Dirty Cloths, where do you put them?

Van Living Forum

Help Support Van Living Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

James AKA Lynx

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
461
Reaction score
0
Working out things and I do not like the dirty close hamper that I have been using. <br><br>What are you using to put your dirty cloths in?<br><br>James AKA Lynx
 
Buy a 5 gallon bucket with a top from Home Depot. Just place your dirty clothes in it and add water and a small amount of soap, secure the top and drive.... the water will agitate and after about 20 mins of driving, rinse clothes in clean water, you now have clean clothes! &nbsp;If you are not going to drive, use a toilet plunger to agitate the cloths, it gives your arms a workout too! &nbsp;5 gallon bucket serve so many functions, they are great. &nbsp;
 
Ditto that,,, cut a round hole in the top and plunge away. I use a little Dr Bronners and smell minty fresh.
 
I use exactly what McBe (reply #2) has. It folds down flat when not needed and is flexible enough to be buried under other stuff or wedged into awkward spaces. It was only a few bucks at the dollar store.
 
I would prefer something I could seal up in order to contain funky smells until I could do laundry. I'd use a storage bin or a 5-gallon bucket with a Gamma lid.<br><br>http://www.amazon.com/Gamma2-Gamma-Seal-Lid-Black/dp/B0089QJQTS<br><br>You pound the rim of the Gamma lid onto the top of a 5-gal bucket (I used a rubber dead blow mallet I already had), then the lid screws on and off.<br><br>Or for a super cheap "laundry bag," use a heavy weight draw string trash bag..
 
My camper van has a compartment underneath the 'closet' cubby that is obviously for dirty clothes, but it is at least a couple of square feet in size and I don't want to take up that room with dirty clothes.&nbsp; I plan on doing what the others suggested, except I do it a bit differently.&nbsp; My laundry bucket will absolutely have a gamma lid....love those things!&nbsp; I like to let my clothes soak to loosen dirt and stains.&nbsp; Swish a few times with my hands and then I examine the clothes for dirt or stains that didn't come out in the soaking process and I add a bit of soap to those spots and use a small utility brush to remove the stain.<br><br>Dr Bronners works on laundry too?&nbsp; I shouldn't be surprised, that stuff is awesome!&nbsp; I normally use zote soap that I buy in Mexico, but I love peppermint Dr. Bronners.&nbsp; Guess I need to start buying that stuff by the gallon.<br><br>Anyhow, back to the bucket.&nbsp; Fill it half full with soapy water and with a gamma lid you could place 2-3 days of dirty clothes in and let them be soaking and there will be no smell or spills.
 
&nbsp;I chuck 'em on the floor and, when the piles get too big, just stuff 'em in a sack. Nice thing about this system is that I always have a handy 'rag' floatin' around. ..Willy.
 
We just put them in a trash bag, where are those yummy smells can concentrate in the heat until wash time.&nbsp; A gamma lid topped bucket with Zote would be much better, but not nearly as stuffable.<br><br>I like Zote, too.&nbsp; It comes in a pink or white bar and runs about $1 in many grocery or dollar stores in Texas.&nbsp; I used to grate it for a home made machine soap, mixing it with borax and washing soda.&nbsp; Very effective and economical.&nbsp; Hadn't thought about Dr. Brommers, although I probably used it for laundry back in the day.<br><br>Vickie
 
I currently used Willy's throw-them-on-the-floor method. They do come in handy for rags.<br><br>However, just yesterday, I began crocheting a mesh bag to hold them. The mesh will allow the air to circulate and keep the smells down. I'm in Colorado and it's very dry here. No worries about mildew AT ALL!<br><br>I might hang the crochet bag from something up high in the van, instead of letting the clothes sit on the floor, taking up valuable space. Not sure yet. I'm still experimenting.
 
I&nbsp;vote with zil and willy on this.&nbsp; both good answers.&nbsp; however I am going to try&nbsp;the bucket method.&nbsp; highdesertranger
 
I have a rather large airmattress bag &nbsp;with a drawstring I stuff them into, and take to the laundromat when it is half full or more. &nbsp;Depends on my bed sheets when i do laundry. &nbsp;I generally throw them all into a large frontloader &nbsp;along with the air mattress bag, and just stuff them back into the bag from the driers to fold later in the Van.<br><br>I keep the bag on the shelf over the driver passenger section.
 
Interesting. I like the 5 gal bucket that is sealable. <br><br>I have a mini-hamock that I do hang on the wall. I had it in my boat for 2 years and did not like the looks of it after a while. Put it in the van and took it down.&nbsp; <br><br>I have done the "throw it on the floor" method but in the hot area's the smells and lost sock gets annoying to me. <br><br>James AKA Lynx
 
The rectangular 5 gallon kitty litter buckets are a much better use of space than the round buckets, if that is a factor in your ride.
 
Does the living quarters smell like a locker room.<img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">
 
Another solution to stinky clothes would be to switch to wearing exercise clothing that are mostly made out of lycra and polyester. Like rashguards, jogging pants, shorts, etc. They dry very quickly and are easily washed by hand. Some are very warm for the winter as a base layer. A benefit would be, you'll fit right in if you were to stay at a park, gym, etc.
 
&nbsp;Actually, the clothing 'airs out' and isn't malodorous vs. sticking it all in a bag and letting it 'stew' for a while 'n getting that gym-bag funk. ..Willy.
 
I cannot wear the synthetics. One person said to wear bathing suits all the time. not for me.<br><br>In the humid and hot climates, dirty cloths still grow stuff. If it is dry and sunny, you can hang them out on a line and the smell will be killed.<br><br>A week is all that I can go without washing in hot and humid areas, especially if I put something away sweaty.<br><br>James AKA Lynx
 
Top