If you’ve ever returned from a tropical holiday only to be greeted by a mountain of dirty laundry, you’re not alone. For many of us, the post-holiday blues are made even worse by the dreaded task of unpacking and washing every last item that’s been worn, sweated in, or splashed with sunscreen.
But what if we told you there’s a clever $10 trick that could save you all that hassle – and it’s hiding in plain sight on your next Bali getaway?
Aussie traveller Tarryn Pryce recently shared her genius solution, and it’s so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it before. Before heading home from her sun-soaked Bali holiday, Tarryn took almost everything in her suitcase to her hotel’s laundry service.
For just $10, her clothes were returned perfectly clean, neatly folded, and packed into a tidy cube – ready to pop straight back into her luggage. No more dragging home a bag full of sandy, sweaty clothes. No more marathon laundry sessions when you’d rather be reminiscing about your trip.
‘I just always get the hotel I stay at to help me,’ Tarryn explained. She’s a regular at her favourite Canggu hotel, and swears by their laundry service. ‘I’m fussy and like most of my items to be air dried, while others need to be done in the dryer. And they do it all perfectly.’
And it’s not just her hotel – Bali is packed with laundry services, from local laundromats to premium villa and hotel options. Some places will even have your clothes washed, dried, and folded in as little as five hours, for as little as $6.15 per kilogram. Others charge by the bag, with prices as low as 66 cents per kilogram if you’re happy to go with the cheapest local option.
But before you rush off to hand over your holiday wardrobe, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some of the cheapest services may wash your clothes with other people’s laundry, which can mean harsh industrial detergents, mixed colours and whites, and the risk of stains or damage.
Others have minimum loads (often around three kilograms), and some may not offer the same attention to detail as a hotel or premium service.
Tarryn’s tip sparked a lively debate online. Many people were amazed they hadn’t thought of it before – ‘That’s such a smart move,’ one person commented. ‘Nothing worse than getting home to a pile of washing,’ agreed another.
But others shared cautionary tales: ‘We did this and half our clothes were ruined. Never again,’ one traveller warned. Another added, ‘Definitely look up reviews on laundry places as some wash your clothing with other people’s washing and not separately, speaking from experience.’
So, what’s the best way to make the most of this Bali laundry hack?
Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Laundry
If you’re keen to try this hack on your next trip, here are a few tips to make sure your clothes come home as fresh as your holiday memories:
1. Check Reviews
Before choosing a laundry service, look up reviews online or ask your hotel for recommendations.
2. Specify Your Preferences
If you have delicate items or want certain clothes air-dried, let the staff know.
3. Separate Your Loads
If you’re worried about colours running, separate your whites and colours before handing them over.
4. Ask About Detergents
Some services offer natural or hypoallergenic detergents – just ask!
5. Keep Receipts and Inventory
Make a quick list of what you’re sending off, just in case anything goes missing.
The Benefits Go Beyond Clean Clothes
Aside from saving you time and effort when you get home, using a local laundry service can also help you pack lighter, support local businesses, and even reduce your environmental footprint (many services in Bali air-dry clothes in the sun).
Plus, there’s something undeniably luxurious about having your clothes returned to you, clean and folded, while you’re still in holiday mode.
So next time you’re planning a trip – whether it’s Bali, Thailand, or anywhere with affordable laundry services – consider giving this hack a go. Your future self (and your laundry basket) will thank you!
Key Takeaways
- An Aussie traveller shared a handy $10 hack of getting hotel laundry in Bali to clean and carefully pack her clothes before coming home, saving her time on washing after the holiday.
- Many travellers were impressed with the trick, admitting they hadn’t thought of it before, while others said they’ve been using local laundry services in Bali for years.
- While laundry services in Bali are often cheap and fast, some warned that the lowest-cost options may mix your clothes with others and use harsh detergents, so reading reviews and being selective is advised.
- Some travellers shared negative experiences with local laundries, citing stained or ruined clothes, but others said hotel services are reliable (though possibly pricier), especially if you have specific requests for drying or separating items.
Have you tried this trick on your travels? Do you have your own holiday hacks to share? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below!
