Washing on the Camino

As your Camino adventure approaches, you may start wondering what to pack. How many outfits will cover a 41-day active walking itinerary?

Even if you are only walking for a few weeks on the Camino, this can often result in the urge to pack everything you could possibly need for those weeks. ‘How will I have time to do my washing when I am out walking to somewhere new each day?’, I hear you ask. I am happy to share with you how easy it is to do your washing on the Camino.

Many cities on the Camino have laundrettes (locally referred to as lavenderia tintorias) and they are the same as ours at home; just bring some washing liquid and coins and you can wash and dry away!

Another option is to wash-as-you-go in the hotel rooms. I tend to do this while I’m travelling. You wash your gear in the bathroom sink with your own stash of washing liquid and hang your items on a pegless travel clothesline (these handy little items are inexpensive and available from outdoor/camping stores). There is often a chair or a windowsill to which you can attach your line.

A good quality microfibre towel is also worth packing. These versatile little towels soak up moisture from damp clothes before hanging them to dry. It’s like Camino magic – a bit of extra drying power for that “still-sort-of-damp” shirt.

In the summer months it is often warm enough for your clothes to air-dry overnight. In winter there are usually heaters in the rooms or in the common areas. If all of this sounds like too much work, then there is the opportunity for your washing to be taken care of by our lovely hoteliers along the way. Although often an expensive option it can certainly be a welcome treat!

While frequent washing helps, there’s no denying the allure of “just wear it again.” And indeed, many pilgrims embrace a rotating schedule that is both practical and forgiving. After all, everyone smells a little earthy on the Camino, and no one’s about to call you out for your re-worn shirt.

Washing clothes on the Camino becomes part of the rhythm of the walk: the wash, the scrub, the drying, and the sweet reward of clean(ish) clothes the next day. So next time you find yourself hand-washing your shirt at the end of a long day, remember: this is all part of the adventure. Embrace it, laugh about it, and know you’re in good company – one pair of semi-dry socks at a time.

You can read more expert tips in our article about what to wear when walking the Camino.