Why do some hotels etc and other accommodation have rules against washing clothes in your room or in the sink?
In some hotels and other kinds of accommodation including hostels and I believe even campgrounds there is a rule against hand washing your laundry in the sink or handbasin, or in your room. I'm sure I've come across this in multiple countries.
Now one of the tips for saving money when travelling on a budget is to wash your own clothes by hand. Especially when combined with tips for travelling with minimal luggage which include wearing the same clothes over and over by washing them every night in your hotel room. (I believe Rolf Potts advocated this in his no-baggage round-the-world challenge.)
Do we know the reason(s) for this rule?
Is it unhygienic? Does it cause problems with the drains? Does it stain the sinks? Have people gotten sick from preparing food in sinks used for clothes washing?
I'm pretty sure it can't be just to get guests to pay for their laundry service as I'm pretty sure I've seen this even in places that don't offer a laundry service. For instance I think I've even seen it at campgrounds.
Yes I know some places offer a special sink for hand-washing, as does the hostel I currently work at.
Here are some signs I don't have the right to include but can link to: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
If anybody knows what I'm talking about and has a photo of such a sign or rule to contribute then please add it. Whether you know the answer or not (-:
Best Answer
Rick Steves has a post on this and his answer comes down to:
Interpret hoteliers’ reticence as “I have lots of good furniture and fine floors in this room, and I don’t want your drippy laundry ruining things.” But as long as you wash carefully and are respectful of the room, go right ahead.
It's also possible they want to save on water, but then you'd expect to see warnings on showers as well.
It's also possible they want to charge you for a laundry service instead, as they can do this more efficiently and in batches.
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Can I wash my clothes at a hotel?
Most full-service hotels (and cruise ships) offer laundry services, which generally include washing, drying, ironing, and hanging or folding your clothes.How do you wash clothes in a sink while traveling?
Try using a hair dryer to remove some of the moisture and then hang your clothes to dry (do not hang damp clothing on a wooden hanger or it will stain). I find an ironing board works pretty well, as does the shower curtain rod.How do you dry clothes in a hotel room?
How to Do Laundry in the BathtubSee Which Hotels Were Caught Not Changing Bedsheets for New Guests
More answers regarding why do some hotels etc and other accommodation have rules against washing clothes in your room or in the sink?
Answer 2
There is one more issue. If you wash something in the sink, it's wet afterwards (how surprising!). Now, if something is wet, it will need to dry. During the drying process, it will create a lot of humidity. Of course, taking a shower and drying your towel also creates a lot of humidity, but doing laundry just puts an extra dimension to it. Unless you hang everything in the bathroom and the bathroom is very well ventilated, it will cause an issue for the walls, furniture etc.
In the hostels, the extra humidity may be an issue for the other guests, especially if very wet clothes are hung on the heaters, which are then set to the maximum. Not everyone can sleep well in the tropical climate...
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