The romance of the open road and the allure of a nomadic lifestyle have many Australians hitching up caravans and setting off to explore the vast beauty of our sunburnt country. The freedom to roam from the red deserts to the sparkling coastlines is a dream for many, especially for those in the over-60s demographic who have the time and spirit for such adventures. But as seasoned caravanners will tell you, life on the road isn't without its challenges, particularly when it comes to the mundane chores of daily living – like laundry.


Laundry might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of caravanning, but it's a necessary task that can quickly become a hassle without the convenience of a home washing machine. Thanks to a clever find from Kmart, this chore can be tackled with ease and efficiency, leaving more time for relaxation and enjoyment of the great outdoors.


A $9 Kmart item has become the talk of the caravanning community, offering a simple yet effective solution to washing clothes on the go. In a popular online group dedicated to caravan living, one member asked, 'How do fellow travellers wash clothes if they don’t have a machine?' The responses were varied, but one stood out for its ingenuity and affordability.


The answer? A Kmart 15L dry bag, priced at a mere $9. This waterproof bag, typically used for keeping belongings dry during water-based activities, has been repurposed by savvy travellers as a makeshift washing machine. The process is straightforward: fill the bag with water, add some wool wash, seal it, and then agitate the clothes inside. After a good soak and squeeze, the clothes can be drip-dried in the shower or hung outside the caravan.

The dry bag's portability and lightweight design make it an ideal travel companion. It's double stitched and tape seam sealed, ensuring that it can withstand the rigours of the road. And with an almost 5-star rating on Kmart's website, it's clear that this product has won the hearts of many adventurers.

This Kmart find is not only practical but also cost-effective, especially when compared to alternatives like the Scrubba Bag, which retails for around $65. The Scrubba boasts internal scrubbing 'nobules' for a machine-quality wash, but for those on a budget, the Kmart dry bag offers a compelling alternative.


Creative solutions didn't stop there. Some caravanners shared their own tricks, such as using a bucket with a tight-fitting lid and wool wash. The idea is to let the day's travel do the work, agitating the clothes as the caravan moves, then rinsing and hanging upon arrival at the day's destination.

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, another suggestion was to use a commercial salad spinner to soak, agitate, and spin the clothes, followed by a rinse and repeat. And for a bit of DIY ingenuity, one caravanner recommended using a bucket with a lid and a paint masher from Bunnings to mash the clothes clean.

These tricks are not only clever but also speak to the resourcefulness and camaraderie within the caravanning community. Sharing tips and tricks helps everyone to enjoy the journey a little more, and it's this spirit of helpfulness that makes the lifestyle so appealing.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, whether you're a seasoned caravanner or considering taking the plunge into caravan life, remember that it's not just about the destinations you visit but also the smart solutions you employ along the way. The $9 Kmart dry bag might just be the gem you need to keep your caravan adventure free from the tedious task of laundry, leaving you with more time to soak in the stunning vistas and experiences that await on Australia's open roads.
Have you discovered any other caravan tricks or cost-saving tips that have made your travels easier? Share your experiences in the comments below – your fellow travellers might thank you for it!