We’ve all been there. You’re halfway through a holiday, the laundry is piling up and you’re faced with a choice: spend valuable sightseeing time searching for a laundromat, pay expensive hotel laundry charges or simply pack enough clothes to last the entire trip.
But what if you could wash your clothes almost anywhere, using just a little water, some detergent and a lightweight bag that fits in the palm of your hand?
That’s the idea behind the Scrubba Wash Bag, an innovative Australian-designed travel accessory that has become a favourite among backpackers, campers, hikers and frequent travellers around the world.
And thanks to Scrubba, three Traveltalk readers will each have the chance to discover just how easy washing on the road can be.
A Washing Machine In Your Backpack
The Scrubba Wash Bag might look like a simple waterproof dry bag, but inside is a clever flexible washboard designed to clean clothes without the need for electricity or bulky equipment.
Using it couldn’t be easier.
Simply add your clothes, a little water and a small amount of laundry detergent. Fold down the top along the marked lines and clip closed, release excess air through the valve and rub the clothes against the internal washboard.
The flexible nodules help create a scrubbing action similar to a traditional washboard, removing dirt and freshening clothes in just a few minutes.
Once finished, empty the soapy water, rinse your clothes and hang them out to dry.
The washing step takes just 30 seconds to three minutes, before rinsing and hanging your clothes to drymaking it an ideal solution for travellers who would rather spend their time exploring than doing laundry.
Pack Less, Experience More
One of the biggest advantages of travelling with a Scrubba Wash Bag is the freedom to pack fewer clothes.
Instead of filling your suitcase with enough outfits for a two-week holiday, you can wash essentials along the way, helping reduce luggage weight and save valuable packing space.
For travellers navigating airports, trains and buses, that can make a considerable difference.
The original Scrubba Wash Bag weighs approximately 150 grams and folds down small enough to slip into a backpack, carry-on bag or suitcase.
It’s particularly handy for washing underwear, socks, T-shirts, activewear and other lightweight garments while travelling.
Whether you’re trekking through Southeast Asia, camping in the Australian outback, exploring Europe by rail or spending a few weeks island-hopping, having a portable laundry solution means you’re less dependent on hotel facilities and local laundromats.
It can also help reduce the need for frequent machine washing, particularly when you only have a handful of items to clean.
An Australian Idea That Went Global
The Scrubba Wash Bag was invented by Australian traveller and entrepreneur Ash Newland, who came up with the idea while preparing for a climbing expedition to Africa.
Faced with the challenge of keeping clothes clean while travelling light, he developed a portable washing solution that combined the simplicity of handwashing with the effectiveness of a washboard.
The product launched through crowdfunding in 2012 and quickly attracted international attention.
Since then, Scrubba has developed a loyal following among travellers looking for practical ways to make life on the road easier. The latest model has a new tapered shape, a window and updated closure.
It’s a wonderfully simple concept: a lightweight bag, a little water and a few minutes of effort can replace the need to find a washing machine.
And for anyone who has ever returned home with a suitcase full of dirty laundry, it’s an idea that makes plenty of sense.
The Prize
Three lucky Traveltalk readers will each win:
- One original Scrubba Wash Bag in green
- A lightweight, portable laundry solution weighing approximately 150 grams
- An integrated flexible washboard for cleaning clothes
- A compact, foldable design ideal for travel, hiking and camping
- A simple handwashing system that requires no electricity
Discover more about the Australian-designed Scrubba Wash Bag at Scrubba.
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For your chance to win one of three Scrubba Wash Bags, simply complete the entry form below.
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Entries close: 9 December 2026 11:59pm AEDT
Photo Credit: Camp Trend
