Laundry on Tour: How Roadies Actually Keep Their Clothes Clean
Laundry on tour—it seems like a simple enough task, doesn't it? Toss your clothes in, get them clean, job done. But as anyone who’s spent time on the road will tell you, even something as mundane as washing clothes has its hidden complexities.
The truth is, there's more to keeping fresh on tour than first meets the eye, from navigating confusing venue setups to handling awkward foreign laundrettes.
Let's unpack the reality behind keeping your wardrobe clean while you're touring.
Venue Laundry: The Go-To Option
For most roadies, venue laundry is the default option. Typically, you drop it off in a bag and someone from the venue or a runner takes care of it for you, which makes things pretty straightforward. Costs usually range between £30 and £50 per laundry bag, making it convenient, albeit a little pricey.
Pros:
Convenient—no need to spend personal time on laundry
Minimal hassle—drop off and pick up at production when it's ready
Typically, you don't even need to provide detergent, though it's common for roadies to carry their own laundry tablets or sheets just in case.
Things to consider:
It can be tricky figuring out exactly where and when you need to drop your laundry off. Often, the crucial details—like collection points or deadlines—only become available at the very moment you're busiest at work. It's a small detail but a real inconvenience when timing isn't on your side.
Pricing isn't always clear-cut. If you underestimate the cost, you'll have someone chasing you for the difference. If you overpay, getting your change back isn't always straightforward.
Occasionally, items get lost or swapped, so clearly labelling your bags is always a smart move.
Laundrettes: Cheaper, but Comes at a Cost
An alternative that's a bit cheaper is heading to a local laundrette yourself. You'll save some cash, but you're spending time from your precious day off—time you might prefer spending relaxing, exploring, or just catching up on rest.
Pros:
Usually cheaper than venue laundry
You have full control over the washing process
Challenges and Realities:
You must dedicate significant personal time to washing and waiting—it's not exactly relaxing.
It’s not always as simple as dropping off your laundry. You often need to stay with your washing.
Doing laundry abroad adds extra complexity, including language barriers, unfamiliar currencies, and confusion about machine instructions.
Hotel Laundry: Convenience at a Premium
Some roadies opt for hotel laundry services, typically seen as the luxury option due to their high cost. It’s extremely convenient and usually fast, but be prepared to pay significantly more than you would at a venue or laundrette. This is usually a last resort or emergency measure rather than standard practice.
DIY Laundry in Hotel Rooms: Practical, but with Drawbacks
There's also the option of washing clothes yourself in your hotel room, which has its own unique set of considerations:
Pros:
Cheapest method by far
Complete control—wash whenever you want
Perfect for managing special washing needs
Cons:
Requires carrying around supplies such as laundry sheets, sink plugs, and travel clotheslines.
It takes up your downtime and isn’t exactly how most people envision spending their rest day.
There's a bit of a negative perception among touring crews around hotel sink-washing—it can come across as overly frugal or unconventional.
Practical Tips & Quick Takeaways
Laundry Sheets over Tablets: Lightweight, effective, and won't spill in your luggage—laundry sheets are a smart choice for touring roadies.
Clearly Label Your Laundry Bags: Reduces the risk of lost or mixed-up clothing.
Be Selective with Your Clothes: Avoid taking clothing items that need special care. Clothes that must be washed separately (like whites or delicate fabrics) can become an unnecessary headache on tour unless you're prepared to handle the washing yourself.
Wrapping it Up
Laundry on tour might seem like a no-brainer at first, but as we've seen, there's a bit more nuance involved than expected. Understanding these hidden complexities means you'll be better prepared—and fresher—when you're on the road.
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