Travel Laundry Tips

December travel has a way of exposing bad packing habits.

Bulky coats. Overpacked jumpers. Gym clothes “just in case.”
And by day three, a suitcase that smells… used.

At Hamlet Laundry, we see the aftermath of year-end travel every January: clothes left damp in bags, odours set into winter layers, and stains that could’ve been avoided with a little planning. The truth is, most people don’t overpack because they need more clothes — they overpack because they don’t plan laundry.

This guide is about fixing that.

Whether you’re flying out for the holidays, visiting family, or taking a winter city break, these travel laundry tips will help you pack lighter, stay fresher, and avoid laundry regrets when you get home.

The smartest way to do laundry while travelling (December edition)

If you want the short version:

• Choose base-layer fabrics that don’t hold odour as aggressively — research shows cellulosic fibres like cotton and viscose tend to absorb and release fewer sweat-borne odour compounds than polyester in controlled testing
• Separate clothes using a clean / re-wearable / wash-now system
• Do one small mid-trip wash (sink or laundromat) instead of packing duplicates
• Dry with airflow, not heat
• Unpack and air clothes the day you return so odours don’t set

That’s how you pack light in winter — without feeling stale.

Why laundry planning matters more than packing lists

Most packing advice focuses on what to bring.
We’ve learned it’s more useful to focus on how long clothes stay wearable.

The Hamlet Laundry principle

You don’t need more clothes — you need fewer clothes that stay fresh longer.

That means:

1. Wearing items more than once safely
2. Washing only what actually needs washing
3. Preventing odour from spreading inside your luggage

This approach works especially well for December travel, when layers and heavier fabrics make overpacking tempting.

Fabric choices that actually stay fresher (what the science shows)

A lot of travel blogs make blanket claims like “merino never smells” or “synthetics are bad.” Reality is more nuanced — and knowing that nuance helps you pack better.

How odour really gets into clothes

Recent textile research tested how odour compounds move from the body to fabric using a sweat-solution transfer method (much closer to real life than dry exposure tests). The findings help explain everyday travel experiences .

Key insight for travellers:

• Polyester tends to retain and re-release more sweat-related odour compounds
• Cellulosic fibres (cotton, viscose, modal) generally take in and release smaller amounts of those compounds
• Wool and nylon can vary depending on time, moisture, and blend — not “odour-proof,” but not useless either

A practical fabric guide for year-end trips

Hamlet tip: In winter, freshness starts with what touches your skin, not your coat. Put your best fabric choices into base layers.

The 3-bag system that stops suitcase smell

This is one of the simplest changes you can make — and it works.

The Hamlet 3-Bag System

1. Clean — unworn clothes
2. Re-wearable — worn once, not sweaty (air out before storing)
3. Wash-now — underwear, socks, gym gear, anything damp or stained

Why it matters: odour spreads in confined spaces. Mixing lightly worn clothes with sweaty items is how everything ends up smelling off.

3 realistic ways to do laundry while travelling

Different trips call for different approaches. Choose based on time, length of stay, and fabric type.

For most travellers, one sink wash for small essentials is enough to avoid overpacking.

How to wash clothes in a hotel sink (step-by-step)

This is the most searched travel-laundry question — and when done properly, it works.

What you’ll need

• Mild detergent (a small amount)
• Sink stopper (helpful, not essential)
• A clean towel

Steps

1. Wipe the sink quickly, especially near the drain
   Hygiene reviews show bacteria can transfer to bathroom sinks during cleaning, so a quick wipe is sensible
2. Fill with cool to lukewarm water
3. Add detergent (less than you think)
4. Gently agitate clothes for 2–3 minutes
5. Soak for 10–15 minutes
6. Rinse thoroughly
7. Press water out — don’t wring

Avoid sink-washing: suits, structured jackets, heavy knits, down coats.

How to dry clothes fast in winter hotels

Drying matters more than washing — especially in December.

• Towel press: roll garments in a towel and press firmly
• Airflow over heat: hang near airflow, not radiators
• Space garments out: overlapping fabric traps moisture
• Never pack damp clothes: that’s how musty odours set

If something’s still slightly damp in the morning, let it air while you’re out rather than sealing it in your bag.

The travel laundry kit (what’s actually worth packing)

Travel gear has exploded in 2025. You don’t need most of it.

Worth packing

• Small detergent or detergent sheets (for light soil)
• Stain pen (coffee, makeup, sauces)
• Compact travel line or clips

Use detergent sheets realistically

Consumer testing has shown some detergent sheets perform poorly on stains, sometimes no better than water in machine tests .
They’re fine for light refresh washes, not for heavy sweat or oil stains.

Staying fresh without washing every day

If you want to pack light, re-wearing is essential — but it has to be done right.

The 24-hour air-out rule

• Hang worn items openly
• Turn sweat zones outward
• Keep them away from clean clothes

Odour compounds interact with fabric chemistry, which is why airflow and separation make such a difference .

Year-end travel specifics: layers, parties, and rain

Cold weather:
Outer layers usually don’t need daily washing — airing is often enough.

Partywear:
Treat makeup or food stains immediately. Blot, don’t rub.

Wet weather:
Dry coats and shoes fully before storing. Damp compression is the fastest way to permanent odour.

Travelling from London? A simple pre-trip & post-trip reset

December travel from London often means heavy coats, damp weather, and crowded transport.

Before you go

• Start with clean base layers
• Refresh hoodies, knitwear, gym gear
• Make sure coat linings are fresh

When you return

1. Unpack immediately
2. Air re-wearables
3. Treat stains early
4. Wash wash-now items first

For London-based travellers, Hamlet Laundry’s pickup and delivery service makes both the pre-trip refresh and post-trip reset easy — especially when winter layers need proper care.

Quick FAQs

How often should I do laundry while travelling?
For most trips, once every 5–7 days. Sink washes can extend that.

Is it safe to wash clothes in a hotel sink?
Yes, especially if you wipe the sink first. Hygiene studies support this precaution .

What fabric stays fresh longest?
In sweat-transfer testing, cotton and viscose generally absorbed and released fewer odour compounds than polyester .

Do detergent sheets really work?
For light loads, yes. For stains, not always — testing shows mixed performance .

Final thought

Packing light in December isn’t about minimalism.
It’s about planning freshness.

Choose smarter base layers, separate worn clothes properly, wash only what matters, and reset quickly when you get home. That’s how experienced travellers stay comfortable — and how your clothes stay in better shape long after the trip ends.

And if you’re starting or finishing your journey in London, Hamlet Laundry is here to make that part effortless — so your travel feels lighter in every way.

Ready to Travel Lighter—Without Worrying About Laundry? 🧺✨

If you’re travelling from London this winter, the easiest way to start (and finish) your trip stress-free is to let Hamlet Laundry Ltd. handle the laundry part for you.

We help busy Londoners reset their wardrobes before and after travel, so clothes stay fresh, well-cared-for, and ready to wear—without extra effort on your part.

Why travellers choose Hamlet Laundry 👇

• 🚚 Free pickup & delivery across London — no drop-offs, no queues
• ⏱️ Fast turnaround options — ideal for pre-trip refreshes and post-trip resets
• 👕 Expert care for everyday wear & winter layers — from base layers to coats and knitwear
• 🌿 Gentle, fabric-appropriate cleaning — better for your clothes, better for long-term wear
• 🧠 Laundry done properly — so odours don’t set and stains don’t become permanent

Perfect for:

• ✔️ Refreshing clothes before you pack
• ✔️ Catching up on laundry after you return
• ✔️ Caring for items you shouldn’t sink-wash on a trip

✨ Travel lighter. Come home to clean clothes.
Let Hamlet Laundry take care of the washing—so you can focus on the journey.

👉 Book your pickup today and experience stress-free laundry in London.