Washing clothes can be a pain when you are living on the road, especially when your only option is a laundromat. Going to the laundromat will not only be a pain but can hurt your wallet. There are other practical and affordable alternatives when it comes to washing your clothes while living in an RV. You will be able to make up your investment when you compare it to the cost of a single load in a laundromat.
Product | Pros | Cons |
LG WM3997HWA | Ultra-large capacity tub Space-saving design Low vibration Low noise at 60 decibels | A bit pricier compared to other ventless models Not suitable for RV users who can’t put a vent |
Super Deal | Great for light laundries Flexible Drains out easily Rust-proof Stable | Small spin dryer basket |
Giantex | Automatic balance Multiple programs Adjustable bottom feet Portable Effortless to operate | Not good quality hose |
Homelabs | Front-load dryer Can fit in any small space Energy-efficient Quiet operation Programmable time to run drying cycles | Needs a ven to collect tint Link trap is found at the back of the drum |
Slendide WDC7100XC | Powerful drying cycles Super-silent technology Energy-efficient Plenty of settings | Expensive Humidity stays inside the unit Tends to wrinkle clothes during drying |
KUPPET | Separate timer control settings for washer and spinner Large capacity Lightweight Easy to move Space-saving Simple operation Quick cleaning | Doesn’t wash clothes properly without a spin guard on top Easily captures lint Not ideal to wash new towels |
LG WM3997HWA Ventless: The Best Choice for Your Rig
When you are looking for an all-in-one option for your rig that doesn’t have external venting, the LG WM3997HWA Washer/Dryer is the best choice. It comes with plenty of amazing features such as TurboWash, TrueBalance Anti-Vibration System, NeverRust Stainless Steel Drum, and Allergiene Cycle.
This washer and dryer are perfect when you need to wash 15 pounds of load and eight pounds of drying clothes. The LG WM3997HWA Washer/Dryer’s Quick Wash feature is a favorite of many RVers since it uses a Speed Wash cycle to clean small loads of clothes quickly.
It is recommended that doing two to three washing of small loads of lightly soiled garments will do the job. You can make sure that high wash and rinse are done efficiently. The Turbo Wash technology will only take 20 minutes to finish your load when you need to do large loads.
The LG WM3997HWA Washer/Dryer is also an NSF-certified Sanitary cycle that has an internal heating element. It uses a ventless condensing feature to dry clothes, so it is recommended that you wait up to 120 minutes to dry your clothes fully.
The True Balance Anti-Vibration System feature is another great thing to consider when it comes to the LG WM3997HWA. It minimizes the noisy tub movement since the motor assembly only has a few moving parts. When you are using this machine, you will only hear minimal noise.
The LG WM3997HWA also has an Inverter direct drive motor where it is directly connected to the drum. It can produce multiple distinct motions for optimal wash performance with little noise or vibration.
Another notable feature of the LG WM3997HWA is the stylish design upfront electronic control panel that has a dual-LED display. It will show your current wash cycle, and you can choose among Wash, Rinse, Dry, and Spin. It is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing machines on the market.
The LG WM3997HWA is a combo of washer and dryer, which is fitted with a dial-a-cycle chrome square rimmed glass door. You will also find a dark blue tinted cover with an extra-wide door opening. The machine also comes with an optional matching drawer pedestal when you need it.
You can purchase the LG WM3997HWA on Amazon for $1,775.00.
Super Deal: The Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine You Need
The Super Deal Mini Twin Tub machine will make your laundry work as easy as a piece of cake. Since it is a twin tub, it contains both a washer and a spinner. The washtub and spin tub are ideal for eight and five pounds of clothes, respectively.
Aside from that, it has a separate timer that will allow you to choose between five washing times and five kinds of spinning time. There are three washing modes to the Super Deal Mini Tub, which are Standard, Drain, and Soft. You can get a lot of benefits when it comes to washing your clothes with this machine.
Another great feature that the Super Deal Mini Tub offers is it comes with two inlets on both sides. Thanks to the built-in Gravity Drains, you can drain any dirty water with a snap of a fingerSplendide WDC7100XC Ventless Washer-Dryer Combo. Also, it will remove the chances of getting rust as it is made from high-strength plastic material.
The Super Deal Mini Tub features a 1,300 RPM powerful motor with a maximum frequency of 60Hz. The rotary controls the wash timer and provides a water-efficient design. The washer also has a control time that runs for up to 15 minutes, and the spin cycle timer can run up to five minutes for each load.
Since weight is one of the most crucial factors when living in an RV, this machine is perfect since it is lightweight. This machine is easy to move and place anywhere, and thanks to its space-saving design, it will allow fitting in any bathroom or closet that you may have in your rig.
Using it is pretty simple since all you need is to put the clothes in, fill the machine with water, set the timer, and hit the start button. After that, wait for your load to finish or sip some coffee while you are at it, and then take out your laundry.
The Super Deal Mini Tub is also energy-saving with a plastic body that will make sure the machine will always stay clean, quiet, and neat. It is a small size machine that will provide low power consumption to save as much energy as possible on your rig.
The Super Deal Mini Tub is available on Amazon for $190.00.
Giantex: The Best Full-Automatic Washing Machine
The Giantex Full-Automatic Washing Machine is perfect when you don’t want to have any extra effort when washing your clothes. All you have to do is just throw your clothes in it, and you are good to go. This machine is not like other washers since it comes with Automatic Imbalance Adjustment.
The result of this feature is when you place an unbalanced amount of clothes in the matching, it won’t shake in your rig. Also, with the LED display, you can choose between ten programs and eight water levels sections. Every feature that is listed is great for your convenience.
Some other features are program or delay, water level or spin, time set, and child lock. You will also get ten programs along with the option of selecting up to eight water levels to make sure your laundry is done. When you feel like the washing machine is low or high in height, you can just adjust the bottom of the feet and set it at a comfortable height.
The child lock features will lock all buttons to prevent children from the unintended press. If the transparent lid gets opened somehow, the Giantex Full-Automatic Washing Machine will alarm you and stop working while doing your laundry.
Now, this machine will provide easy portability, and it doesn’t lack the capacity to wash a good amount of clothes. You can do about 9.92 pounds of laundry at one time, thanks to its honeycomb-shaped inner tube. The Giantex Full-Automatic Washing Machine will allow you to add water amidst the washing by pressing the level/spin feature.
If you want to stop adding water, all you need to do is just press it again. You can operate all these functionalities by following the easy and detailed manual that comes with it.
Now, the only downside to this machine is the hose since it is not the best in quality.
You can purchase the Giantex Full-Automatic Washing Machine on Amazon for $389.99.
Homelabs Compact Laundry Dryer: Best Drying System
If you are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-install option drying system, the Homelabs Compact Laundry Dryer is the best choice for you. When you are an RVer that doesn’t want a full-sized machine or is not a fan of air-drying clothes, you can purchase this machine.
The Homelabs Compact Laundry Dryer may be compact, but it is spacious enough to handle nine pounds of laundry to dry your garments, delicates, and sheets. With 120 volts of power, this machine can handle the said weight within 200 minutes.
You can also customize the settings for each load with three easy-to-navigate and highly responsive controls. The Air Dry feature can run cool air for up to 80 minutes. There is also a Heat Dry option, which generates continuous heating for up to 180 minutes. Other than that, you can also cool clothes using the Cool Down for 20 minutes.
The best part about the said settings is that they are suitable for most fabric types. The machine has a mechanical dial that you can quickly program the amount of time you want to run your dryer. The Homelabs Compact Laundry Dryer is also fitted with an easy-to-clean technologically advanced lint filter.
This feature works efficiently by having an automatic shutoff for the optimum energy-saving feature. The Homelabs Compact Laundry Dryer is also designed for quiet drying so you can operate the machine while you are resting. Since it has a high-powered drying machine, you can ensure it produces quality output, and you will get a faster drying time.
If you are looking for convenience, it also comes with an ergonomic handle which will make it more convenient to move the machine. Aside from the integrated viewing window, the machine has a high-quality stainless steel tub that resists nicks and scratches. You don’t want to ruin the smooth finish that this machine offers!
The downside to the Homelabs Compact Laundry Dryer is it needs a vent for it to collect lint. Also, the link trap is found at the back of the drum, which is not easy to clean.
The Homelabs Compact Laundry Dryer is available on Amazon for $279.97.
Splendide Ventless Washer-Dryer Combo: Great Energy-Saving Option
The Splendide WDC7100XC Ventless Washer-Dryer Combo will save you from going to the laundromat since it is automatic water and a ventless tumble dryer. The front-load design and condenser dryer are perfect for RVers who live on the road full-time.
I have a stainless steel drum that can manage a maximum load capacity of 15 pounds. As for the dryer, it can handle 11 pounds of clothes. You can also clean your clothes using the ten wash and three dry cycles that come with this machine.
It is ideal for spending 30 to 96 minutes for the wash cycles and 60 to 80 minutes to dry your load fully. One of the best features that this machine offers is it rinses your clothes up to four times after every wash. If you want to add another rinse cycle, there is also an Extra Rinse button that will let you remove detergent or dirt on clothes.
The Low Spin setting will reduce the high spin speed to 60 RPM, and it will result in less noise and vibrations while you clean your clothes. The Low Heat setting, on the other hand, will reduce the dryer heat temperature.
Another feature is the Pre-Wash which will add an extra fill at the beginning of the wash cycle. The Dryer Cool Down will last for minutes of the dry cycles so that your clothes will tumble freely without heat. It will then cool snaps, buttons, and fabric to reduce any wrinkling on your clothes.
Now, the best part about the Splendide WDC7100XC Ventless Washer-Dryer Combo is you can save on energy and resources since it has Auto Water and Energy Control features. This said program will automatically adjust the amount of water and energy per load.
The Splendide WDC7100XC Ventless Washer-Dryer Combo also provides additional help with the Automatic Balance System, where it detects out-of-balance load. Here, the machine will automatically adjust the speed to reposition the load for regular washing or drying.
There is no need to worry about cleaning the machine since it has a low-maintenance lint. The dirt in the machine can safely pass through a self-cleaning pump and then out the drain or dryer vent. It is also considered to be a silent operation thanks to the brushless AC motors.
When it is paired with the Impulse Spin Technology, you can adjust the pulse in a low spin so that you will get less wrinkling and wear. With that said, there will be less vibration and noise when you use this machine.
There are three downsides to the Splendide WDC7100XC Ventless Washer-Dryer Combo. First, the humidity stays inside the unit due to the internal water condenser drying the clothes. Second, it tends to wrinkle clothes during the drying process. Lastly, it is on the hefty side when it comes to the price, so best to get this when you have money to splurge.
The Splendide WDC7100XC Ventless Washer-Dryer Combo is available on Amazon for $1,148.99.
KUPPET Mini Portable Washing Machine: Great for Small Loads and Delicates
When you are looking for a compact semi-automatic washer with timer control features, the KUPPET 1040600200 Mini Portable Washing Machine is a perfect choice. With this machine, the tubs, spin wash, and dry spin features are separate.
The KUPPET 1040600200 Mini Portable Washing Machine has a dual function where it lets you save time by washing and spinning dry loads simultaneously. It is also compact, so you don’t have to worry about finding a space for it inside your rig. Aside from that, it has separate timer control settings for washer and spinner operations.
You can set the washer up to 15 minutes, and it only takes five minutes per load to finish the spin. Also, there are three washing modes that you can choose from standard, soft, and drain. It is best to choose the minutes and mode according to the condition of the clothes that you will be washing.
This machine will let you select the dehydration time according to the clothes that you are going to wash. You can lessen the wear and tear of the clothes when it comes to the KUPPET 1040600200 Mini Portable Washing Machine. The construction of this machine is pretty great, too, since the drainage tube will let you drain out the dirty water.
The tube is great for most small spaces in the RV since it is measured 25.6 inches. It has a transparent cover design that will let you monitor the washing process. The high-strength plastic material will ensure the machine’s durability and toughness against deformation or environmental hazards.
The water inlet is also easy to insert and pull. Aside from that feature, there is also a flexible spin cap that will boost the absorption force of the clothes. The KUPPET 1040600200 Mini Portable Washing Machine consumes less water and detergent, which will save you money.
Also, you don’t have to worry about messy wires since it has a power wire reel design. You can also hang the drain hose so you can prevent damages or accidents.
The two things that are not great about this machine are your clothes won’t wash properly without a spin guard on top of your clothes. Also, it can easily capture lint, so make sure that you avoid washing new towels.
You can purchase the KUPPET 1040600200 Mini Portable Washing Machine on Amazon for $157.99.
Types of RV Washers and Dryers
If you are choosing your first washer and dryer, it is important that you know what options you have been. There are plenty of different types of washers and dryers that you can choose from for your rig. Knowing the different types can help you make an informed decision as to what will fit most in your RV.
Portable Washers and Dryers
As per the name, portable washers and dryers are easy to install, compact, and lightweight. The perfect combination of features that you need when you live in an RV full time. Now, these types of washers and dryers require more of a hands-on approach, and the unheated spin-dry won’t fully dry your clothes.
However, with short wash and dry cycles, you can get several loads done and hang your clothes within an hour tops.
Vented Washers and Dryers
Just like most in-home appliances, these types of machines use the air in the room to dry your clothes. Vented washers and dryers are very effective and efficient, but for it to vent the hot air and moisture, you would need to make a hole outside of the rig. Or you can hire a professional to get it done for you.
Ventless Washers and Dryers
If you have a small space in your RV and you are looking for smaller appliances that would not need to make a hole in your RV, ventless washers and dryers are the perfect options. With these machines, it uses a heat exchanger to heat the recycled air inside the drum to pull moisture from your clothes.
Now, when you use these types of washers and dryers, it would take longer to dry your clothes which means they will demand a significant amount of electricity.
Stackable Washers and Dryers
This is similar to the traditional in-home appliances, except they are smaller and will take up more space. If you have the space to spare in your RV, this would be the perfect machine to purchase since they dry clothes more quickly and will save you a lot of time.
Factors to Look For When Buying RV Washers and Dryers
There are different factors that you would need to consider when it comes to choosing the best washers and dryers for your needs. The following are some of the important things that you need to keep in mind when you are shopping around for your machine.
Load Capacity: How Big the Machine
Plenty of RV washers and dryers are designed to be compact; they can accommodate a load of about half the size of the regular household counterparts. The capacity is measured in pounds, and they vary greatly depending on the specific product.
It can be annoying if your washers and dryers will take hours to clean a couple of clothes, so getting a big enough machine is crucial. If you are on the road with one or two people, you can opt for 10 to 15 pounds of capacity. However, if you have a large group of people, it would be best to get a large machine.
Before going out and buying one, you always have to consider the space in your RV and see if you have enough space for a large machine.
Design and Features: Front or Top Load
Most of the time, front-load models are more expensive, but they are more convenient and faster. Depending on the space that you have, you can go for the stackable units as well. The best RV washer dryer models should have different settings and controls. This way, it can let you select the type of wash depending on how dirty or delicate your clothes are.
Some models have designated settings for heavily soiled and delicate clothes, while others will have quick wash for lightly soiled clothes.
On the other hand, drying with most models should have different intervals. It would typically take about 30 minutes to dry a load, but then this would depend on the machine’s capacity.
Control Layout: It Should Be Easy to Use
Once you have gotten to RVing, it is likely that you have gotten used to different stressful issues, and the last thing you need is to struggle around challenging appliances. Before picking up a particular washer dryer, it is best to take a close look at its control. When you are doing laundry, it should be a walk in the park.
Your washer and dryer should have user-friendly controls. Another great way to know if the machine is user-friendly is by taking a peek at the reviews so that you can reach an objective conclusion.
Noise Level: Don’t Want It to Be Too Loud
It is tough to enjoy the great outdoors next to a loud machine, so it is best to consider the noise level of your washer and dryer before committing to a purchase. All machines emit sound, but it is noteworthy that some models have a relatively subtle operation than others.
There are a couple of moving parts when it comes to the washer dryer combo, but the noise and vibrations are minimal. The usual noise range of these machines is within 55 to 70 decibels. However, being inside the limited space of a rig means noises can be irritating.
It is best to get a unit with built-in anti-vibration technology that can minimize the noise and vibrations when you are doing your laundry. When you put a silent machine into your RV, you can do your laundry in a quiet manner, which is a big plus when you travel alongside others and wish to minimize any disturbances.
Your Budget: Very Important Factor to Consider
The price is usually linked to value that you don’t need to spend all of your money to get a premium-grade machine unless you have specific demands. The market today contains a wide variety of solid models that come at affordable prices. It would be best to consider choosing a machine that will match your budget and save some money for more pressing matters.
Having said this, it is strongly recommended that you avoid any dirt-cheap models since they tend to have a subpar quality.
Conclusion
There is no need to spend too much money on laundromats when you can buy your own washer and dryer for your rig. Remember that the combination of washer and dryer would depend on the space that you have in your RV as well as the load capacity, wash, and dry cycles. Make sure that you consider the different factors so that you will get the best machine for your rig. If you are looking for the best induction cooker for your van build, here’s an article that I have written.