The best portable washing machine is a savvy investment if you don't have access to a regular laundry appliance. Many will find such a device useful; students in dorms, people who regularly work away from home, campers and caravanners, holidaymakers, and anyone who can't fit a full-size machine into where they live. These machines can also help anyone who needs to wash items, such as reusable nappies or animal accessories and doesn't want to taint their regular washer.
Portable washing machines come in a wide range of designs, from automatic options that look similar to the real deal but are able to be relatively easily moved, to tiny turbine machines that can fit inside a suitcase and be deployed inside a bucket. Investing in such a machine saves the hassle of having to hand wash clothes.
Best portable washing machines at a glance:
• Best overall: FitnessClub 5kg Portable Twin Tub Washing Machine - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best compact: Display4top Portable Mini Washing Machine - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best fully automatic: TANGZON 2-in-1 Portable Washing Machine - Buy now on Amazon UK
There are obviously some compromises that have to be made with portable washing machines, the biggest of which is capacity. While the average UK washing dryer can handle around eight or nine kilograms of clothing, portable options can only cope with smaller loads. The benefits are space-saving, smaller footprint, less energy usage, reduced water consumption, and smaller initial cost.
Best portable washing machines
For a little more clarity, peek at our guide to using washing machines.
Best overall
AmazonThis compact and capable machine will cover you for three kilograms of washing, so enough to refresh daily essentials. Once you fill the machine with the integrated hose you can select between two wash modes, 'Normal', and 'Gentle' for delicates. The wash timer can run for three, six, nine, 12, or 15 minutes, then the two-kilogram-capacity spin cycle will get your clothing ready to be dried.
From over 350 reviews worldwide, the FitnessClub 5kg Washing Machine is said to be easy to use and suitable for small loads. Not only is it loved for its small size, good spinner mode and quick drying time, but it's said to be good value for money. However, it's said to be noisy and a little flimsy.
Pros
- Timer functionality
- Simple, top-loading design
Cons
- Spin cycle is noisy
Best for larger capacity
AmazonThis is another FitnessClub option that works in a similar way as our overall pick but boasts a larger capacity. That larger capacity does make for a bigger footprint and taller height in comparison, but the ability to be able to wash 6.5 kilograms of clothing might make up for it. This boasts a standard wash setting and a 'Soft' option for delicates. It can wash in cycles ranging from three to 15 minutes and spins for up to five.
Or, for larger households - consider the 8kg option from FitnessClub. It has earned a respectable 4/5 average star rating. It's said to be easy to use, works well and cleans clothes effectively. Lightweight - may find it portable and convenient, thanks to the carry handle. Plus, it's said to only require a small amount of detergent (which will save you some money.) However, opinions are mixed on the water draining and hose supplied.
Pros
- Large 8.5kg washing capacity
- Two wash settings for convenience
- With an easy-to-transport handle
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on the water draining and hose supplied
Best compact option
AmazonDisplay4top's best-selling mini portable washing machine is a great alternative to hand washing and has many reviews praising its compact dimensions and reliability for washing small loads. This portable washing machine can take on around three kilograms of clothing at a time, washing them in 15-minute intervals before you drain the water with the integrated hose and activate the spin cycle to dry.
With decent washability, size, and spin quality, this Display4top's portable pick is perfect for small to medium-sized washing loads. Not only are the controls are simple and easy to use, but also it's good to move around. Though reviews think it's good value for money, opinions are mixed on the build and draining capacity. You may need to get a hose separately.
Pros
- Transparent tank
- Timer options
Cons
- No fill hose
Best USB-powered
AmazonThis mini BAOK Mini Washing Machine could work for students who want to clean essentials between trips to the laundrette, parents who want to give reusable nappies a once-over before they put them in their full-size machine, or pet owners who need to clean grubby outdoor clothing. It's a bucket with a mini turbine washer that attaches via suction and rotates to wash for 30 minutes. It's USB-powered for convenience and portability.
BAOK's mini washer is another convenient pick for students or camping holidays. Not only is it said to be easy to use, but it's portable and compact. Many find it suitable for smaller clothes items but have issues with the functionality and build quality. And, it comes with no lid.
Pros
- Folding design
- Integrated carry handle
Cons
- No lid
Best fully automatic
AmazonThe largest of all the washing machines we're featuring, this is as close to a full-size washer as you'll get while still remaining portable at 23 kilograms. The larger dimensions allow for more functionality and full automation with eight water levels and 10 washing programmes. These include a handy 'Fast' function, a time-saving rinse and spin option, and an air dry option to get your clothing dried and ready to go out of the machine.
Why not take a peek at this TANGZON washing machine? It's said to be super convenient, compact and fully automatic, which suits us. Reviews appreciate its washability, ease of use, and good spinner quality. Yay! Whether tripping or living solo, this washer comes with a spinner that is as good as a full-size machine. It's much heavier than other options, though.
Pros
- 10 washing programs
- Easy clean filter
Cons
- Weighs 23kg - a little heavy!
What laundry detergents should you use in a portable washing machine?
• Don't use pods or tablet-style washing detergents. These single-use products are specifically designed to be used in full-size washers, so it's a waste to use them in a smaller device. It's almost certain the soap won't have the chance to get properly washed out of your clothing. And, you'll likely have to clean your washing machine.
• Do use a liquid laundry detergent. This is our overall recommendation for portable washers. You'll need to experiment with the exact quantities, but a liquid will dissolve instantly into the water.
• Only use washing powder if you can fill your machine with hot, or at least warm, water. This means the powder is more likely to dissolve and you won't end up with a grainy load of laundry.
• Bio or non-bio? The simple difference between bio and non-bio is that biological detergents have enzymes in. Enzymes help break down and remove stains, such as food, sweat, and grease and can work at lower temperatures (which most portable washing machines will be operating at). Non-bios don't have enzymes and are kinder to sensitive skin. If you don't need to worry about skin issues, opt for biological detergents as they are more efficient.
• Do put in a small splash of eco-friendly liquid fabric softener or conditioner, although we'd recommend adding this on a second cycle after the initial wash has finished.
• Don't put scented booster beads or pearls directly into the load as again, these won't have the chance to properly break down and you could end up with an oily residue. If you really can't live without them, use them sparingly and put them in a mesh bag to keep them separate from your clothing.
Now you just need to think about solutions to dry your clothing. We have recommendations for both traditional clothes dryers and more advanced heated clothes airer options for you to consider...
Amy-Mae Turner is a Commerce Content Writer for Modern Gardens, Yours, Take A Break Pets, and A Modern Kitchen. When she's not pottering in the garden or mucking around in the kitchen, she can be found having doggy cuddles with her two beloved cockapoochis.