Our very first weekend camping on the very first night, Madison spilled a drink on her sheets. I realized quickly that I had made 2 mistakes when fitting out our camper… 1. I did not buy 2 sets of sheets for each bed and 2. I had no laundry supplies. If you have been following our adventures or know me in “real life” I like to ALWAYS be prepared.
Accidents are going to happen because life happens. Needing to do Laundry during a camping trip had not crossed my mind. I was determined to be ready the next time if happened, so I created my own refillable laundry kit.
Even now that we are full time this kit still works for us. I keep our full size laundry dispensers that I get from Sam’s Club in our pass thru storage area and just refill these small bottles.
Here is the kit I made for less than $6.00!!!:
1. Caddy – First thing you need is a caddy.. The caddy needs to have multiple compartments to keep your contents secure from tipping over. Also important is a handle, you want to be able carry it afterall. I got mine from Walmart for less than $1.00!
2. Laundry Detergent – I use liquid Tide. I found this small size Tide bottle at my local Dollar General store for $1.00! I normally get about 6 loads out the bottle using a full cap per load. After each trip I refill the bottle from my home supply of Tide.
3. Fabric Softener – I use liquid Downy. I found this small size bottle at my local Dollar General store for.. you guessed it.. $1.00! Using 2/3 a cap full I get about 8 loads out of each bottle. After each trip I refill the bottle from my home supple of Downy.
4. Bleach – I only use bleach my towels and sheets for this bottle last me about 4 loads of towels. I found a small bottle at the Dollar General for $1.00! Again I refill it after each trip with my home supply.
5. Dryer Sheets – You can find a find a box of 34 count bounce at Dollar General for $2.00! Or… You can use a ziplock bag and take some from your home supply.
6. Quarters – Of course you have to have quarters. In our travels I have only used one laundry room (Fort Wilderness at Disney World) that did not use quarters as the method of payment. Use a container to hold your change and I suggest you keep at least $20 in quarters. A typical load of laundry in a campground cost between $1.00 to $2.50 to wash and another $1.00 to $2.00 to dry.
Bonus Suggestions:
Skip the laundry basket or even the collapsable one. Stop into an Ikea and grab a set large blug Ikea bags… or if your not near a Ikea order them from Amazon. When not in use they fold down small and will fit in your caddy.
These bags are great for not just laundry but also loading or unloading your camper. Also if you shop at Sam’s, Costco or Aldi’s these are great for bringing home your purchases.
Here is a link to the Ikea bags I use.
We would love to know your thoughts, Leave a Comment!