The best travel detergent is one you forget you packed. Until you need it, and then it's there, flat and dry, not soaking your toothbrush.

Quick answer: laundry sheets are light, flat and don't spill, so they're great for trips. Tear off half a sheet for a hotel sink. At camp, wash well away from lakes and streams.

Why sheets travel well

• Light: a stack weighs about as much as a few postcards.
• Flat: they slip into a pocket or zip bag.
• No spills: nothing leaks in your luggage.
• Solid: generally easier at security than liquids.^†

The hotel sink method

1. Plug the sink and fill it with water.
2. Dissolve half a sheet.
3. Soak socks and underwear for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse, roll in a towel and hang overnight.

By morning you have fresh socks and a slightly confused housekeeper.

Camp laundry tips

• Use a bucket or collapsible basin.
• Wash well away from water sources, and scatter rinse water widely.^†
• Use as little as possible. A quarter sheet goes far.
• Hang to dry in the sun.

How to pack them

Keep them in a zip bag so humidity can't get in (read it).

FAQ

Are laundry sheets allowed on planes? They're solid, which is usually simpler than liquids. Check current TSA rules.^†

Can I wash clothes in a hotel sink? Yes. Half a sheet and a 15-minute soak does it.

Can I use laundry sheets while camping? Yes. Wash away from water sources and use a small amount.

How do I keep sheets dry while traveling? A sealed zip bag.