Are you looking for a way to get some laundry done while you're out camping or away from your home washer? With a portable washing machine, you don't have to endure storing smelly clothes until the next time you have access to a laundromat. That's why we researched the best ones out there.
We've picked out some of the best portable washing machines, such as Panda's version that is compact, lightweight and still equipped with features much like its bigger counterpart. You have eight other options of varying sizes and capabilities, plus we've included a buying guide to help you choose the right portable washer for your needs.
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These nifty inventions have made washing clothes so much more convenient during travel. Our buying guide below will describe the features you should look for to get a worthwhile portable washer.
Portable washing machines are designed to be smaller and lighter than standard washers. This makes them easier to move around so you can get your laundry done almost anywhere. With that said, the size and weight of the machine should be considered based on how much laundry you plan on washing.
A typical portable washer is around 20 by 20 by 30 inches, although some versions can fit in tighter spaces. If you’re working with limited space, whether in an RV, dorm, or apartment, a small washer will get the job done while taking up minimal floor space.
The weight of a portable washer is equally crucial if you plan on carrying or transferring it frequently. A washer that weighs 50 pounds or less is easier to load into a car and move around.
When looking at the size and weight of the washer, you should also consider the load capacity. Portable ones can wash about eight pounds of laundry, unlike regular washers that can handle over 20 pounds.
If you have more clothes to clean, a portable washer with a bigger capacity means fewer loads and less energy consumption. For reference, a pair of jeans is about 16 ounces or one pound, while a t-shirt is less than half a pound.
When it comes to washing machines, you can load and unload your laundry from the top or the front. Most portable washers are top-loading. A top-loading washer makes it easy to grab your clothes without having to bend or squat. However, a deeper drum might also make top-loading washers more challenging to unload.
One thing to note is that they consume more power than their counterpart, although this difference is minuscule if you don’t have many clothes to wash.
Meanwhile, front-loading washers often have more space inside the drum and can wash more clothes per batch. Front-loading washers also use less water, although they require a specific type of detergent and strict compliance to quantity ratios; otherwise, you risk overflowing the machine.
They also need some space for the door to open, which can be tricky if you don’t have a lot of available space. We recommend choosing a washer based on what you require for the best convenience and efficiency.
Although portable washing machines are simpler than standard ones, some offer multiple cycles. They may have a wash, soak, rinse or spin cycle, while some higher-end models even allow you to control the water level. If you have various fabrics that need washing, a version that can handle normal and delicate loads might be best.
Other features that might prove useful include controlling the wash time and delaying the start of your laundry. These can be found in a few portable washing machine models.
Take note that portable washers are often only compatible with cold water. If you want to use warm or hot water, we recommend double-checking the product's manual. It's also important to remember that portable washers with drying functions often won't leave your laundry totally dry.
Some portable washing machines have the option of manual operation. They are extra-small and can accommodate smaller loads, and they are usually equipped with a pedal or lever that you operate to get the machine spinning. This allows you to wash your clothes without an electrical power source.
There might be moments when you don’t have access to a designated laundry inlet pipe for water. So, we recommend checking the attachments and hoses to see if a particular model can be attached to a washtub or sink using an adaptor. This gives you more options for your water source.
If you’re working with an extra-small or mini washing machine that's about the size of a bucket, then manually loading the water is another option.
Washing machines usually don't have quiet motors. If you're planning to use a portable one in an RV or small space, the noise levels might force you to do your laundry when it doesn't bother anyone. Noise is measured in decibels (dB), with most regular washing machines emitting 40 to 80 decibels.
Portable washers are known to be louder than regular ones. You don't hear the thump of the inner drum like a standard washer, but the entire machine can vibrate back and forth. We suggest picking a model that is about 50 decibels or confirmed by reviewers to be quiet.
The machine's setup can also affect how much noise is produced, especially during the spin cycle. Make sure that the machine is balanced and doesn't wobble when you try shaking it. For a twin tub version, evenly placing the clothes in the spinner yields fewer vibrations and rattles during operation.
Looking for a portable washer with plenty of features? You can wash, soak, rinse and spin in this machine that features 10 wash programs and five water levels. Even though it's compact, you can wash up to 10 pounds of laundry at a time. It also comes with two built-in rollers for easier transportation.
A few reviewers complained about leaks. Meanwhile, many others had no problems operating the machine, adding that it is surprisingly quiet. They said that it washes clothes well and is lightweight enough to carry around.
Even though it's only about 20 inches wide and deep, this sleek washer has all the perks of a regular model. You can choose the load size, temperature, and program. If you prefer, you can opt for a standard wash, and the machine will do the rest. This machine can even delay the start of washing.
According to a few reviewers, the machine can be heavy to move around. They recommend placing it on a four-wheeled dolly for extra portability. Still, many others complimented its variety of useful features. They liked that it's compact and fits in tight spaces yet still washes clothes well.
This portable washing machine is great if you have various clothes to clean. It has 10 programs and eight water levels. The machine also comes with adjustable legs for stability, a clear lid to monitor washing, a delay function, and a drain hose to discard water.
A few reviewers said that the hose leaked or sprayed water everywhere, and some recommended replacing it. On a positive note, many others liked all the features and portability of this machine. Reviewers said it can handle small or larger loads and performs well.
This manual mini washer is gentle on clothes, including delicate fabrics, because it doesn't have an agitator that can snag clothes. It is hand-powered and doesn't need to be plugged in to work. This is a more economical, eco-friendly, and compact option when it comes to portable washers.
A few reviewers said the suction cups of the device don't stick well to the floor, causing it to wobble. Some also said that the bottom leaks. Still, many found this washer easy to operate and said it washes clothes well. They confirmed that it only takes a short time for each load. Reviewers liked that it doesn't require any power, saying it's great for RVs and camping.
This washer takes 15 minutes in quick mode and 59 minutes for a deeper clean. It comes with a drain hose and a sink adaptor for easy setup. Plus, you can wash up to 11 pounds of laundry in various cycles, including delicate mode. This washer is energy efficient and only works with cold water.
Some reviewers said this machine leaks and is too loud. For many, however, they said the set-up is easy and liked that it can accommodate bigger loads. Reviewers used it in RVs, cabins, and other locations without a standard washer and said it performed well.
This washer has easy-to-operate buttons and an LED display for quick monitoring of your laundry. It has heavy, gentle, normal, rapid, and soak cycles. You can also set the wash time manually. It also can attach to faucets and sinks using the provided hose and adaptor.
A few reviewers said that this washer is quite loud. Leaking was also an issue for some. Meanwhile, many liked that you can add water manually, making it travel-friendly. They said that the washer is great for small spaces and cleans clothes well. Plus, they liked that it easily connects to a sink or faucet.
This washer has two tubs, but it only weighs just over 30 pounds. It has a powerful 1,300 revolutions-per-minute motor to wash your clothes efficiently. Both drums have clear lids, and a wash cycle can take as little as 15 minutes.
According to a few reviewers, the hoses are quite short, so they have to fill the tub manually. Still, many others said it was small yet powerful. They said that it cleaned clothes well and suggested doing a few extra cycles for grimier clothes. Users also liked that they could easily carry it around.
This portable washer has a see-through lid so you can double-check your laundry while it's washed evenly with the pulsator. It's equipped with the features of a standard washer, such as a detergent dispenser, two water inlets, and multiple wash cycles. However, it has rollers to make it easy to transport and a compact design to fit small spaces.
A few reviewers had issues with leaking or the drum not filling with water. On a positive note, many others said the washer is convenient to use. They liked that it fits more clothes than expected and operates quietly.
If you're looking for a washer with a designated spin tub that's still compact and portable, this is the one to get. It can accommodate 13 pounds of laundry between the two drums. Plus, this machine weighs less than 30 pounds, so you can use it in a small apartment or an RV.
A few reviewers said that the manual was unclear in giving guidance during troubleshooting. Still, many loved the compact design of this machine. They also liked that it can be filled with water manually just in case. Users confirmed that the spin cycle left their clothes fairly dry too.
Looking to make laundry easier or more efficient? Here are a few essential items you can try.
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