Why Do You Need Travel Laundry Bags For Your Next Trip?

Travel Laundry Bags are essential for keeping your clean and dirty clothes separate while exploring Vietnam. SIXT.VN offers convenient travel solutions, ensuring an organized and stress-free travel experience. With the right travel laundry bag, you can maintain freshness and hygiene throughout your journey. Consider using packing organizers, portable washing bags, and even odor-resistant sacks for enhanced cleanliness.

1. Our Top Picks

Here are some of the best travel laundry bags available, categorized by their standout features.

2. Best Overall

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes

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Credit: Bagsmart

Why We Love It: These cubes come in a set of six, with various sizes, and you can compress them to take up less space in your suitcase.

What to Consider: Though they come with six cubes, none of them are very large, so you will have to divide your laundry among them.

This set of six packing cubes by Bagsmart allows you to maximize space in your luggage by compressing clothing, reducing bulk, and optimizing storage capacity in your suitcase or duffel. The compression feature not only saves valuable space but also helps keep belongings neatly organized and separated throughout the journey. Multiple Travel + Leisure editors own these bags, loving them for their variety of sizes and versatility. They’re also our favorite compression packing cubes out of all the ones we’ve tested. They prevent clothes from shifting and becoming wrinkled during transit. Crafted from premium polyester material with zippers that don’t snag, these packing cubes ensure long-lasting performance trip after trip, and each feature a handy top handle that makes them easy to individually carry. The set includes six cubes of ascending sizes, plus a shoe bag, helping with the separation of various types of soiled linens. Since dirty clothes tend to take up tons of space as a trip goes on, these compression pouches ensure that they stay tidy and unobstructed. None of the bags are very large, though, so you’ll have to divide your laundry among them rather than placing all of your soiled items in one singular bag.

The Details: 6 bags | 5 x 10.5 x 6 inches (large); 13 x 9 x 5 inches (medium); 13 x 5 x 5 inches (small); 21.5 x 12 inches (shoe bag) | Polyester

These compression cubes are perfect for travelers visiting Hanoi who want to make the most of their limited luggage space. You can separate clean and dirty clothes easily, ensuring your trip stays organized.

3. Best Dual Compartment

Eagle Creek Isolate Clean/Dirty Cube

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Credit: Eagle Creek

Why We Love It: Isolated compartments make it easy to separate your laundry based on clothing type and level of soil.

What to Consider: The zipper closure doesn’t go all the way around the bag.

This innovative bag features a dual-compartment design that allows for the separation of clean and dirty clothes, ensuring your garments stay fresh and orderly throughout your journey. The clean side provides a dedicated space for neatly folded clothing, while the dirty side accommodates used garments, keeping them isolated and contained to prevent odor transfer to clean items. This dual functionality eliminates the hassle of rummaging through luggage to find specific items and simplifies the packing and unpacking process. It’s a total game-changer for travelers.

Another detail that sets the Eagle Creek Cube apart is its premium construction: crafted from high-quality, durable materials, this bag is built to withstand the rigors of travel, ensuring reliability trip after trip. Its lightweight design adds minimal bulk to luggage, maximizing packing space without compromising on functionality. We love that the cube’s breathable fabric on one side promotes air circulation, helping to prevent mildew buildup, while the opposite side is sturdier to lock in odor or moisture. Keep in mind, though, that the more you pack into the side with clean clothes, the less room you will have for dirty clothes that accumulate (especially if you also brought another pack or suitcase).

The Details: 1 bag | 14 x 10 x 4 inches | 100 percent polyester ripstop | 9 liters | 2.7 ounces

The Eagle Creek Isolate Cube is ideal for separating your garments when visiting Hanoi. Keep your exploration gear distinct from your clean attire with ease.

4. Best Odor-Blocking

Stnky Bag Pro

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Credit: Amazon

Why We Love It: Crafted with health workers in mind, this bag keeps your soiled linens (and their odors) from interacting with your clean ones.

What to Consider: While it has a small carrying loop, there is no larger handle.

This unique laundry bag by STNKY incorporates both an inner mesh bag and an outer layer made from odor-resistant polyester material. The clever design ensures that travelers never have to touch their soiled clothing since dirty laundry is cradled by the inner layer, attached at the top of the bag’s interior. The inner mesh bag is made with zippers at both the top and bottom, so when travelers arrive home from a trip or pay a visit to the laundromat during their travels, they can simply unzip the bottom zipper and then remove it from the outer. The entire mesh pouch can be thrown in the wash and in the dryer. It makes sense that the bag is favored by health care professionals such as nurses, doctors and EMTs who use this bag to bring their scrubs home in a sanitary way. For those on the go, it means never having to come in contact with used airport outfits (or their odors) until they are fresh out of the wash.

The Details: 1 bag | 18 x 14 inches | Polyester | 13 liters

The Stnky Bag Pro is excellent for Hanoi travelers wanting to minimize odors from used clothing during their exploration of Vietnam’s vibrant culture.

5. Most Durable

Thule Clean/Dirty Packing Cube

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Credit: Amazon

Why We Love It: Crafted from ultrarugged materials, this travel laundry container was designed with durability in mind.

What to Consider: Some might wish it could fit more inside, due to its dual compartments.

Crafted with high-quality materials, this packing cube by Thule ensures longevity and reliability for travelers entering even the most rugged of conditions. Its durable construction, featuring waterproof 100-denier ripstop nylon, YKK zippers, and reinforced stitching, withstands the rigors of constant travel, ensuring that it remains intact trip after trip. Whether tossed into a suitcase, backpack, or carry-on, the Thule Clean/Dirty Packing Cube will maintain its structural integrity, safeguarding your garments throughout your journey. Separate compartments meant for clean and dirty laundry allow for effortless organization while on the go, and the waterproof lining in the dirty clothing compartment locks in odor and moisture.

The Details: 1 bag | 13.4 x 9.5 x 6 inches | 100-denier ripstop nylon | 13 liters | 6.4 ounces

For adventurers exploring Hanoi’s outskirts, the Thule Clean/Dirty Packing Cube is tough enough to handle the most demanding travel conditions, keeping your garments safe.

6. Best Large Capacity

AURFLO Jumbo Mesh Laundry Bag – Set of 2

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Credit: Amazon

Why We Love It: This dual set of extra-large laundry bags is perfect for a longer trip.

What to Consider: There is no outer layer, so it might not be best for wet items.

With their spacious design and breathable yet tough material, this duo of laundry bags offers ample room to accommodate tons of dirty clothing, making them perfect for extended trips or family vacations. The bags are large but unstructured, making them easy to fold and pack into any suitcase. Since this set includes two bags, it’s easy for a couple to separate their soiled linens or for one traveler to separate dark and light laundry. The latter is especially helpful as these bags are machine washable, so presorted laundry becomes a breeze to wash once you return home. Once in the washer and dryer, the bags help to protect your clothing as well. It’s also a plus that the mesh material not only provides breathability to prevent odors, but also allows for easy identification of contents, ensuring efficient sorting. The sturdy drawstring closure and a loop for hanging or carrying adds to its versatility and usability while on the go.

The Details: 2 bags | 30 x 30 x 0.5 inches | Polyester blend | 4.4 ounces

The AURFLO Jumbo Mesh Laundry Bags are excellent for those on longer Hanoi trips, offering plenty of space for your garments.

7. Best for Organization

Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes

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Credit: Amazon

Why We Love It: This travel organization set comes with eight different bags, including a toiletry bag and a shoe bag.

What to Consider: The laundry bag itself is not machine washable.

For travelers looking to hit eight birds with one stone, this versatile set includes not only a laundry bag, but also four packing cubes, a shoe bag, a toiletry bag, and a small pouch to keep your entire suitcase organized to the max. The packing cubes come in various sizes, allowing you to efficiently utilize every inch of your luggage space. You can use the classic drawstring laundry bag to hold all of your dirty clothes on short trips, or you can divide your laundry among the different bags based on type, making for an easy laundry day when you return home. The laundry bag itself is not machine washable, so you’ll have to either hand-wash it or use antibacterial wipes to clean it.

The Details: 8 bags |20 x 14 inches (laundry bag) | Polyester | 1.21 pounds (total)

The Veken 8 Set ensures maximum luggage organization for your Hanoi trip. With multiple cubes, your garments will stay tidy and sorted.

8. Best Machine Washable

Grove Co. Laundry Bag Set

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Credit: Grove Co.

Why We Love It: This machine washable set will also protect your delicates when not traveling.

What to Consider: They may not be spacious enough for longer trips.

This duo of delicates bags is great for use at home and while traveling, providing you with a way to sort and protect your laundry all year round. Crafted from sustainably sourced, machine-washable mesh, they’re created by Grove Collaborative, which specializes in green household and personal care products. The mesh material makes it easy to see what’s inside, and the colorful, contrasting zippers also make it easy to identify which bag is which, in addition to their different sizes. While traveling, the bags are a great way to sort your dark- and light-colored clothing, keeping them separate from your clean clothes and from one another before popping each into the wash. The bags are also dryer-friendly, which makes wash day much more seamless.

The Details: 2 bags | 19 x 15 inches (large), 15 x 11.25 inches (medium) | Polyester mesh

The Grove Co. Laundry Bag Set is excellent for Hanoi travelers who value easy maintenance. Simply toss them in the wash for a fresh start.

9. Best Collapsible

HONOMA Sturdy Mesh Laundry Hamper Basket

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Credit: Amazon

Why We Love It: It folds flat when empty, holds a ton of stuff, and is incredibly affordable.

What to Consider: It’s better to use when doing laundry at your destination rather than packing it while full.

Affordable, light, and collapsible, this laundry hamper provides some major bang for your buck without taking up virtually any room when empty. It’s constructed from thick mesh with sturdy side paneling, and comes in either a horizontal or vertical configuration. Its large, 50-liter capacity means it can hold tons of soiled laundry, making it a good option if you plan on staying in one accommodation for an extended period of time where you plan to do full loads of laundry while traveling. An additional side pocket is perfect for stowing a travel-size laundry detergent, and sturdy carrying straps make it easy to take it from point A to point B. The sturdy nature of this laundry bag might not make it the best option for shorter journeys or those where you might be moving around frequently, as you won’t be able to easily pop it into a suitcase when filled, but it folds completely flat when it’s empty.

The Details: 23 x 14 x 14 inches | Polyester | 50 liters | 8 ounces

The HONOMA Mesh Laundry Hamper Basket is perfect for longer stays in Hanoi. Collapse it when empty and utilize its large capacity during your travels.

10. Best Style

Quiet Town Re:Canvas Laundry Bag Pine

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Credit: Quiet Town

Why We Love It: The color-blocking design is more stylish than traditional laundry bags, and the materials are durable.

What to Consider: There is only one large compartment, which doesn’t allow for sectioning laundry.

Crafted from durable, heavyweight cotton canvas, this bag by Brooklyn-based brand Quiet Town exudes playful elegance with its minimalist, color-blocking design and bold colors. The thoughtful inclusion of sturdy, bright blue backpack straps ensures easy portability, so locals will be none the wiser that you’re toting dirty laundry around. The spacious interior provides ample room for stowing away your unlaundered garments, but be aware that there is only one large compartment. There is a small compartment on the front of the bag for laundry detergent, though, and a smaller one at the top of the interior compartment that would be perfect for coins or dryer sheets. Its foldable design allows for effortless storage in your bags when not in use, making it an ideal choice for space-conscious travelers, and its attractive design means you can even use it as a normal backpack when the laundry is all done.

The Details: 31 x 15 inches | Cotton canvas | 2 pounds

The Quiet Town Re:Canvas Laundry Bag combines style and functionality for your Hanoi travels, doubling as a chic backpack.

11. Best Mini

Dagne Dover Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag

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Credit: Dagne Dover

Why We Love It: This small travel bag is perfect for transporting a wet swimsuit or sweaty garments.

What to Consider: It won’t fit more than a few garments.

This compact laundry bag features a roll-top design that not only maximizes space but also ensures a secure closure, keeping odors and moisture at bay. Constructed from durable, waterproof nylon with a roll-and-clip closure, it’s perfect to pop into your backpack before traveling to the beach or lake or for use after a strenuous, sweat-inducing hike. The Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag boasts just enough room for storing dirty garments, making it ideal for short trips, wet bathing suits, or dirty undergarments. A wipeable interior also means you can get multiple uses from it on one trip — if you aren’t using it for laundry at any one time, you can always use it to store snacks for a hike or produce from the local market instead.

The Details: 5.25 x 1 x 11 inches (when unfolded) | Nylon | 4.9 liters | 3.5 ounces

The Dagne Dover Rae Dry Bag is perfect for shorter Hanoi trips, keeping smaller items like swimwear or undergarments separate and dry.

12. Best for At Home and On the Go

Crate & Barrel White Canvas Hamper Liner

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Credit: Crate & Barrel

Why We Love It: This simple but effective laundry bag easily works for both home and travel use.

What to Consider: The cotton canvas material is not waterproof.

For those who don’t have the storage space for multiple laundry bags or simply want one that can do double duty, this classic laundry bag from Crate & Barrel is a great option. Made to fit inside of a hamper, it has drawstrings at the top and a sturdy carrying strap that also makes it easy to tote your laundry from the hamper to the wash or to the laundromat while you’re traveling. Its unstructured shape means you can fold and pack it up tightly to fit into your suitcase or duffel bag. The cotton canvas material only comes in white and is not waterproof, but it is machine washable. You can also get it personalized with a name for an additional cost.

The Details: 27.5 x 15.5 x 15.5 inches | 100 percent cotton canvas

The Crate & Barrel Hamper Liner provides a versatile laundry solution for home and travel in Hanoi, simplifying your packing process.

13. Tips for Buying a Travel Laundry Bag

Prioritize Materials that Suit Your Needs

When shopping for a travel laundry bag, it’s crucial to pick one crafted from a material that aligns with your specific needs and travel style. Consider these factors to ensure the best choice for your trip to Vietnam:

• Durability: Opt for high-quality materials like ripstop nylon or polyester that can withstand frequent use and potential rough handling during travels. A durable laundry bag ensures longevity and reliability, preventing unexpected tears or damage that could compromise its functionality while traveling.
• Water Resistance: Prioritize water-resistant or waterproof materials if you anticipate wet clothing or inclement weather. This is especially useful if you plan to visit coastal areas or experience the rainy season in Vietnam.
• Breathability: For those not anticipating rugged travels and for anyone who prefers to prioritize washability, look for breathable mesh. Breathable materials help prevent odors and mildew buildup, keeping your clothes fresh.
• Material Types:
  • Polyester and nylon are both lightweight, synthetic fibers designed to endure wear and tear. Polyester repels water, while nylon absorbs water.
  • Natural fibers such as cotton are breathable but not waterproof.

Consider the Bag’s Features

Some bags are basically one singular cube, sack, or hamper with no bells and whistles, while others have some additional features that make them more unique. Look for bags with some sort of carrying strap if they’re large in size so that you can transport them easily or compression zippers to help make them easier to pack. Some bags also have pockets for storing detergent packets or laundry money. Those who travel with delicate garments will likely want a breathable, protective bag that can fold or hang (look for hanging loops!). Others who travel under intense weather conditions should look for a durable, waterproof option. Adventure enthusiasts will likely want a laundry bag that allows clothing to breathe and prevents bacterial growth between adrenaline-pumping activities. You’ll also want a bag that has a secure closure, like a zipper or a drawstring, that’s easy to use and won’t break even if you fully stuff the bag with dirty items.

Check the Return Policy

After investing in a travel laundry bag, the last thing you want is to buy another one due to a defect or a missed return period. Check the company policies directly from the manufacturer where you buy the bag to ensure you can get a refund should you need to exchange the laundry bag for a different option that better suits you. It is always worth noting the warranty as well as learning about free replacements and the corresponding time frame of availability to avoid unpleasant surprises.

14. Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Use a Laundry Bag While Traveling?

Using a laundry bag while traveling is helpful for several reasons. First, it helps to keep your clean clothes separate from the dirty ones, maintaining organization and hygiene in your luggage. It also prevents odors and stains from spreading to other items, preserving the freshness of your garments throughout your trip. Many travelers find that using a laundry bag facilitates efficient unpacking, and it also helps speed up your wash if you have opted to use machine-washable, color-sorted bags.

How Do I Wash a Travel Laundry Bag?

You can throw most mesh laundry bags directly into the washer and dryer, solving the problem of washing the bag itself. Nylon and polyester laundry bags can usually be wiped clean with a wet cloth and mild soap. Before washing your travel laundry bag, make sure to double check the manufacturer’s care instructions because not all of them are machine washable. If they are not, you may be able to hand wash them or wipe them down with antibacterial wipes.

Can Laundry Bags Go in the Dryer?

Some laundry bags can go in the dryer, but it depends on the material they’re made of. Mesh or fabric laundry bags are generally safe for dryer use, but it’s essential to check the care instructions first. Some laundry bags may be more prone to shrinking or melting in high heat, so it’s crucial to follow the recommended drying settings to avoid damaging the bag. Additionally, if the bag contains any plastic components like zippers or drawstrings, it’s usually best to air dry them.

15. You May Also Want

Staying organized and clean while traveling takes a lot more than just a laundry bag. These additional items will help keep all your essentials together, or in the case of your soiled clothing, separate.

• Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag:

Dry bags can come in handy if you plan on doing water activities during your vacation. This set comes with three different color-coded sizes with simple roll-top closures.

• Mossio Shoe Bag:

This bag is waterproof, fits multiple pairs of shoes, and can be used to store other items like toiletries and dirty laundry.

• Away The Hanging Toiletry Bag:

Keep your toiletries, makeup, or other small items organized with this water-resistant bag from popular luggage brand Away. It has a sturdy metal hook to hang it and a removable, transparent pouch inside.

Maximize Your Hanoi Trip with SIXT.VN

As you prepare for your adventure in Hanoi, remember that SIXT.VN is here to enhance your travel experience. We offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to make your trip as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Discover Our Essential Travel Services:

1. Expert Travel Consultation: Let us help you craft the perfect itinerary that matches your interests and schedule. Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, vibrant street food tours, or serene natural landscapes, our team provides personalized recommendations and expert advice.

2. Convenient Airport Transfer: Start your trip stress-free with our reliable and comfortable airport transfer services. Our professional drivers will ensure you reach your destination safely and on time, providing a warm welcome to Vietnam.

3. Handpicked Hotel Selection: We offer a curated selection of hotels to suit every budget and preference. From luxury accommodations to cozy boutique hotels, find the perfect base for your Hanoi explorations through SIXT.VN.

4. Exclusive Tour Packages: Discover the hidden gems of Hanoi and its surroundings with our exclusive tour packages. Choose from cultural excursions, culinary adventures, or scenic day trips, all designed to immerse you in the beauty and traditions of Vietnam.

5. Effortless Flight Booking: Take advantage of our hassle-free flight booking services to secure the best deals on your travel to and from Hanoi. Our team is dedicated to finding the most convenient and cost-effective options for your journey.

Why Choose SIXT.VN?

• Reliability and Trust: Count on us for reliable and high-quality services that you can depend on.
• Convenience: Simplify your travel planning with our easy-to-use website and dedicated customer support.
• Local Expertise: Benefit from our in-depth knowledge of Hanoi and Vietnam, ensuring an authentic and enriching travel experience.

Don’t let planning challenges hold you back from experiencing the best of Hanoi. Contact SIXT.VN today to start planning your unforgettable trip.

Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358

Website: SIXT.VN

Let SIXT.VN be your trusted partner in discovering the beauty and excitement of Vietnam!

16. Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Austa Somvichian-Clausen is a travel writer and published author living in New York City. She has been covering travel and lifestyle content since 2017 and travels frequently for work, often for long periods of time. Her irregular travel schedule makes it necessary for her to organize and clean her clothes on-the-go. To find the best travel laundry bags, she relied on research and gear tests.

Asia London Palomba

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Asia London Palomba is a trilingual Italian writer from Rome, currently based in Boston. As a writer, Asia focuses on food, travel, and history, and has covered everything from the best travel products to bring on a trip India to medieval judicial duels.

Jackie Cucco

Jackie Cucco is a testing editor at Travel + Leisure, where she plans product tests and writes/edits travel-related product reviews based on in-depth product testing. She previously worked as a travel agent, has a degree in journalism, and has over eight years of experience covering products and gift guides. She has made over 100 TV appearances discussing consumer products and shopping trends.

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