What about washing clothes?

[kacacc]

Are there washing machines and dryers to use or does everyone wash by hand? If there are machines, anyone know how many euro coins it takes?

 

[dougfitz]

Are there washing machines and dryers to use or does everyone wash by hand? If there are machines, anyone know how many euro coins it takes?

In 2010, there was a mix of laundry facilities available, and wide variation in use charges where there were washing machines. In some places, the hospitalero/a would do the laundry, elsewhere it was self help. Unless you are travelling with someone else, it can be difficult to justify the cost in some places, and I found myself hand washing most of the time, with a machine wash every few days.

Most expensive machine wash and dry cost me 7 euro, but that was unusual. Most places were a few euro.

 

[supersullivan]

Walked for 7 days in 2012, washed by hand 5 evenings and used a washing machine in 2 albergues, €3 the cost both times, shared the load with 2 other peregrinos each times so effectively €1 each time I used a washing machine.

What worked for me when washing by hand was to throw my clothes for washing in the shower stall when having my shower to get them started and then finished washing in a hand basin, just used my normal soap for showering, shaving and laundry

Regards

Seamus

 

[scruffy1]

Re: What about washing clothes? This is the way we wash our...

It's very easy to be a pilgrim-you wake up at dawn or before, walk all day, find an albergue, wash your clothes, wait for supper and go to sleep then repeat. Usualy easy to find a washing machine and someone friendly to share-you won't have that much laundry if you wash your unmentionables and socks every day by hand-summertime is very hot so a quick hang outside will do the trick-Spring is funny weather you may need the dryer then. One warning, in the excitement of morning-packing, something to eat or drink, maps and conversations more then one load of laundry and many towels have found themselves abandoned and forlorn on the ropes. Beware!
S

 

[Pieces]

I think most people wash the day by day laundry by hand most days and then on occation dumps everything they own into a washer...

 

[Peronel]

And then sit in the albergue garden wearing nothing but knickers and a sports bra until it's all dry!

(Or was that just me?)

 

[supersullivan]

Peronel

TMI

A blushing Seamus

 

[mralisn]

I like to do something that works for me after a long day of summer walking.

I go right into shower fully clothed. I get a great rinse instantly and start to undress under the cool water (I rarely need warm/hot water in summer). Since I usually arrive early, I'm not in the way, get an initial rinse and wring of clothes, get a better wash out of them while at the washing sink.

Even better, it's such a great feeling walking into the cold shower with all clothes on!

 

[waveprof]

While things are changing, traditionally speaking self-help laundromats don't exist in Spain (though they are beginning to appear some places). Laundry is done by the woman or man who runs the place, and they would likely be offended if you said you preferred to do it yourself. Such service is very reasonable compared to prices in the U.S. or U.K.

I believe that most pilgrims hand wash most of the time.