Caravan Washing Machines - The Complete Guide

After buying a portable washing machine for your caravan or motorhome, you may never look back. You can avoid searching for laundromat coins, reduce the washing pile when you get home, and pack a little lighter for longer trips.

CaravansPlus sells leading caravan and RV washing machine brands including Camec, Sphere and Dometic. The right choice depends on space, load capacity, water access, drainage and how you normally travel.

1. Space and storage

If you do not have space to permanently install a washing machine in your RV, many caravan washing machines are still light enough to store in your shower, under your table or in the back of your car, then place outside under cover once you arrive.

If you have space inside, take accurate measurements before ordering. A top-loading machine needs free space above it, while a front loader can be installed under a counter or bench if there is enough height, front clearance and service access.

2. Installing a caravan washing machine

You can set up a washing machine inside your RV permanently, or use it outside as a space-saving portable option. The basic requirements are:

1. A suitable water source, usually the caravan tap or sink connection.
2. A secure drain point so used water cannot fall out of the sink, shower or drain hose.
3. A suitable 240V outlet for powered washing machines.
4. Enough ventilation, access and clearance to load, unload and service the machine.

For a permanent installation, check the machine manual and the caravan manufacturer's requirements. Water leaks in a caravan can do a lot of damage, so hose routing, clamps and drain security matter.

3. How to use portable washing machines

1. If your washer is not permanently installed, use your sink to fill and drain the washer, washing small loads of clothing at a time. Read your instruction manual before filling the washer, as instructions vary from machine to machine.
2. Drain the dirty water. Automatic washers do this for you, but you still need to make sure the drain hose is secure. If you are not sure which hose to use, check your instruction manual.
3. Rinse the clothes again if your machine requires it. Some machines do not have a rinse cycle. Other machines need a specific rinse cycle with cold, clean water.
4. Dry your clothes. If you have a portable dryer, you can dry your clothes there, or save power by air drying on a clothes line or drying rack.
5. Before you travel, replace any transit basket or travel restraint supplied with your washing machine to stop the tub moving around.

Tip: Make sure the drain hose is securely in the sink or drain point. If the hose falls out, you can end up with water across the floor.

Tip: Many compact caravan washing machines are designed for cold water only. Do not add hot water unless the manual specifically says it is allowed.

Tip: Save money by air drying your clothes on a clothes line or drying rack.

4. Load capacity

The specifications of caravan washing machines are usually described by load capacity. Based on your requirements, you can choose anything from a basic compact machine through to larger versions that handle bigger wash loads.

Factor in the number of people travelling, the duration of your trip and how often you expect to wash. Sometimes a smaller load capacity is the better choice if space, payload and budget are limited.

5. Compare caravan washing machines

6. Avoiding common mistakes

1. Read your instruction manual before using the machine. Portable washing machines are similar, but the exact fill, drain and rinse instructions vary.
2. Dry your hands before handling the machine's plug. It is easy to get your hands wet when dealing with laundry, hoses and drain water.
3. Avoid washing heavy coats or very bulky items. They are generally too much for a compact caravan washing machine.
4. Make sure hoses, nozzles and drain points are secure before starting a cycle.
5. Do not overfill the machine or use too much detergent. Excess suds can cause poor rinsing, drainage issues or overflow.

7. Troubleshooting and storage questions

The machine has power but will not start

Check the manual first. Many compact machines will not start if the lid/door is not properly closed, the water level is wrong, the child lock or delay start is active, or the machine is paused mid-cycle. If the machine still will not start, stop using it and contact the supplier or a service agent.

The machine floods or drains poorly

Common causes include too much detergent, a drain hose that has moved, a blocked filter, a kinked hose or a load that is too large. Use low-sudsing detergent sparingly, secure the drain hose, and check the manual for filter cleaning and reset steps.

Can I add hot water?

Only if the machine manual says it is suitable. Some compact caravan washing machines are cold-fill only and should not be filled with hot water.

What about winter storage?

If the machine will not be used for a long period, drain it according to the manual. Turn off the water supply, disconnect and drain the inlet hose, and make sure the machine is dry before storage.

8. Handy tips

• Washing machines make a useful dirty-clothes hamper while travelling.
• Wash whites first so you can re-use the water if your setup allows it.
• Use wool wash where appropriate so you may not need a separate rinse.
• Save sheets and bulky items for the laundromat.

9. Cheap washing machine alternatives

Hand-powered portable washers can be a cost-effective option for travellers who enjoy free camping. They use less water and detergent than many powered washing machines, require no electricity, and are lightweight and compact.

Even cheaper is a plastic bucket with a lid that seals. Put the washing, detergent and water in it and let it agitate while you drive. Wringing by hand can be hard work though, and it probably will not wash your sheets.