Can I use the hotel's laundry service?

Yes, but be prepared to pay. Hotels often charge per item (e.g., 5 USD for a single t-shirt). Only use this for emergencies.

How do I dry clothes without a dryer?

Lay your wet item flat on a dry towel, roll the towel up tight like a burrito, and twist it to wring out excess water. Then, hang the item on a chair or a drying rack near an open window.

Do I need fabric softener?

No. It takes up space and most European tap water is hard enough that it won't make a significant difference. Stick to a high-quality all-in-one detergent.

Laundry on the Go: A Guide to Washing Clothes in Europe

Most European laundromats use coin-operated machines, so carry a dedicated pouch of small denomination coins. If you prefer to skip the laundromat, hand-wash lightweight items in the sink using a travel-sized concentrated soap bar.

Locate a laundromat. Search Google Maps for 'lavanderia' (Italy/Spain/Portugal), 'laverie' (France), or 'Waschsalon' (Germany). Check the reviews to ensure it is self-service and not a 'drop-off only' dry cleaning service.
Prepare your coins. Most machines take 1€ and 2€ coins. Do not rely on finding change machines on-site; they are often broken. Stop by a grocery store to break larger bills before heading to the shop.
Use the right soap. Bring 5–10 Tide Pods in a hard plastic container. Avoid buying detergent at the laundromat; it is often overpriced, sold in massive boxes, or dispensed in messy liquid packets that can ruin your clothes.
Mind the dryer cycle. European dryers are notoriously inefficient. Do not fill them to the brim. If you have a large load, split it into two dryers to ensure your clothes actually dry in one 40-minute cycle.

Can I use the hotel's laundry service?: Yes, but be prepared to pay. Hotels often charge per item (e.g., 5 USD for a single t-shirt). Only use this for emergencies.
How do I dry clothes without a dryer?: Lay your wet item flat on a dry towel, roll the towel up tight like a burrito, and twist it to wring out excess water. Then, hang the item on a chair or a drying rack near an open window.
Do I need fabric softener?: No. It takes up space and most European tap water is hard enough that it won't make a significant difference. Stick to a high-quality all-in-one detergent.