How to Wash Your Laundry by Hand When Travelling (Yes, Even Your Linen & Bamboo Pyjamas) - Jade and May

How to Wash Your Laundry by Hand When Travelling (Yes, Even Your Linen & Bamboo Pyjamas)

Ah, travel—the open road, new places and faces… yet the washing still needs to happen. If you’re far from a washing machine and your Jade and May linen or bamboo pyjamas need a refresh, handwashing is your new bestie. Spoiler alert: it’s way easier than you think


What You'll Need

  • A sink, basin, or... even a clean hotel ice bucket

  • Mild detergent (we love the Koala Eco range of laundry detergents which are eco-friendly and smell delicious)

  • Clean cool water

  • A towel


Step-by-Step: Handwashing Like a Pro

1. Sort Your Laundry

Keep your colours from mingling too much. Wash light-coloured linen pyjamas separately from darker items 

2. Fill the Sink

Cool water is your friend here—not warm. Add a small amount of detergent and give it a quick swish

3. Soak & Swish

Add your pyjamas or other linen garments and let them soak for about 5–10 minutes. Then gently agitate by swishing them through the water. No need for scrubbing. If there is a stain then add a little detergent to the spot and gently rub it in with your fingers and allow it to soak again for another 5 minutes before gently swishing again

4. Rinse Rinse Baby

Drain the soapy water and refill with clean, cool water. Rinse until the water runs clear. You might need to do this a couple of times. It’s a rinse, not a race.

5. Press, Don’t Wring

Resist the urge to twist like you’re ringing a bell in a movie. Instead, press the water out gently. For extra points, lay the garment on a towel, roll it up, and gently press. Your Jade and May sleepwear will thank you.

6. Hang to Dry

Find a breezy spot (out of direct sunlight, if possible) and hang or lay flat to dry. Travel hack: use a padded hanger or drape over a chair for shape-friendly drying.


Bonus Tips for Travelling with Linen & Bamboo

  • Bamboo and linen pyjamas don't need to be washed as frequently as a set in a blend.  The natural anti-bacterial nature of the fabric will stop the fabric from holding onto scents, allowing them to stay fresher longer 
  • Pack light, wash often: You don’t need five pairs of pyjamas (Even though, yes, we know they’re all super cute and different)

  • Spritz between washes: A little fabric spray or essential oil mist keeps your pyjamas fresh between rinses

  • Choose natural fabrics: They dry quicker, breathe better, and let’s be honest—they just feel so much nicer on your skin


Final Word from the Linen & Bamboo Sleepwear Experts

At Jade and May, we design pyjamas that are made for living—whether that’s lounging at home, dashing through airports, or stargazing from a hammock in Costa Rica. Our ethically-made, all-natural linen pyjama sets and bamboo pyjamas are travel companions you’ll want to show off and care for.

And now that you know how to hand wash like a pro, you can keep your sleepwear fresh and fabulous no matter where your journey takes you.


Want more tips like this or just here for the pretty things?
Come hang out at jadeandmay.com.au – where comfy meets conscious