So, you’ve decided to tackle the Camino de Santiago, and you’re about to embark on this epic journey and pilgrimage.
But wait, there’s one thing you’ll need to know – laundry facilities aren’t exactly popping up at every turn so how to wash your clothes on the Camino de Santiago ?
Fear not, fellow pilgrim, as we navigate the art of keeping your clothes clean and fresh while walking the Camino.
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How to Wash your clothes on the Camino
When it comes to doing laundry on the Camino de Santiago, it’s best to utilise the facilities at Albergues or visit local laundromats in larger cities.
You’ll still need some essential items for washing your clothes on the Camino just in case.
- Laundry Detergent: Easily available at supermarkets or shops along the Camino.
- Clothesline: Compact and handy for hanging up your freshly washed clothes.
- Pegs: A few always come in handy on the Camino.
With these laundry essentials in hand, you’re ready to tackle the practicalities of washing your clothes on the Camino. I actually took a small clothesline with me on the Camino Frances but actually only used a couple of times.
A lot of the Albergues will probably already have the clothesline in situ as well as spare pegs. Some even offer a clothes washing service as well.
Best practices for laundry on the camino
Most pilgrims find themselves relying on albergues for their laundry needs. I typically do my laundry on the Camino every 2 to 3 days.
After a hard days sweaty walk we will bundle all our clothes together and wash nearly everything at one go. There are 3 of us in my pilgrim group so this makes things easier.
I always take a set of lightweight swim shorts so I can wear these when the laundry is underway.
The 2 main options for washing clothes in albergues or private rooms are either in the sink or using the washing machine provided by the accommodation.
When you’re walking the Camino de Santiago, you’re likely to get sweaty and dirty along the way.
That’s why it’s important to know how to clean your clothes properly. There are some good articles on the Camino de Santiago Forum that are worth reading as well.
Here are some best practices for laundry on the Camino:
Handwashing your clothes on the Camino
Handwashing your clothes is a great inexpensive option when you’re on the Camino and definitely the easiest. You don’t need any special equipment. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a small amount of laundry detergent.
- Add your clothes to the water and agitate them gently with your hands.
- Let your clothes soak for a few minutes.
- Rinse your clothes thoroughly with clean water.
- Squeeze out excess water from your clothes.
- Hang your clothes to dry.
- Get a beer and chill
Washing machines on the Camino
If you’re staying in a hostel, hotel or Albergue, you may have access to a washing machine. This is the 2nd easiest way to wash your clothes on the Camino and here’s how to use it:
- Sort your clothes by color and fabric type.
- Load your clothes into the washing machine.
- Add laundry detergent.
- Select the appropriate wash cycle and water temperature.
- Start the washing machine.
- When the cycle is finished, remove your clothes from the machine.
- Hang your clothes to dry.
- Get a beer and chill.
It’s important to note that not all hostels, hotels or Albergues have washing machines available. Be sure to check ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.
Check out these Camino route guidebooks that typically have details of accommodation with washing facilities:
- The Best Camino Guidebook for the Camino Frances
- The Best Camino Guidebook for the Camino Ingles
- The Best Camino Guidebook for the Camino del Norte
In summary, handwashing your clothes is a great option when you’re on the Camino, but if you have access to a washing machine, that can make things easier.
Just be sure to sort your clothes properly and use the appropriate wash cycle and water temperature although some Albergues I stayed in didn’t have a cycle, it was just set as one wash cycle.
Washing machines in an Albergue cost approximately €4 per wash.
TOP TIP: Gather some other Pilgrims together and wash all your clothes to keep the cost down.
Check out this great video on How to wash your clothes on the Camino.
Drying Clothes on the Camino
When you’re walking the Camino de Santiago, it’s super important to keep your clothes clean and dry. After all, you don’t want to be walking around in wet, smelly clothes all day!
Here are some tips for drying your clothes on the Camino. Luckily the sun really helps with this.
Air Drying
The most common way to dry your clothes on the Camino is by air drying. This method is simple and requires no special equipment.
All you need to do is hang your clothes up to dry in a well-ventilated area. In an Albergue that’s typically a courtyard style area or garden.
When you’re choosing a spot to hang your clothes, look for a place that’s out of the sun but still gets a good breeze.
You don’t want your clothes to fade or get too hot in the sun, but you also don’t want them to be in a damp, shady spot where they won’t dry properly.
Using Dryers on the Camino
If you’re staying in a hostel or hotel, you may have access to a dryer. This can be a great option if you need your clothes to dry quickly or if the weather is bad.
Before you use a dryer, make sure you check the instructions to see if there are any special requirements. Some dryers may require you to pay for a certain amount of time, or they may only accept certain types of coins.
When you’re using a dryer, they typically are a one load operation ie stuff everything in for a period of time. Try to avoid overloading the dryer, as this can lead to uneven drying and wrinkling.
Overall, whether you’re air drying or using a dryer, it’s important to be patient and give your clothes enough time to dry completely.
I always take lightweight shorts and technical T shirts that dry really quickly.
Summary
In conclusion, washing clothes on the Camino de Santiago is a pretty easy task especially if you are travelling light. After 7 Camino’s my Camino packing list has got smaller and smaller and I’m just carrying the bare essentials.
My preference is to wash my clothes on the Camino every 2 or 3 days in an albergue that has washing machine facilities.
I hang my clothes on the line in the sunshine and write about my days activities in my Camino journal with a nice cold beer.
It’s a task that has to be done but easy to do.
