Portable washing machine Australia
The other day I saw a photo of a recently converted camper van for a family of 3 travelling around Australia. In their conversion this family have included a small washing machine. It’s only small (a mini one, I think) but it makes oh-so-much sense to me!
So I wanted to have a look at these small portable washing machines and if they really make as much sense as I would hope.
Going to the laundromat or campground laundry
If you’re doing van life, then you probably don’t have a washing machine onboard. Not many people do. It doesn’t seem to be all that popular.
But here’s why I don’t like doing my laundry at a laundromat:
- Having to find a laundry, then make sure you have all the dirty clothes as well as laundry liquid AND enough coins. And then you have to sit there while it does its wash and dry.
(I always thought I’d be doing just the wash and hang the clothes out to dry at our campsite. But if your campsite doesn’t have a laundry, then it’s not going to have clotheslines either. It can be annoying trying to find enough space to hang up a full load of wet laundry.) - The gross-ness of some campground laundries. But at least you could hang them on the clothesline.
- In summer we would go through clothes heaps quick. And we didn’t have a lot of storage so we didn’t have a huge wardrobe to choose from.
And in winter, we would wear clothes till they need a wash (i.e. for days at a time) and we’d go through a lot more undies than clothes. So doing small loads made more sense for us. - The cost. Ugh. So one load costs about $4-$8 to wash, and then $3-$6 to dry. That adds up pretty quick; especially when you have all your sheets and towels to do.
Heck, it’s not all bad doing your laundry at the laundromat. There are plenty of them around and it’s a chance to sit down and do nothing for an hour.
We’ve done it for years, but I do love the thought of having a small washing machine on board.
But as we all know, trying to fit a washing machine into a van can be a challenge.
Not only are you limited in space, but you also need to consider how much water and power they use. Could you really use your washing machine while off grid, and if not, does it really make sense for you to have one?
Portable washing machines are different to your regular washing machine as they don’t need permanent hookups, and they are light enough to move about.
If you’re like me and really want a washing machine in your van, here are the options I’m looking at:
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Portable washing machines Australia
Camec Wall Mounted Washing Machine – 2.5kg
Looking for a small and compact washing machine that’s still big on features? Then check out the Camec 2.5kg Wall Mounted Washing Machine.
This little powerhouse is perfect for campers, caravans and RVs, as it can be easily mounted on a wall to save space. Despite its small size, the Camec 2.5kg Wall Mounted Washing Machine still offers a wide range of features, including a delay start function, multiple wash programs and a child lock.
Camec Wall Mounted Washing Machine – 2.5kg Specifications
Rated voltage: 220V
Rated frequency: 50Hz
Tap water pressure: 0.05MPa-0.8MPa
Water consumption: 20 litres per wash cycle
Net weight: 18KG
Spin speed: 700RPM
External dimensions: 575W x 670H x 348D
Camec Compact RV Washing Machine – 2.5kg
The Camec Compact RV Washing Machine is the perfect addition to any camper van or RV. It has a 3kg capacity, which is more than enough for a small load of laundry. Plus, it’s super compact and easy to store, making it the perfect option for those with limited space.
Camec Compact RV Washing Machine – 2.5kg Specifications
240V operation, 235W Power consumption.
Dimensions: 410mm(w) x 640mm(h) x 420mm(d)
Water Usage: Approx 15L on Low & 20L on High
Weight: 16kg
Spin Cycle Speed: 900 RPM
Load Capacity: 2.5kg
Sphere 2.6kg Automatic Mini Washing Machine 240V
If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight washing machine that is perfect for use in a camper van or RV, the Sphere 2.6kg Automatic Mini Washing Machine 240V is a great option to consider.
This machine has an uncomplicated control panel with five process settings from a wash-rinse-spin cycle (lasting approx 38mins) to a simple spin cycle (lasting approx 7mins).
Sphere 2.6kg Automatic Mini Washing Machine 240V Specifications
Load Capacity: 2.6Kg
Power Supply: 240V/ 50Hz
Max Water Volume: 20Lt Net
Inlet hose: Cold connection only
Max water usage:60Lt per load (on high setting)
Weight: 18Kg
Dimensions: W x D x H – 410mm x 420mm x 640mm
Aussie Traveller 2.5kg Top load washing machine
The Aussie Traveller 2.5kg Top load washing machine is specifically designed for use in caravan or camper vans, so it’s perfect if you’re limited on space.
Aussie Traveller 2.5kg Top load washing machine Specifications
Shipping Weight 20.0000kg
Shipping Width 0.450m
Shipping Height 0.850m
Shipping Length 0.500m
Companion Ezywash Twin Tub Portable Washing Machine
This Ezywash portable washing machineis a great choice for someone who lives in an RV. It has a number of features and benefits that make it ideal for this type of situation.
Some of the key features of the Ezywash Twin Tub Washing Machine include:
2kg wash & spin capacity
Quiet operation
240V AC operation or can be used with a DC to AC power inverter
Bottom mounted agitator
Totally portable – ideal for caravan, RV, camping and home
Self draining
Companion Ezywash Twin Tub Portable Washing Machine Specifications
Product Dimensions: 560L x 362W x 650H (mm)
Weight: 12kg (empty)
Drain pipe: 460mm
Max. Washing Capacity: 2kg
Material: ABS plastic
Rated voltage: 240V AC/50Hz
Rated power: 240W wash / 120W spin
Devanti 3kg Portable Top Load Washing Machine
If you own a caravan or RV, then you know how important it is to have a washing machine that is both compact and efficient. The Devanti 3kg Portable Top Load Washing Machine is the perfect solution for your laundry needs while on the road.
Devanti 3kg Portable Top Load Washing Machine Specifications
Maximum capacity: 3kg
Washing input power: 240W
Spinning input power: 120W
Voltage: AC220-240V, 50/60Hz
Noise level: ≤58dB
Maximum rotations: 340r/h
Dimensions: 365mm x 345mm x 510mm (WxDxH)
Item weight: 6.5kg
Portable ultrasonic washing machine – Sonic Soak
Man, it’s amazing what you can find when you do a bit of research. Have you heard of the Sonic Soak?
This little gizmo washes your clothes using ultrasonic technology. Check out the Sonic Soak website to see what it’s all about.
Manual washers
Manual washers would seem to make the most sense for most people (considering the extreme lack of space and limited fresh water and grey water storage in a van).
And they are a stop up from hand washing in a sink. Here are some options for you.
Companion Ezywash Washing Machine
When I first saw these I thought they were just a gimmicky product that couldn’t possibly work. But it seems I’m wrong.
Although it does seem to be on a little bit of a flimsy base, it does in fact work quite well at getting the clothes clean.
Companion Ezywash Washing Machine Specifications
Product Dimensions: 325L x 25W x 420H (mm)
Weight: 2.5kg (empty)
Max washing capacity: 2.2kg
Manual Spin Washing Machine
Another one where I thought this oversize salad spinner couldn’t possibly work? But then a look at the reviews and it appears that it does work quite well. I mean, I’m not expecting perfect, but it looks like it does a decent job and is still easier than handwashing everything.
Scrubba Wash Bag
I’ve been wanting to try one of these out for a while. It’s a bag where you put in your dirty laundry, some water and detergent, seal it up and scrub away. There are some ribs on the inside of the bag that clean your clothes.
It’s much the same as hand washing, except maybe a bit easier and uses a whole lot less water. Check them out on Amazon.com.au
Where to buy portable washing machines from?
My first stop would be any one of the camping/RVing/caravanning stores online. I notice more and more options are coming to the market, so you should be able to find something that suits you space, and budget.
You can click on any of the washing machines I’ve shown above and it will take you to an online store where you can purchase it.
Drying
You already think that putting a washing machine in a van is bordering on the ridiculous… but wait till I tell you about this dryer!
Camec Compact 3.2kg RV Dryer
The Camec Compact 3.2kg RV dryer is the perfect solution for drying clothes in a camper van or RV. It features a compact design that takes up minimal space, and it has a powerful motor that dries clothes quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the dryer can be mounted upside down if required providing the option of a left or right hand hinged door.
Camec Compact 3.2kg RV Dryer Specifications
Shipping Weight 17.0000kg
Shipping Width 0.490m
Shipping Height 0.410m
Shipping Length 0.600m
220-240V, 50/60Hz
But if a dryer is just a step (or dozens of steps!) too far, then here are some clothesline options:
Portable Clothesline
When we were caravanning it seemed like everyone had one of these portable clotheslines. Great if you’ve got the space, but I don’t know whether they be worth the storage space in a van.
Slide ‘N Dry
A more suitable option for a van may be this pegless clothesline. Just secure each end as you would for any clothesline, and you can attach clothesline to the line without the use of pegs. www.slidendry.com.au
Has this convinced you to consider putting a portable washing machine in your own van conversion?
Or has it confirmed to you that it’s a crazy idea!?
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