dropping socks and other pieces of clothing along the way, and a small hook on the mesh bag allowed me to hang it on the line rather than dropping clothes on the ground.

Also worked when gathering clothes from the line, especially the mad sprint when it's started raining on your drying clothes. All part of the daily ritual.

Great idea! I already use those laundry lightweight, inexpensive bags in my backpack for my "stuff" instead of noisy plastic bags, so now they will become multipurpose items for my next Camino!

 

[Magnara]

Ok... so I've read a lot on this forum and often hear people saying they rinsed clothes out and dried them too... how are you all doing this? Is there some kind of laundry service or am I being ridiculous even thinking that... is it just a bucket and soap
Thanks again folks
Paula

Like trecile, I have two sets of clothes. But I do it differently - I have one set for day and one for evening, which really cuts down the washing. The day ones can go for several days (I wash the undies and socks daily and shirt when it really needs it). I do wear ultrafine merino wool tops, which have a natural anti-"aroma" quality, so that helps.The other set I just use for evening, put on after the shower, to wear till bedtime. They hardly ever need washing at all. Makes life very simple.

 

[David Tallan]

I should add that I brought the Scrubba with me and hardly ever used it. I would avoid the weight next Camino. As I said above, I often used the machines. When I didn't, I generally found that albergue had nice large laundry sinks with ridges for rubbing your clothes against to keep the clean. It was easier for me to use them than to fill and empty the Scrubba multiole times without getting water everywhere and deal with a wet Scrubba afterwards. Others above obviously had more success with the Scrubba (or similar) system.

 

[KinkyOne]

I say: soak the stuff in the sink with some shampoo while you're taking the shower, then scrub them a little, rinse them thoroughly (soap could be irritating for the skin), hang them on a line or whatever seems usable and go for a COLD BEER

 

[C clearly]

I have one set for day and one for evening, which really cuts down the washing. The day ones can go for several days (I wash the undies and socks daily and shirt when it really needs it). I do wear ultrafine merino wool tops, which have a natural anti-"aroma" quality, so that helps.The other set I just use for evening, put on after the shower, to wear till bedtime. They hardly ever need washing at all. Makes life very simple.

This is my approach too. Socks and undies get washed every day. Walking clothes only when needed - maybe my base layer top needs washing every day or two in hot weather, but other things don't. They don't smell, and will just get dirty again tomorrow! My evening/night wear gets washed every week or two.

I don't take two sets of "walking clothes", since my preferred night/evening clothes are different from my preferred walking clothes AND because it means less need for washing.

 

[Glenn Rowe]

In keeping with the multiple-use discipline, for several decades now I have used my spare bootlaces as a field-expedient clothesline. All that is needed is to master the knot known as the Sheet Bend. (Tied properly, using the lace-tip to "cross-under", it absolutely will NOT jam.)

https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/sheet-bend

 

[trecile]

I say: soak the stuff in the sink with some shampoo while you're taking the shower, then scrub them a little, rinse them thoroughly (soap could be irritating for the skin), hang them on a line or whatever seems usable and go for a COLD BEER

That where the dry bag soak comes in, as most albergues and your fellow pilgrims will give you the stink eye if you monopolize the sink while you're in the shower.

 

[Nancy Drew]

I love this thread, as I'm also one who enjoys the challenge of staying clean...and I do like freshly washed clothes. Here are Deb's hints:

1. Don't be that person who puts clothes in the washer or drier and then goes drinking, leaving others to deal with your clothes! Be Johnny on the spot.

2. Use your quick-dry towel to SQUEEZE the last bit of moisture out of socks and underwear. In fact, if you need to, roll up damp clothes in quick-dry towel and walk on the towel. Then, wash the towel out afterward. Towel dries fast. Wool socks, not so much.

3. As others have noted in other threads (this is not the first laundry thread, my friends!), put your dirty clothes in the bottom of your shower. As you wash and clean, agitate your clothes! Don't fall!

Merino wool undergarments can keep you smelling fresh when you're not, which is why so many of us like them!

Buen Cleanino

 

[Pasha]

I say: soak the stuff in the sink with some shampoo while you're taking the shower, then scrub them a little, rinse them thoroughly (soap could be irritating for the skin), hang them on a line or whatever seems usable and go for a COLD BEER

Sounds good

 

[Magnara]

Yes, very much so. Actually a sink and soap and albergues have clothes lines. I walk in the Summer so it's no problem drying stuff. It is quite nice from time to time to use a washing-machine, they are more and more common on the camino francés. Depending on your budget they can be quite expensive so it is worth sharing with another pilgrim. (electricity IS expensive in Spain so they are not having you on...)
If staying in hotels washing/drying is more difficult - unless you are in a hotel that has laundry service No clothes lines either so I carry my own.
If NOT walking in Summer....I'd advise taking three changes of undies/socks. They don't dry as easily.
Buen camino

We have never walked in summer, so have needed to be canny. An elastic clothes line actually wrapped around the oil heater with the clothes sort of jammed between the line and the heater is the best option I have worked out. And (found this out the hard way very early on our first camino, in January) - the heaters go off after a couple of hours, so the little washing I did was the absolute first thing to do after dropping the pack on the ground. Find a sink, get it done, just a bowl of water and a bar of soap. Then ... shower, wander around the village, glass of wine... aah (while the socks and jocks cook quietly in the room).

 

[Jodean]

Found washers and many of the albergues that were great to share with others. Brings the price down to about 1€ per person.
I used my dirty clothes to stand on AFTER I got out of the shower so I had a dry spot to get dressed.
Also had an extra boot lace to use as a clothesline, but never needed it. It did extra duty by tying up my sleeping bag.
Had large safety pins as well as cheap plastic clothes pins. Much preferred the clothespins. Seldom were the clotheslines straight, so all the clothes that had just been safety pinned to the line would slide down into each other .

 

[Glenn Rowe]

Had large safety pins as well as cheap plastic clothes pins. Much preferred the clothespins. Seldom were the clotheslines straight, so all the clothes that had just been safety pinned to the line would slide down into each other .

For each item of clothing put at least one of the pins (both is better) through the clothesline as well. Failing that (e.g. coated-wire clothesline), wrap the clothing fabric snugly against the line and place the pin parallel to the line. This should create enough friction and "grip" to keep the items reasonably in place.

 

[trecile]

For each item of clothing put at least one of the pins (both is better) through the clothesline as well. Failing that (e.g. coated-wire clothesline), wrap the clothing fabric snugly against the line and place the pin parallel to the line. This should create enough friction and "grip" to keep the items reasonably in place.

I much prefer using clothespins over safety pins on the clothesline. Quicker and easier to put on and take off. My mini clothespins worked well, and took up little space and weight in my pack. I also had a few safety pins for pinning socks to my backpack.

 

[Phil W]

Well, one must be vigilant in choosing the shower floor, of course! Many variables at play here.

Just pretend you are stomping Rioja grapes while participating in a nude festival?

I laughed while reading this or maybe it was the vision in my head!

 

[Elizabeth-o]

Hi Pasha - not ridiculous just not that common...! Most who stay in Albergues tend to hand wash their items and sinks for doing so are often provided but you'll need your own soap (I read numerous people who use a all-in-one soap bar for clothes, hair, skin, etc). Some will have coin operated laundry machines but not too many. More common in private Albergues they will offer a laundry service (wash and dry) but usually in my experience, pretty expensive 7-8 euros. Since you generally have very few items to wash, if you don't mind sharing you can get together with other like-minded Pilgrims and share the cost.

Oddly enough, I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed hand washing my clothes. It became part of my daily ritual, chores if you will, done after checking into the Albergue for the night and then hung on my clothes line so they had time to dry overnight, which they did even in winter.

I think Jozero is spot-on...Here's a little suggestion should you find you need to wash small items like socks and undies yourself: Take them along into the shower but be quick about it so you don't take up too much time or hot water. (Squeeze out as much water as you can, of course, before hanging same to dry.) ¡Buen Camino!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

What are you talking about?
View attachment 36162

In hotels I put my sticks across the open window - this is the reason they are telescopic no? So one size pole fits all windows?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Face the fact that your clothes will never, ever be really clean on the Camino - in the days of cotton teeshirts everything ended up a variety of grey colours - blue-grey, red-grey, yellow-grey. From a personal point of view, having worn the same tees for over a month, I never want to see them again and am just happy to rinse the dust out of them and hope they'll be dry by morning!

 

[Nanc]

the albergue list indicates which have washers and dryers ( not that they will actually be functioning!)
this was helpful however , in choosing an albergue when it rained or was particularly humid knowing my merino wool would not dry on the line

i also found that the spanish dryers in albergues (the commercial ones in towns were fine ) are not strong enough to deal with the hand washed and rung clothes, so many times my clothes were left damp even with extra dry time

having super light under wear was a big help as well as light weight pants and T shirts but the merino wool socks took for ever to dry - luckily i took 3 pair

 

[long trails]

I tend to only wear merino wool these days, that's base and mid layers and underwear too.

Pretty much odour free and when washed they dry so quickly. I have even dried them by wearing straight after a wash.

 

[Deleted member 29041]

I have even dried them by wearing straight after a wash

Argh! Hate having to do it on a cold morning, but I've done that as well. But rather than, than having to use a dryer.

 

[Stivandrer]

My best procedure to get my (merino) socks as dry as possible before hanging them up for the night is to roll socks up into the microfiber towels that you bring.
I hate microfiber for their texture against the skin , but you have to give them credit for absorbing a lot and to dry quickly.
So roll them up in your towel, stand on the roll for max squeeze,, and hang socks up to dry.
If you do not want to have them pinched or dissappear from the clothesline outside, place them hanging from the top mattess runners, or if they really, really must be dry for the next morning in a cold season, place them next to you in the sleeping bag !

 

[John Kenealy]

Ok... so I've read a lot on this forum and often hear people saying they rinsed clothes out and dried them too... how are you all doing this? Is there some kind of laundry service or am I being ridiculous even thinking that... is it just a bucket and soap
Thanks again folks
Paula

Two options, all in one liquid comes in a blue bottle, use it for everything - washing,showering. Highly recommended. But it'll last only a week or so.
Old fashioned big soap bar available in most supermacardo's does the job, but you need to rinse very thoroughly or your washing will have a smell to it ( the fat in the soap) everywhere has some kind of hand wash facility.
Get into an end of day routine. Check into Auburge. First job washing,get it on the line quickly, there's nearly always pegs around. Then shower, then relax.
Take your washing off the line at dusk, socks hung over the bed frame.
Forget to do this, as I did once and the morning dew will present you with a very wet pile of washing. Not good.

 

[ncwep]

First time Camino coming up for me, and something isn't making sense about the wash procedure. I keep reading about washing your clothes first thing when you arrive at the albergue, and THEN showering......but if you only have 2 sets of clothes, how do you remove your dirty clothes to wash them prior to showering, without putting your clean set of clothes onto your unshowered body? What am I missing?

 

[trecile]

First time Camino coming up for me, and something isn't making sense about the wash procedure. I keep reading about washing your clothes first thing when you arrive at the albergue, and THEN showering......but if you only have 2 sets of clothes, how do you remove your dirty clothes to wash them prior to showering, without putting your clean set of clothes onto your unshowered body? What am I missing?

I shower then put on my clean clothes that I washed the day before.
I start my clothes washing while I'm in the shower:

I used a dry bag (mine is a 12 liter from Osprey which weighs just 1.2 ounces/34 grams) to wash my clothes in. I put my clothes in the dry bag as I was getting into the shower, added soap and warm water, sealed it shut and shook it up a bit while I was showering. (I usually rinsed my socks a bit before adding them to the bag, as they were usually quite dirty) As I dried off, and got dressed my clothes got a good soak, and I would agitate the bag a bit more. Then I took it to the laundry sink and dumped out the wash water and rinsed the clothing. I would wring them out, then lay out my quick dry towel, and wrap the clothes in it, and wring them out further before hanging them on the line. I brought mini clothespins that I found in a crafts store which worked better than safety pins on most clothes lines.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

First time Camino coming up for me, and something isn't making sense about the wash procedure. I keep reading about washing your clothes first thing when you arrive at the albergue, and THEN showering......but if you only have 2 sets of clothes, how do you remove your dirty clothes to wash them prior to showering, without putting your clean set of clothes onto your unshowered body? What am I missing?

I shower first, then put my clean clothes on for dinner to be had later on. I then wash the dirty clothes I'd worn, then hang them to dry before heading out afterward to enjoy the town, the people, dinner somewhere (or a group style camino meal) and some vino, of course.

 

[David Tallan]

First time Camino coming up for me, and something isn't making sense about the wash procedure. I keep reading about washing your clothes first thing when you arrive at the albergue, and THEN showering......but if you only have 2 sets of clothes, how do you remove your dirty clothes to wash them prior to showering, without putting your clean set of clothes onto your unshowered body? What am I missing?

I always showered then laundered so that I could clean the clothes I had walked in and put on clean clothes immediately after the shower.

 

[Baba John]

My scepter is my walking stick....

My backpack is my throne....

A floppy sunhat is my crown,

and domestic goddess, a title I now own!

HAIL TO ME!

Spoken like a true Leo...

 

[ncwep]

Thank you for the input! The shower and then clothes wash makes more sense to me! Just didn't understand those who do it in the opposite order.