The best portable washing machines for camping

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If you are a regular camper then you’ll be familiar with the difficulties of cleaning clothes and, if you’re new to it you can be forgiven for being somewhat mystified as to how to go about it.

Unless you are on a campsite that has laundry facilities you’ll need to work out how to get your clothes clean and, if the weather is bad or you have active, mucky children, this isn’t always easy.

Portable washing machines can be an ideal choice for an active camper. Whether in a tent or RV you can easily hook up your washer to power and throw in the dirty clothes. With a wide range of sizes and capacities there is a portable washing machine that will cover your camping needs. The Garatic Portable Twin Tub is one of the best in our view, but we’ll cover a few more to help you choose.

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Table of Contents

What is a portable washing machine?

Portable machines are designed to be, well, portable, making them ideal for camping holidays, use in RVs or even to be moved around inside your home when needed.

A portable washing machine works just the same way as a normal, full sized washer that you probably have at home, the only difference is the size.

These types of washing machines are available as either electric or manual machines with the latter being operated by a handle, removing the need for any form of electric power, making them ideal for tent camping.

How do portable washing machines work?

In very much the same way as a full sized washer. Some portable machines are designed to be connected to a water outlet while others can be filled with a bucket and then drained after use.

With the machine filled with water and a suitable power supply, a portable washing machine will operate just as effectively as a regular washer.

What is the best type of portable washing machine?

The best type will really depend upon your needs and where you intend to use the washer.

Portable washers tend to hold less washing than a normal machine and you will want to check the load size before you commit to buy.

Whether or not you have access to mains power will also be a key factor when you make a decision on the best washer for you.

Manual portable washing machines are available, most are very good and cost less than their electrically powered rivals.

How to power a portable washing machine without a mains supply

Many of the portable washing machines that are available require access to a mains power supply.

Unless you are happy with a manual washer then you will need to have access to a suitable supply of electricity to use the washing machine, and, in some cases this may not be possible.

However, if you are travelling in a vehicle, such as car, van, RV, truck, then you can generate mains power from your vehicle that will be sufficient to power a portable washing machine.

With a suitable rated 12 volt inverter, the DC current that your vehicle generates can be easily and cheaply converted to power your washer.

You simply hook the inverter up to your vehicle’s battery, plug in your washer and away you go.

Portable generators are often the best solution and with many that are totally silent there are lots of options to choose from.

Popular Portable Washing Machines

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Giantex Portable Mini Twin Tub

The Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine 17.6lbs Washer is the best solution for your hand washing problems.

It is an ideal companion when you are in a dorm, traveling or camping trip. It can be used to wash clothes of all kinds and colors, even delicate fabrics like silk, wool and cashmere.

The washing machine has a compact design with a large capacity of 17.6LBS which makes it easy to carry around wherever you go.

It features two tubs with one side for washing and the other side for rinsing that helps save a lot of time and energy.

The washing machine has a high spin speed of up to 1300 RPM that can efficiently remove all the dirt, dust and stains from your clothes within minutes.

It also comes with a lint filter which traps all the lint, hair and other small particles so that they don’t end up in your clothes.

The washing machine is made of high-quality plastic which makes it durable and long lasting.

It is easy to operate and comes with a clear instruction manual that will help you understand the different settings and features.

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Think Gizmos TG23 Twin Tub

Do you need a compact and lightweight washing machine that you can take with you wherever you go?

The Portable Washing Machine Twin Tub Washer Machine with 7.9lbs Wash is perfect for small apartments, dorms, or camping trips.

This machine has a capacity of 7.9lbs wash and 4.4lbs spin, so you can get your clothes clean in no time.

The easy-to-use design includes a WASH & SPIN TIMER so you can set it and forget it.

Plus, the included Lint Filter will float on the water collecting all the lint, hair, and other small particles so they don’t end up in your clothes.

The washing machine is made of high-quality plastic which makes it durable and long lasting.

It is easy to operate and comes with a clear instruction manual that will help you understand the different settings and features.

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The Laundry Non Electric Mini Washing Machine

The WonderWash is a portable washing machine that is perfect for travel, camping, and small loads of laundry.

This manual crank operated washer is compact and non-electric, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.

The WonderWash can clean up to one large bath towel in under 2 minutes and has a 5-pound capacity.

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Lavario Portable Non Electric Washing Machine

Lavario is the only portable manual washing machine that cleans clothes in less than 20 minutes.

It’s perfect for RV’s, camping and apartments.

This portable washer washes delicates, exercise clothing and more.

The Lavario Portable Washing Machine can clean jeans & sweatshirts too!

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The Portable Wonder Washer – as seen on TV

The Portable Wonder Washer is a mini washing machine that is electric and portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

It has a 10 Liter capacity and is 12 x 18 inches, making it lightweight and easy to transport.

It also includes a carrying handle for added convenience.

The timer runs for up to 15 minutes and features Hi / Lo program settings, so you can get your clothes clean no matter what.

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Final Words

Washing machines are an essential part of any camping trip.

They make it easy to clean clothes, even when you’re away from home.

The best washing machines for camping are compact, lightweight, and easy to use.

They also come with features that make them perfect for cleaning all types of clothes, even delicate fabrics like silk and wool.

If you’re looking for a washing machine that will make your camping trip more enjoyable, the Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine Washer is our ideal choice but we’d be happy with any of these machines as they all meet our camping requirements.