If you like to pack light or are taking a long trip, you may wonder, “Do hostels have laundry?” Laundry is essential on long trips if you want to stay comfortable.
Some hostels have laundry available for an extra fee, and others do not, so you must use an alternative option.
Keep reading to learn how laundry works in hostels and what to do if you find yourself at a hostel with dirty clothes but no laundry.
Last Updated: March 25, 2024
Published: February 3, 2024
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Availability Of Laundry Services In Hostels
When it comes to staying in hostels, one of the big questions on every traveler’s mind is the availability of laundry services.
While some hostels proudly offer convenient, on-site facilities, others may lack this amenity due to size or location.
It’s not uncommon to find that there are no laundry services in smaller or more rural hostels. In contrast, larger, urban hostels often include laundry rooms with multiple washers and dryers. You will have to check ahead or be prepared to seek alternative options.
If you know you need to do some laundry during your trip, you can easily check what amenities (including laundry) each hostel has on Hostelworld. Thanks to their filters and clear descriptions to help you find a hostel.
Hostelworld has over 36,000 hostels in 170+ countries, and it’s my go-to for finding a fun and clean place to stay no matter where I travel.
Laundry Costs In Hostels
When you’re lucky enough to find a hostel with laundry facilities, you should be ready to pay extra to wash and dry your clothes. Hostels keep nightly rates low by charging for extras – and laundry is usually one of those extras.
Hostels with laundry services generally have coin-operated washing machines and dryers. You’ll need to have the right currency on hand, as these machines rarely accept credit cards or foreign coins. This means making sure you have a stash of local currency, specifically coins, to operate these machines.
Some hostels might offer change at the reception. You can also go to a local bank or break larger bills by buying something small at a convenience store.
Once you have your money ready, ask the reception for help or head to the laundry area and start washing.
You can always use Google Translate or another translator app to help you read instructions and settings in the laundry room.
Remember to remove your clothes from the laundry machines as soon as they are done so other guests can use the facilities when needed.
Alternatives When Laundry Isn’t Available At Hostels
It’s not unusual to encounter hostels without laundry facilities, but there are several alternatives you can turn to. A common solution is seeking out a local laundromat. These establishments are often found in areas popular with travelers and are often cheaper than doing laundry at a hostel.
Consider hand-washing your key clothing items in the hostel’s shower or sink for those moments of desperation or when you’re in a pinch. It’s fast, free, and can give you a day or two of fresh clothes until you find a better laundry solution. Just remember to pack some travel detergent or ask the hostel if they have any supplies you can use.
Moreover, always feel free to talk with the hostel staff. They can provide insider tips on where to find the nearest laundromat or assist you with understanding how to use the hostel’s laundry facilities should you find yourself confused by foreign machines or instructions (I’ve been there). Their guidance can save you time and ensure you have clean clothes throughout your journey.
Tips And Assistance from Hostel Staff
When staying at a hostel, remember that the staff can help navigate the ins and outs of laundry options. They’re typically seasoned travelers themselves and understand the need for clean clothes on the road. Don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure how to operate the hostel’s laundry machines or where to find them.
The staff can provide you with instructions, help you change money for coins if needed, and may even sell or lend you detergent. If the hostel doesn’t have laundry facilities, they can often provide recommendations for nearby laundromats and offer tips on pricing and peak times to avoid crowds.
Use their knowledge to make doing laundry as smooth as possible during your travels.
Good Luck With Your Laundry!
Not all hostels provide laundry facilities; the availability may vary based on factors such as location and hostel size. But there are plenty of alternatives to help ensure you have clean clothes throughout your travels.
If you want to guarantee that you stay at a hostel with laundry, check out Hostelworld, which has a filter (Laundry Facilities) that will only show you hostels with laundry in any city.