The Best Portable Washing Machines for Camping

I have selected The Laundry Alternative Wonderwash as the best portable washing machine for camping.

My love of camping began when I was a teenager and it is a passion that I wanted to instill in my kids as well. However, after my first camping trip with the little ones, I realized that I needed to alter my camping style. In particular, I found that I needed a portable washing machine to contend with the huge load of laundry that my kids racked up daily.

The only problem is that a lot of portable washing machines tend to be more hype than substance. So, I had to go through quite a few products before I found a handful that was worth investing in. On the upside, I can share my wisdom with you so you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did.

I chose The Laundry Alternative Wonderwash because it has everything I need from a portable washing machine. For starters, it is incredibly simple to assemble and use, requiring no learning curve at all. What’s more, it has a great capacity and cleans clothes incredibly well.

That being said, every camper and camping trip is different. For instance, you may be looking for something portable or an electric option. Regardless of what you have in mind, keeping reading to find out what your options are.

Portable Washing Machines for Camping Reviews

Here is a list of the best portable washing machines to take on your camping trip:

The Laundry Alternative Wonderwash – Best Overall

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 12 inches
• Weight: 5lbs
• Manual/Electric: Manual

Simple Function

The great thing about this washing machine is that there is no learning curve involved. You simply add the clothes, water, and detergent into the compartment and you are all set. It is just a matter of using the hand crank to get it working and within minutes your laundry will be done.

It should be noted that the hand crank isn’t easy to use for everyone, particularly when you need to use it for an extended period. People with arthritis or similar issues will find it tricky.

Efficient

If you think you can’t get your clothes clean with this washing machine, think again! It is incredibly good at getting your clothes clean within a short period. Now, while this works best on smaller items, you can still throw in some heavy-duty clothes and guarantee that they will come out sparkling.

Good Capacity

Despite its compact size, this machine is more than capable of washing a good load. It can hold up to a 5-pound load with every wash. This is great news if you want to wash clothes for your entire family at the same time. Not to mention, it gets your laundry done even faster.

Easy to Assemble

If you want to pull this washing machine apart to make it easier to pack, that won’t be a problem. The machine can easily be put back together even if you are in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, it is a great product to take on your camping trip.

Lavario Portable Clothes Washer – Best Portable Capacity

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 24 inches
• Weight: 10lbs
• Manual/Electric: Manual

Great Capacity

Even on a camping trip, you may need to wash more heavy-duty items like jeans or sweatshirts. In this case, most manual, portable machines won’t help. The Lavario washer, though, has been specifically designed for just this.

So, it doesn’t matter if your family seems to go through a lot of clothes or if you need to wash heavy-duty items. Whatever, the case, this is the machine for you.

Easy to Use

The washing machine is simple to assemble and just as easy to use. The up-and-down motion is natural and doesn’t take much power and energy. This is because gravity works with you when you push down and buoyancy allows you to pull the handle upwards without too much effort. As a result, most people will be able to use it without any issue at all.

Great at Cleaning

If your clothes are especially dirty, you might be wondering if a manual washing machine can clean them properly. Well, you will be pleased to know that this device has been specifically designed to get the dirt out of fabric more efficiently. The pushing motion helps to dislodge grime and stains, allowing your clothes to come out squeaky clean.

The only issue is that this machine isn’t as great as rinsing water out of clothes. As such, you will need to rinse them out by hand before hanging them out to dry.

Uses Less Water

If you are camping in a remote area, you may not have as much access to water as you would like. This won’t be a problem, however. This washing machine only needs around 10 gallons in total – for washing and rinsing, so you can rest easy.

Breathing Mobile Washer – Best for Portability

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 35 inches
• Weight: 1.03lbs
• Manual/Electric: Manual

Compact and Lightweight

If you are trying to keep your camping load to a minimum or are camping by yourself, then this is the perfect washer for you. It is incredibly compact and weighs just a little over a pound. To make it even better, the washer can be broken down into smaller components to carry easily.

While this does require a bucket or container to use, you can carry it around if you need to hike to your camping spot.

Easy to Use

There is nothing to it when it comes to using this manual washer. Once the item has been assembled, it is just a matter of pushing and pulling as needed. This means that you don’t have to struggle with instruction manuals or trying to figure out how to get it working. Instead, you can begin washing straight away.

Great Cleaning Capabilities

Although this washer may not look like much, it has an impressive cleaning ability. This is because it has been designed to push and pull water through the clothing. As a result, every inch of your clothes will be thoroughly cleaned as the washer can pull dirt and grime out. Therefore, you can be confident that your clothes come out as clean as possible.

It is important to use the handle carefully, however, as it is not very durable. Gentler motions work best here.

Suitable for Various Loads

What’s great about this washer is that it is capable of handling some pretty large loads. It is only limited by the bucket or container that you use it with. Therefore, if you have enough space, you could potentially wash any kind of clothing, no matter how heavy. Whether it is jeans or sweatshirts, this won’t be a hassle.

ROVSUN Portable Washing Machine – Best for RV Camping

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 21.8 x 14.8 x 23.2 inches
• Weight: 22lbs
• Manual/Electric: Electric

Great Cleaning Function

If you are going RV camping and have more space to spare, this machine will do the trick. It is an especially good option if you want to ensure that your clothes are completely clean. Since the washing machine features a motor, it is great at getting rid of stubborn dirt and stains.

In particular, the machine is more than capable of tackling heavy-duty items like jeans. These, too, will come out spotless at the end of the cycle.

Washing and Spin Cycles

Even when camping, it is not enough to just wash your clothes, you also need to find a way to rinse the water out so that they are easier to dry. Well, this won’t be a problem with this portable machine as it has a spin cycle as well. Therefore, when you are done washing your clothes, simply transfer them to the spin basket. You can also choose a longer time for clothes that are tougher to rinse.

Great Capacity

If you have a bigger family or lots of laundry to get through, having to wash clothes in smaller loads can be frustrating. With this machine, you won’t have to do this anymore. This is because it has a larger capacity, ensuring that you can get through your laundry that much faster.

Fuss-Free Use

If you are interested in making a manual effort or hanging around while your laundry is being done, you will love how easy this machine is to use. All you have to do is load the clothes, choose your settings, and walk away to handle other tasks.

The only frustrating thing with this machine is the drain. Since it works with gravity, you have to place it flat, perhaps in a shower.

East Doll Portable Washing Machine – Best for Effortless Washing

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 11 x 9.5 inches
• Weight: 4.91lbs
• Manual/Electric: Electric

Simple to Use

Washing clothes doesn’t get any easier than using this washing machine. All you have to do is provide a water supply, plug the machine in, and add the clothes and detergent. Then, it is just a matter of pressing a button and the machine will begin to work.

This is quite unlike larger electric washing machines that are equipped with various dials and settings that you have to figure out.

Cleans Well

Despite its size, this washing machine is great at cleaning clothes. In particular, the movement of the machine does a thorough job of getting rid of dirt and grime. Therefore, you can ensure that your clothes come out looking spotless and smelling fresh.

The only issue is that the machine can only take smaller loads. Thus, it is better suited to washing undergarments, socks, and similar items.

Rinsing Features

What’s great about the machine is that it can rinse as well as wash your clothes. This is not a feature that is available with many portable machines and is a nice touch. It ensures that you don’t have to rinse out the clothes by hand and also that your clothes dry faster.

Foldable

It won’t be a problem to take this washing machine with you, wherever you camp. In addition to being already compact and being equipped with a handle, it can also be folded, which is a major advantage. This means that it stands only a few inches tall when folded down, making it a breeze to transport.

KOFOHON Washing Machine

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 17.44 x 6.46 x 6.93 inches
• Weight: 5.5lbs
• Manual/Electric: Electric

Great Washing Capabilities

This portable washing machine offers the best of both worlds – you get an electric motor without having to deal with the cumbersome shell that usually comes along with it. The best thing about this machine is the power it is capable of generating.

The power alone ensures that your clothes are washed thoroughly, coming out spotless every time. Therefore, you needn’t hesitate to use it whenever necessary.

Compact

This machine has an incredibly small motor. Thus, it is easy to pack up and take it with you wherever you go. It is potentially lightweight enough to be taken while backpacking. Even if you do find it heavy, it is compact enough to take in any bag or vehicle.

Decent Wash Load

With this washing machine, you are only limited by the size of the bucket you use. So, if you opt for a smaller bucket, you can wash items like t-shirts and other delicates. With a larger bucket, you will not have an issue with washing jeans and sweatshirts as well.

Easy to Use

With this machine, you simply have to hook it up to a button, set the timer, and flip the switch. It is as simple as that. What’s more, your washing can be done in around 15 minutes, ensuring that you won’t have to wait for too long.

The only downside is that it can take a while to find a bucket that is compatible with the motor.

EasyGo Washer

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 11 x 16 inches
• Weight: 6.09lbs
• Manual/Electric: Manual

Good Cleaning Capabilities

This machine has been designed to wash clothes pretty thoroughly. The high-pressure seal and handheld crank do an excellent job of getting dirt and grime out of your clothes. As a result, they will come out looking clean and smelling fresh every time.

Simple Function

You would be hard-pressed to find a washing machine that is easier to use than this. It is just a matter of adding clothes, water, and detergent and then using the handle to move everything around.

The only issue is that this machine often comes without instructions. Due to this, you will have to guess how to put it together and how much water and detergent to add.

Good Load Capacity

The barrel of this washing machine is quite sizable. Due to this, you can fit some larger items in there as well. You can wash jeans and sweatshirts as well if you don’t put any additional items into the barrel. Therefore, you can clean most of your clothes without any issue.

Durable

This is a pretty hardy washing machine and a good investment to have as it is durable. It can be taken on camping trips and you can use it over and over again, knowing that it will hold up. Thus, you can carry it wherever you go and use it for longer.

X-R-Sport Portable Washing Machine

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 11.22 x 11.22 x 9.44 inches
• Weight: 4.5lbs
• Manual/Electric: Electric

Great Cleaning Mechanism

This machine utilizes both ozone sterilization and ultrasonic cleaning. When combined, these features work to dislodge dirt and grime from clothes more effectively. As a result, they are a good option for clothes that are dirtier than normal. It is also nice to know that despite being out in the wilderness that your clothes can still be clean.

The only minor concern is that the machine doesn’t rinse out the clothes. Therefore, you will have to handle this by hand.

Easy to Use

There is no learning curve here at all. It is just a matter of plugging the machine in, providing a water source, and adding clothes and detergent. Then, with the flip of a switch, your clothes will be washed. This means that you don’t have to worry about fiddling with any settings. Instead, the machine has an automatic timer set to 13 minutes.

Collapsible

Even when it’s all set up, this portable washing machine is pretty compact. However, it can be collapsed to an even smaller size. Therefore, when packing for your camping trip, you will find it an absolute breeze to fit this machine in as well.

Decent Load Capacity

The load capacity of this washing machine is pretty good. You can easily wash t-shirts, socks, underwear, and similar items without any issue. Therefore, it is more than suitable for solo campers or even people camping with kids.

washOTG Portable Washing Machine

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 26.5 inches
• Weight: 1.25lbs
• Manual/Electric: Manual

Easy to Use

The only item you need for this washing machine is a bucket or some other container. Then, just add the clothes, water, and detergent and you are good to go. Therefore, you will find it a breeze to use on a camping trip as there is no complicated process.

You should just be aware that the handle does tend to come loose. However, just tighten it up and it can be used again without a problem.

Compact and Lightweight

This portable washing machine is as compact and as lightweight as they come. Due to this, you will be able to take it on your camping trip without any problem at all. It can even be broken down into even smaller pieces so that it can be placed in your backpack. Thus, this makes it great for people who want to hike to their camping spot.

Good Cleaning Capabilities

Despite the simple design, this washing machine gets the job done efficiently. This is because it pushes and pulls the water around, ensuring that clothes are washed thoroughly. As a result, you will not have to worry about dirt or grime remaining on your clothes.

Limited Water Usage

It doesn’t matter if you are camping in a rather remote area as this machine doesn’t require a lot of water to use. Instead, you need just enough to cover your clothes in the bucket and then a bit more to rinse out the clothes.

VOLIGO Portable Washing Machine

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5 x 5.5 inches
• Weight: 5.04lbs
• Manual/Electric: Electric

Great Cleaning Capabilities

This machine uses high-frequency vibrations to wash your clothes which is a more effective process than what you would normally find. The vibrations work to dislodge dirt and grime that may be stuck to your clothes. As a result, they come out a whole lot cleaner. This is particularly great when dealing with stubborn stains left behind by food or mud.

The only hiccup is that it does carry a smaller load which means that you will have to wash larger items separately.

Energy Efficient

Even if you have a power source when camping, you still need to minimize how much power you use. Well, this washing machine is pretty energy efficient in that regard. It can clean your clothes in about ten minutes and once it is done, it automatically powers down. Due to this, you won’t need to use any more energy than you need to.

Easy to Use

This washing machine is incredibly easy to use. Simply turn it on and it will begin to work by itself. There is no need to mess around with the settings as you normally would. Instead, you can use this time to do some other work, which also saves time.

Foldable

This washing machine can be easily folded up. This makes it far simpler to pack it in with the rest of the camping gear. Not to mention, it makes it a lot easier to transport to your camping site as well.

How to Choose the Best Portable Washing Machine

Here are a few guidelines to make note of when selecting the best make and model for your camping trip:

Electric vs. Manual

The first thing you will need to consider is if you want an electric or manual washing machine. Each has its advantages and downsides.

For instance, manual machines have an advantage in that they don’t require electricity or any kind of power source to work. This means that you can use them anywhere and on any kind of camping trip. At the same time, these washing machines require a bit more physical effort to carry.

Electric portable machines can only be used if you are heading out with a generator or are planning to stay close to a power source. Still, they are easier to operate as you don’t have to do anything except turn them on.

Cleaning Function

It is important to understand that not every washing machine will clean your clothes equally well. So, before you make a purchase, you need to carefully examine the cleaning feature. Just how well does the machine work to clean your clothes?

Is it tough to get rid of dirt? Can it tackle stains? Is it strong enough to push water and detergent through tougher materials such as denim? All of these features can determine just how clean your clothes will be when they come out of the machine. Thus, you should do your research on this.

Washing Machine Features

Most portable washing machines for camping only wash clothes. However, you also have to think about rinsing them out. If you don’t want to do this by hand to save time, you need to find a machine that has a rinse feature. However, be aware that this is not a feature that is readily available in camping washing machines.

Load Capacity

It is also a good idea to determine the load capacity of a washing machine. This will give you a better idea of what it can tackle. Machines with higher capacities can wash heavy-duty clothing items like jeans. Not only that, they can wash a larger load all at once.

This doesn’t mean that lower-capacity washing machines aren’t as good, however. They are great for solo campers or if you only need to wash smaller items. These washing machines tend to be more lightweight as well.

Size and Weight

Even if you are car camping, it does make sense to consider the size and weight of a washing machine. After all, you don’t want this piece of equipment to take up any more space than necessary. Not to mention, you need to consider whether you can haul it out, carry it, and set it up.

In case you are going backpacking, look for washing machines that can be disassembled and placed in your bag. These tend to weigh around a pound and are light enough to carry wherever you go.

Water Usage

Every washing machine is going to have different water requirements. These are often linked to the size of the washing basin. If you are headed out to a remote area where water isn’t readily available, look for one that is a bit more water-efficient.

Some washing machines only use a few gallons of water and these should work well for such situations. Of course, if you are planning on washing greater loads or heavy-duty items, then you need to look for machines that can hold a greater amount of water.

FAQs

Here are some of the more frequently asked questions regarding portable washing machines for camping:

Are Portable Washing Machines Any Good?

Yes, if you choose the right washing machine, you can use it for a long time. Many portable washing machines can clean clothes quite thoroughly.

Do Portable Washing Machines Use a Lot of Water?

The exact water usage can vary quite a bit from one model to another. However, most portable machines use a lot less water than their traditional counterparts. Some can use as little as 5 gallons or even less. This is great if you’re going camping in an area that has fewer water bodies.

Can You Use Detergent in a Portable Washing Machine?

Yes, absolutely. Of course, not all kinds of detergent are as effective. You will also need to figure out the exact amount to use with every wash.

Conclusion

The Laundry Alternative Wonderwash is our pick for the best portable washing machine. From the features on offer, what stands out is how simple it is to put together and the fact that it can be used by anyone. The washing machine also has enough capacity for most small families and will clean your clothes thoroughly.

Of course, you should check out the links included in my list as well. I have chosen washing machines of various designs and with different features. So, you are sure to find a model that fits the bill for you.

This page was last updated on 2022-08-29. Affiliate links and Product Images are from Amazon PAAPI