BrianLCrabtree
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2023 Podiensis, Olvidado, Invierno
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dunno about experts but after many years in the forces and Camino since 2003, I find simplest is best e.g. when I go for a shower so do the undies ! I trample then ferociously and rinse them the same time as meselfFrom CNN. Feel free to ignore the product endorsements.
How to hand-wash your clothes, according to experts | CNN Underscored
Knowing how to launder garments by hand is key when it comes to keeping your lingerie and workout clothes looking their best. We asked experts how to do it right.www.cnn.com
I’m quite used to quick showers having lived 7+ years in an RV so starting the shower fully dressed but for shoes seems doable and sufficient in short order. I may practice here at home. But I agree with keeping things off the floor!I'm a first timer here, but not a first timer to public showers. The thought of stomping my clothes on the shower floor where other people's feet and fungus live makes me shudder. I would never let my bare feet touch a public shower/change room floor let alone my clothes and undies. It does cause me to ask the question - with so many other people waiting for showers and hoping there will be hot water left - is this a common way to launder your clothes? Doesn't the extra time/hot water to rinse the clothes take time/hot water away from other pilgrims? This is not meant to be a criticism, just an honest question since I am new to the Camino family.
That's excellent idea about the dry bag. I used to have one for kayaking but never considered it for laundering. I also roll my clothes in towels, even here at home. It cuts the drying time significantly.I use a 12 liter dry bag to wash my clothes in, rather than the albergue laundry sinks. As I'm undressing for my shower and the water is warming up I put half a laundry detergent sheet and water in the bag, then my clothes. Then I fill the bag about 3/4 full with water and close it up. I give it a few shakes and set it aside to soak while I shower and dress. I then shake the bag some more to agitate everything well before rinsing in the laundry sink. The detergent sheets don't create a lot of suds, but get the clothes clean. After wring them out well I roll them up in my towel and twist it. This method gets my clothes cleaner than using the laundry sinks alone in the albergues. I think that the long soaking time is the secret. I even use the dry bag to wash when I'm staying in a room with my own bathroom.
The reason I brought the subject up - I have volunteered with hurricane recovery. At the end of the day there are 30+ volunteers waiting to shower and a limited number of stalls. During those times I would always feel so conscious of how much time I took knowing so many were waiting, and how much water I used, knowing it was limited (hot water was not a thing). I feel like a busy Camino would be a similar situation.I’m quite used to quick showers having lived 7+ years in an RV so starting the shower fully dressed but for shoes seems doable and sufficient in short order. I may practice here at home. But I agree with keeping things off the floor!
Exactly what I was about to say!!!!dunno about experts but after many years in the forces and Camino since 2003, I find simplest is best e.g. when I go for a shower so do the undies ! I trample then ferociously and rinse them the same time as meselfI use whatever liquid shampoo or soap is to hand and it doesn't seem to harm me or my gear It's the drying that requires low cunning and I'm sure we all have our secrets !
Buen Camino
Samarkand.
I do agree here. I do take my bra and panties into the shower with me frequently, but I scrub them in my hands and then hang them on a hook (if possible) in any communal shower. I would not put them on a communal shower floor. That said - if I am in a private room I have washed in hands and trampled them on the shower floor lol.I'm a first timer here, but not a first timer to public showers. The thought of stomping my clothes on the shower floor where other people's feet and fungus live makes me shudder.
This is where common sense needs to be utilized. If the showers are busy, then don't take extra time in them to do your laundry (and never do all of your laundry in a communal shower - just maybe an item or two). But when I showered, there were usually other stalls still available and not a line for the showers. In these cases - I have no problem taking a slightly longer shower to wash a couple items. The thing is... if you really want to get the clothes clean you should use a sink or basin anyway - but if you just want to refresh bras/panties - nothing wrong with taking them with you into the shower.Doesn't the extra time/hot water to rinse the clothes take time/hot water away from other pilgrims? This is not meant to be a criticism, just an honest question since I am new to the Camino family.
The difference here in my experiences is that most pilgrims don't shower at the beginning or end of the day. Most pilgrims showered upon their arrival at the albergue. You walk, you check into your albergue, you find your bed and make it, you grab your clean clothes and head to the shower, you wash your dirty clothes and hang them to dry, then you take a nap. Then when you wake up you go out and explore town and get dinner. Somewhere along the way you fit your lunch in too. OK, not always in that order - but this is what many of us did. And we didn't all arrive at the albergue at the same time. Therefore there weren't lines for the showers. In terms of the showers - the only problems I experiences was pilgrims who decided to shower in communal showers first thing in the morning and decided that they could lock the entire communal bathroom door so no one else could get in and use a different toilet or shower stall.The reason I brought the subject up - I have volunteered with hurricane recovery. At the end of the day there are 30+ volunteers waiting to shower and a limited number of stalls. During those times I would always feel so conscious of how much time I took knowing so many were waiting, and how much water I used, knowing it was limited (hot water was not a thing). I feel like a busy Camino would be a similar situation.
I did bra/panties, even socks sometimes, while showering. NOT on the floor. (aways wore flipflops in showers) Found I could hang these small items from the bottom of the top bunk if in a lower. Hung outside when possible. Used a public laundromat once or twice to get it all "really" cleanI do agree here. I do take my bra and panties into the shower with me frequently, but I scrub them in my hands and then hang them on a hook (if possible) in any communal shower. I would not put them on a communal shower floor. That said - if I am in a private room I have washed in hands and trampled them on the shower floor lol.
This is where common sense needs to be utilized. If the showers are busy, then don't take extra time in them to do your laundry (and never do all of your laundry in a communal shower - just maybe an item or two). But when I showered, there were usually other stalls still available and not a line for the showers. In these cases - I have no problem taking a slightly longer shower to wash a couple items. The thing is... if you really want to get the clothes clean you should use a sink or basin anyway - but if you just want to refresh bras/panties - nothing wrong with taking them with you into the shower.
Of course, it goes without saying that in an Albergue or other such hostel, due respect must always be given to other pilgrims and their needs. However, as arrival times are generally quite staggered, this is not often a problem. The morning rush hour is very different. As for wet clothing on communal floors, rinsing well should do the trick. TomI'm a first timer here, but not a first timer to public showers. The thought of stomping my clothes on the shower floor where other people's feet and fungus live makes me shudder. I would never let my bare feet touch a public shower/change room floor let alone my clothes and undies. It does cause me to ask the question - with so many other people waiting for showers and hoping there will be hot water left - is this a common way to launder your clothes? Doesn't the extra time/hot water to rinse the clothes take time/hot water away from other pilgrims? This is not meant to be a criticism, just an honest question since I am new to the Camino family.
I use a product called a ‘scrubba’ bag. It is simply a dry sack with a rubbing surface. Used it 100s of times. Minimal water for wash and rinse.From CNN. Feel free to ignore the product endorsements.
How to hand-wash your clothes, according to experts | CNN Underscored
Knowing how to launder garments by hand is key when it comes to keeping your lingerie and workout clothes looking their best. We asked experts how to do it right.www.cnn.com
I use my dry bag in the same manner as a Scrubba bag, but with less weight and $$$I use a product called a ‘scrubba’ bag. It is simply a dry sack with a rubbing surface. Used it 100s of times. Minimal water for wash and rinse.
Yes, it is a trade off. Drybag is less money and weighs less, but the Scrubba has "nubs" built in to make it more like a washboard to help remove more grime. I bought 2 Scrubbas for other long distance hikes - but every time I weigh our packs we remove them!I use my dry bag in the same manner as a Scrubba bag, but with less weight and $$$
I question whether the nubs increase the effectiveness that much.Yes, it is a trade off. Drybag is less money and weighs less, but the Scrubba has "nubs" built in to make it more like a washboard to help remove more grime. I bought 2 Scrubbas for other long distance hikes - but every time I weigh our packs we remove them!
So, the official advice, from an expert ( ex as in past it, spurt as in drip under pressure), via CNN (a renowned resource for survivalists) is that you can rinse out your “delicates” (delicate sportswear please) socks and knickers by hand but that anything else should be washed by machine or a professional ( your Mum for instance?)
Words fail me. Well obviously not, but, seriously? No, I’m right words fail me. I am unable to articulate how absurd this seems.
Mind you, last time I did a boil-wash with soda my hands did go a bit red…
I'm all for multi-usage on a Camino. Perhaps a dry bag combined with one or two of the smaller foot massage balls might have the same effect as @jeanineonthecamino's nubs?I question whether the nubs increase the effectiveness that much.
Whether one uses a Scrubba or a dry bag like I do, it can serve a second purpose as as stuff bag for sleeping gear.
The better racks have a different style of support arm. We bought the same model as the one in our rented apartment in Spain back in 1978 to bring home with us - still going strong today. The look on the Customs Agent's face as we walked past him at Gatwick Airport was a joy to behold!Soap on the crotch and pits, everything else will benefit from guilt by association.
And for the first-timers and never-yet-ers here, the gullwing drying rack shown in the OP's link appears to be standard equipment in every French gite.
Or just do what I end up doing - give a half effort to hand wash your clothes (I hate handwashing lol) and simply give them a good refresh/rinse instead with a little extra attention to undies and pits on shirts... and then every few days pay for a real machine wash to actually get the grime out!I'm all for multi-usage on a Camino. Perhaps a dry bag combined with one or two of the smaller foot massage balls might have the same effect as @jeanineonthecamino's nubs?
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You could also throw them at that really noisy snorer in the bunk across the way
Take three and you could learn to juggle, not while doing the laundry of course, that would just be silly.
You are not alone…which is why we try to stay in private accommodations. At least we then have some hope that the bathroom was cleaned right before we arrived. I even find it hard to share a bathroom at a pension, especially with Covid!I'm a first timer here, but not a first timer to public showers. The thought of stomping my clothes on the shower floor where other people's feet and fungus live makes me shudder. I would never let my bare feet touch a public shower/change room floor let alone my clothes and undies.
Really? How 1st world.While it is certainly possible to wash bulky items by hand, when it comes to towels, sweatshirts, pants, jeans and other bulky garments, it’s best to stick with machine-washing or professional cleaning.
Yes, this was certainly a 1st world article! And yours is a good reminder to remember not everywhere has the same luxuries as a washing machine.Really? How 1st world.
I live where the washing machine is a bucket.
As do many people on tbe planet.
That's why I like my dry bag method.It just takes a bit of elbow grease, but things can get cleaner being washed by hand than in a machine.
• Soaking is one key to succes
can I ask what size dry bag and which brand? thanks!That's why I like my dry bag method.
I use a 12 liter dry bag from Osprey.can I ask what size dry bag and which brand? thanks!
WAFFLE STOMP,,,,,LOL I LIKE ITdunno about experts but after many years in the forces and Camino since 2003, I find simplest is best e.g. when I go for a shower so do the undies ! I trample then ferociously and rinse them the same time as meselfI use whatever liquid shampoo or soap is to hand and it doesn't seem to harm me or my gear It's the drying that requires low cunning and I'm sure we all have our secrets !
Buen Camino
Samarkand.
Kind of a no brainer.....From CNN. Feel free to ignore the product endorsements.
How to hand-wash your clothes, according to experts | CNN Underscored
Knowing how to launder garments by hand is key when it comes to keeping your lingerie and workout clothes looking their best. We asked experts how to do it right.www.cnn.com
All I can say about this is "yuck!"Samarkan is quite right. If I am very hot and sticky, I go one better and start the shower still wearing my shirt, shorts, underpants and socks. Then I remove them and trample on them. It works a treat! Tom
A couple of pilgrims that I walked with used this method - no fungus problems, but they stopped when they got bleach spots on their clothes from the residual bleach that had been used to clean the showers.All I can say about this is "yuck!"
Who knows what kind of fungus is in those shower floors.
Alex, Rioja / mouth interactions and how to avoid embarrassing stains might be more useful given the theme of this threadSo now we have learnt how to wash.
Next month: How to identify, find, and use the direction lights of your car.
Perhaps the Rioja stains could combine with the bleach spots for a tie dye effect.Alex, Rioja / mouth interactions and how to avoid embarrassing stains might be more useful given the theme of this thread
Perhaps a deep red/burgundy t-shirt could save us a lot of washing? OK; enough off-topic...Alex, Rioja / mouth interactions and how to avoid embarrassing stains might be more useful given the theme of this thread
Addition... For short sleeve tops I wore nylon which dries easily, undies also nylon or other synthetic. Also, used one of. those synthetic towels that i don't really like but it works. Did clothes after shower, used towel to wring a bit more out of clothes before hanging all. Towel sometime hung at end of bunk.I did bra/panties, even socks sometimes, while showering. NOT on the floor. (aways wore flipflops in showers) Found I could hang these small items from the bottom of the top bunk if in a lower. Hung outside when possible. Used a public laundromat once or twice to get it all "really" clean
You walk, you check into your albergue, you find your bed and make it, you grab your clean clothes and head to the shower, you wash your dirty clothes and hang them to dry, then you take a nap.
Mostly you'll be hanging those bits on a communal washing line alongside everyone else's bits. No one will be looking at your bits. They'll be focussed on their own bits and possibly slightly discomfited too.the idea of hanging my intimate cloths for everyone to see is a little disconformable for me.
Yes, any dry bag should do - even a large plastic zip lock bag.@trecile any dry bag will do ?
And there are such things as hiking dresses? Could you share some links or photos?
Yes, any dry bag will do.@trecile any dry bag will do ?
And there are such things as hiking dresses? Could you share some links or photos?
One communal clothes line approach I have used is - they often have 4 lines or so - I put my larger items on the outer lines, smaller items on the inner lines. But really - there are so many people hanging out their clothes, no one cares. Also - it isn't like I am bringing my "romantic" undergarments with - I am taking plain boring merino wool hiking bras and hiking panties (or last year I had exofficio panties). Nothing frilly. No lacy negligee type items hahaThis is a very practical approach, which I find very useful because I will be doing my first Camino in june and am a little nervous about this (for context, I am 50 year old, I have never gone camping, I have never slept in a shared room, and the idea of hanging my intimate cloths for everyone to see is a little disconformable for me).
Yes, any dry bag should do - even a large plastic zip lock bag.
I make my own merino wool "hiking dresses," but there are a number of companies that make suitable dresses, including a company called LadyHike.
Here's a pretty good video showing how to wash clothes in a dry bag.
As @Kanga mentioned, I use half of a laundry detergent sheet for each "load" of laundry. They get my clothes clean without making a lot of suds, so it's easier to rinse the clothes out.
I've progressed to that same system over the years...I use a laundry bar and just throw that in the bag...shake it all up. We're on the same page @trecile ...great minds think alikeI've mentioned my method of using a dry bag as a "portable washing machine" before. IMO definitely preferable to stomping on my clothes on the shower floor.
I use a 12 liter dry bag to wash my clothes in, rather than the albergue laundry sinks. As I'm undressing for my shower and the water is warming up I put half a laundry detergent sheet and water in the bag, then my clothes. Then I fill the bag about 3/4 full with water and close it up. I give it a few shakes and set it aside to soak while I shower and dress. I then shake the bag some more to agitate everything well before rinsing in the laundry sink. The detergent sheets don't create a lot of suds, but get the clothes clean. After wring them out well I roll them up in my towel and twist it. This method gets my clothes cleaner than using the laundry sinks alone in the albergues. I think that the long soaking time is the secret. I even use the dry bag to wash when I'm staying in a room with my own bathroom.
You don't need a dress that labeled as a "hiking dress." Any comfortable easy to wash and dry dress will work.In terms of hike dresses I am not so lucky. I loved the dresses, the vibe and the pictures of the LadyHyke, but they do not ship to Portugalneither does REI. But I now know "they" exist, so I will look for shops more close to home.
I'm surprised that no one is mentioning silk underwear. it too is a natural fiber, washes and dries easily, comfortable for me who cannot wear even merino wool next to my skin. Try LL Bean or Winter Silks.Yes, any dry bag will do.
And yes - there are quite a few "hiking" dresses available. But I think it is easier to find hiking "skirts". REI has some - I just bought a couple that have some merino wool material in them (merino doesn't hold odors so it is a preferred material for me) - but they are mixed fabrics and haven't tried them out yet. Haven't weighted them yet but they are pretty light when I hold them (I weight everything that I consider putting in my pack). I even found an athletic dress at Old Navy that I have been doing my long walks at home in. But - I don't like the material and weight for the Camino.
I don't have silk underwear - but I have a super lightweight pair of silk yoga pants that I wear in the evenings and to sleep in. Love them! I don't like other wool next to my skin - but have no problem with merino wool.I'm surprised that no one is mentioning silk underwear. it too is a natural fiber, washes and dries easily, comfortable for me who cannot wear even merino wool next to my skin. Try LL Bean or Winter Silks.
Hi, does the bag itself dry out fairly quickly? do you turn it wrong side out to dry?I use a 12 liter dry bag from Osprey.
My daily clothing which usually consists of a hiking dress, socks, underwear, and leggings fit easily. But if your clothing is bulkier you might need a larger size.
Yes, it dries quickly. I hang it up with the rest of the laundry with the wet side out, then turn it around because it does get a bit wet on the outside too.Hi, does the bag itself dry out fairly quickly? do you turn it wrong side out to dry?
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