The open road calls to many Australians, with the allure of the great outdoors and the freedom to explore our vast and beautiful country. Caravanning has become a popular way to travel, offering the comforts of home while on the move.
However, one of the challenges that comes with this nomadic lifestyle is maintaining the cleanliness of your clothes without the convenience of a traditional laundry setup. That’s where a new budget-friendly fix from Kmart is gaining attention among caravan users looking to simplify their laundry routine.
The collapsible washing machine, priced at $39, has attracted attention in caravanning circles for its space-saving design and practicality. This compact and portable solution is perfect for those who lack the space for a full-sized washing machine in their caravan or simply want to avoid adding extra weight to their vehicle. It’s a simple tool that has proven useful for those looking to make laundry easier while travelling.
Professional cleaner Jason Shipway, founder and director of Enhanced Cleaning in Perth, has given his seal of approval to this innovative product. Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, he shared his personal experience with the collapsible washing machine, noting its effectiveness for washing delicates separately from other laundry. ‘I can’t justify running a whole wash cycle in my regular machine for them, so I got a collapsible washer, and it’s been great for that,’ he said. Jason also believes it would be a fantastic addition to any camping trip, offering a more convenient alternative to hand washing.
Interest in the product has also been shared by social media users who travel in caravans. A caravan-owning Australian mum and mum-of-two, known on social media as @theformanfamily, put the Kmart collapsible washing machine to the test and was pleasantly surprised by its performance. ‘We don’t have a washing machine in our caravan, so I just found this mini collapsible washing machine at Kmart, and it actually works well,’ she exclaimed in her video.
So, how does this compact washer function? According to Kmart’s instructional video, the setup involves unfolding the machine, adding water and clothes, plugging in the cigarette lighter, and pressing the start button. After the wash cycle, drain the water, insert the spin dryer bucket with your clothes, and run the ‘semi-dehydrated’ function to finish the job. The 8L capacity is ample for on-the-go laundry needs, and when not in use, the machine can be folded down and stored neatly under the bed or in any small space.
The machine’s features are designed with the traveller in mind, including a multifunctional panel with intelligent timing, flexible drainage, and a portable handle. It even operates with a cigarette lighter and 12V adaptor, making it perfect for use in a caravan.
While many reviews have been positive, it’s worth noting that not every user has had a perfect experience. One person mentioned their machine ‘wobbles everywhere’ during the spin cycle. However, this seems to be an isolated issue, with the original social media reviewer noting that while the spin mode is intense, she hasn’t had problems with the machine tipping over.
What are your thoughts on compact laundry solutions for caravanning? Have you come across similar products or methods that work for you? Join the conversation in the comments below.
Also read: Revolutionise your cleaning routine with this $35 Kmart secret!
