6 Best Small Space Laundry Solutions for RV Living Nomads Swear By
Discover 6 nomad-approved laundry solutions for small RV spaces. We cover top compact washers, manual cleaners, and space-saving drying racks.
There’s nothing that says "RV life" quite like running out of clean socks 50 miles down a dirt road. The weekly laundromat trip is a ritual for many, but it eats up time, money, and travel-day momentum. For nomads who crave more freedom, an onboard laundry system isn’t a luxury—it’s a critical piece of self-sufficient infrastructure.
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How to Choose Your Ideal RV Laundry System
The "best" laundry solution is the one that fits your travel style, not the one with the best reviews. I’ve seen people install a $1,500 washer-dryer combo only to realize they never have the water or power to run it. Conversely, I’ve met families who happily do all their laundry in a five-gallon bucket because they prioritize staying off-grid for weeks at a time.
Your decision hinges on three core resources: water, power, and space. A fully automated machine is convenient but thirsty, demanding a full-hookup campsite to be practical. Manual methods sip water and use zero electricity but require your time and physical effort. Don’t just think about the appliance; think about the resources you’ll have on an average Tuesday.
Before you buy anything, ask yourself these questions. Your answers will point you to the right category of solution.
- Where do you camp? Full-hookup resorts support power-hungry machines. Boondockers need hyper-efficient or manual options.
- How much laundry do you do? A solo traveler’s needs are vastly different from a family of four. Be realistic about load size and frequency.
- What’s your power system? Can your batteries and inverter handle a 1500-watt dryer, or are you working with a small solar setup?
- What is your "laundry tolerance?" Do you need push-button convenience, or do you find satisfaction in a simple, manual process?
Splendide Washer-Dryer: The All-in-One Solution
Wash and dry clothes in one compact unit with the Splendide WDV2200XCD vented combo. This space-saving appliance simplifies laundry with its combined washer and dryer functionality.
For RVers who want a true residential experience, the Splendide combo unit is the undisputed champion. It washes and dries in a single, compact machine, often designed to fit into a dedicated RV closet. You load it, set it, and forget it—just like at home. This is the peak of on-the-road laundry convenience.
But that convenience comes with heavy requirements. A Splendide needs dedicated hot and cold water lines, a standard sewer drain, and a 120V AC outlet. This is not a boondocking tool. It uses between 8 and 16 gallons of fresh water per cycle and a significant amount of power, making it practical only when you’re connected to city water and shore power.
There are two types: vented and non-vented. Take it from someone who has seen the results of both—get the vented model if you can. It physically pumps moist air outside, resulting in clothes that are actually dry. The non-vented models use a condensation process that takes forever and often leaves clothes feeling damp. Either way, expect small load capacities and long cycle times, often three hours or more from start to finish.
Giantex Twin Tub: A Powerful, Budget-Friendly Pair
This portable twin tub washing machine saves you time and effort with its semi-automatic design. Wash up to 12 lbs and spin dry up to 8 lbs, using customizable timer settings for different fabric types.
The twin tub washer is the workhorse of the RV laundry world. It’s a semi-automatic machine that bridges the gap between manual methods and fully plumbed units. One tub acts as an agitator-style washer, while the second is a small but mighty spinner that gets clothes remarkably dry.
The process is hands-on but efficient. You fill the wash tub with water and soap, let it run, then transfer the clothes to the spinner. The spinner is the star here; it extracts so much water that clothes can air-dry inside your rig in a fraction of the time, even in humid weather. It requires a 120V outlet but uses far less power and water than a Splendide.
This is a fantastic solution for the full-timer who spends a mix of time on and off grid. You can run it on a decent battery-and-inverter system and use captured greywater for the first rinse if you’re conserving. The main drawback is its footprint; it’s a bulky appliance you have to store and then set up in your shower or outside for use.
The Wonderwash: Efficient Hand-Crank Cleaning
Don’t let its retro look fool you; the Wonderwash is a surprisingly powerful little machine. This non-electric, hand-cranked washer uses pressure to force soap and water through fabric. It’s perfect for small, frequent loads and uses a tiny amount of water—often less than two gallons.
The concept is simple: you load your clothes, add a bit of soap and hot water, seal the lid, and crank the handle for a few minutes. The sealed drum builds up pressure, which provides a unique and effective cleaning action. It’s ideal for washing a few days’ worth of shirts, socks, and underwear without touching your precious tank water.
This is a boondocker’s dream. It’s lightweight, stores easily, and requires nothing but a little elbow grease. The biggest limitation is that it only washes. You’ll need to wring the clothes out by hand or pair it with a separate spinner to get them ready for the clothesline.
Scrubba Wash Bag: Ultralight, Off-Grid Washing
Get a machine-quality wash anywhere with the Scrubba Wash Bag. This ultra-portable, pocket-sized washing machine weighs only 5.3 oz and features a built-in washboard for fast, effective cleaning without electricity.
The Scrubba Wash Bag is the most portable laundry solution on the planet. It’s essentially a dry bag with a flexible, internal washboard. You add clothes, water, and soap, then scrub them against the washboard from the outside for a few minutes. It’s brilliant in its simplicity.
This isn’t for your weekly load of towels and jeans. The Scrubba excels at washing one or two outfits at a time, making it perfect for weekend trips, cleaning hiking gear after a muddy trail, or washing a single "must-have" item between laundromat visits. It uses an incredibly small amount of water and packs down to the size of a soda can.
Every RVer, even those with a Splendide, should consider owning one. It’s the ultimate backup plan and the perfect tool for when you just need to wash a few small things without firing up a big machine or trekking to the laundromat. It empowers you to be truly independent.
Breathing Mobile Washer: Simple and Effective
If you want dead-simple, zero-power, and highly effective, look no further than the Breathing Mobile Washer. This tool is essentially a specially designed plunger that you use in a standard 5-gallon bucket. The design pushes and pulls water through the fabric, creating a powerful agitation that rivals some electric machines.
The process is a workout, but the results are worth it. You simply put your clothes, water, and soap in a bucket and use the washer with an up-and-down motion for several minutes. It’s surprisingly good at tackling tough dirt on things like jeans and towels.
This is the choice for the serious off-grid RVer who needs more capacity than a Scrubba bag. It’s nearly indestructible, costs very little, and stores anywhere. Paired with a 5-gallon bucket, it becomes a complete, high-capacity washing system that requires no electricity and minimal water.
Panda Portable Dryer for Faster, Fluffier Clothes
Dry clothes quickly and efficiently in small spaces with the Panda Compact Dryer. This 1500W dryer features a 3.5 cu.ft. stainless steel drum, multiple drying modes, and overheat protection for safe, customizable performance.
Washing is only half the job. For many, the real challenge is drying, especially in damp climates where a clothesline is useless. The Panda Portable Dryer is a compact 120V machine that provides the fluffy, dry clothes you miss from home without requiring a full Splendide setup.
This is a small, vented dryer that can sit on a countertop or floor when in use. It holds about half the load of a standard residential dryer but does a fantastic job. You just need a place to vent the moist air, like a cracked window or an existing vent.
The Panda is a luxury item, but one that can dramatically improve quality of life. It requires a robust electrical system to run its heating element, so it’s best used on shore power or with a large generator. But for full-timers tired of stiff, line-dried towels or waiting three days for jeans to dry, it’s a game-changing appliance.
Comparing Water, Power, and Space Requirements
Ultimately, your choice comes down to balancing convenience against your available resources. There is no magic solution that gives you everything. You are always trading something—space, water, power, or your own time and effort.
Here’s how the options stack up. Think of this as a quick-glance guide to finding the right tool for your travel reality.
Splendide Combo:
- Water: High (8-16 gal)
- Power: High (120V AC)
- Space: High (Permanent Install)
- Best For: Full-hookup convenience seekers.
- Water: Moderate (4-8 gal)
- Power: Moderate (120V AC)
- Space: Moderate (Temporary setup)
- Best For: All-around use, blending automation and efficiency.
Wonderwash / Breathing Washer (Manual):
- Water: Very Low (1-3 gal)
- Power: None
- Space: Low (Easy to store)
- Best For: Dedicated boondockers and water conservers.
- Water: Extremely Low (<1 gal)
- Power: None
- Space: Negligible
- Best For: Ultralight needs, hikers, and as a backup.
- Panda Portable Dryer:
- Water: None
- Power: High (120V AC)
- Space: Moderate (Storage required)
- Best For: Anyone who hates air-drying and has the power to spare.
Don't choose the system you wish you could use; choose the system that aligns with how you actually travel. The most expensive, high-tech machine is useless if it sits idle because you lack the hookups to run it. The best system is the one you'll use consistently.
In the end, tackling laundry on the road is about choosing your preferred level of freedom. Whether it's the freedom from laundromats offered by a Splendide or the freedom from hookups offered by a 5-gallon bucket, the right system is out there. Choose wisely, and you'll spend less time worrying about clean clothes and more time enjoying the view from your window.
