As I am packing up and getting ready to head to Provence and then the Netherlands for two weeks of bicycling, I realized that you travelers out there might like this great idea. I learned how to make DIY travel detergent sheets, and they are so easy to make, inexpensive to make, and handy to have on any trip. Unfortunately, I don’t remember who told me about them, but these detergent sheets are great to have on a trip. Before learning to make them, I always took these detergent sheets along with me but not anymore. In case you are wondering why I would need to take laundry sheets on a trip, here’s why. I only take a carry-on and a backpack with me on a trip – no matter how long I am away. My mantra is whether I’m gone three days or three weeks, I just have a carry-on and a backpack. So, I need to do some laundry in the sink while I am away. I don’t always trust a hotel’s laundry service to wash and dry the way I would. Mike always sends his laundry out when we travel, but I prefer to do this little chore myself.
I carry my luggage on the way to my destination so it won’t get lost, and I check it through on my return trip because at that point, it doesn’t matter if the suitcase arrives home when I do. I have seen so many Americans struggling with too much luggage in subways, on buses, on trains, and in the streets and made a mental note to not let that ever become me. I don’t know anyone who has said they wish they had taken more with them on a trip, but I have heard plenty of people say they wish they had taken less.
What You Need
All you need to make DIY travel detergent sheets is two things – paper towels and liquid detergent.
The Steps
Simply lay your paper towels out on a flat water-proof surface, and then drizzle the liquid detergent onto them. Let it soak in a little bit.
Don’t saturate the paper towel, and don’t worry if it actually soaks through. After you have added detergent, gently pick up each paper towel, and attach it to a hanger using clothes pins.
Hang them up, and let them dry. When your DIY travel laundry sheets are dry, fold them, and put them in a zip lock bag. When it’s time to pack your suitcase, just put them in.
When you are on your trip and it’s time to wash out some clothes in your hotel sink, fill the sink with water, toss in a DIY travel laundry sheet, and voila, you have suds. Wash your clothes as you normally would by hand, and then toss the paper towel in the trash.
Since travel season is upon us, you might like to give this little trick a try. Happy travels!
Take care.
Affiliate link included.
MichelleReeves says
What a great idea!!
Mary says
You ladies got me on the purchased sheets. I am going to give this a try. I am a member of the “if I can’t carry it on, it doesn’t go” club as well.
Richella Parham says
This is a brilliant idea! Thanks so much for sharing–I’m pinning this and will definitely be making some! I’m with you on carry-on luggage, although so far I haven’t been organized enough to do just carry-ons for an international trip. I’m taking notes from you!
Janette says
Glad you like it, Richella! Thanks for pinning.
Donnamae says
What a terrific idea….thanks Janette! 😉