Washing Clothes When Thames Holiday Cruising

[RichLech]

We are about to set off on our first holiday cruise on our recently aquired boat. Missus is worried about having enough clothes and how they can be washed if necessary.

 

I note that many people recommend the portable washing machines and am very tempted but we haven't got one yet and I am a bit concerned about space required to keep one on board. If you are cruising I presume you run them off the invertor, preferably when the engine is running.

 

In the meantime the forthcoming trip will be up the Thames to Lechlade (from the River Wey) and I'm wondering if anyone knows of any launderette type facilities up that way. I know launderettes used to be common in most towns but I don't know these days.

 

Do any Marinas have facilities perhaps?

 

I would welcome comments on use of portable machines and advice of any washing facilities on the upper Thames.

 

 

[GUMPY]

I thought all women had more than a surfeit of things to wear and when getting low they just bought more

 

Seriously there is a good laundrette in Wallingford as well as good moorings, antique shops, p,aces to eat etc.

They also hold Bunkfest

http://www.bunkfest.co.uk

but thats a bit in the future.

[Lady Muck]

There is indeed a launderette in Wallingford, also there's one in Reading (over the Caversham bridge on the other side). If you go down the DIY route, portable washers don't use much elec and you can run them off a cheap invertor.

 

Do you have a smartphone? Because Google maps will help to find you launderettes. Thames is bordered by mostly rather posh villages and well-to-do towns so you might find some drycleaners will offer a service wash. There is one in Maidenhead that does this, I've used them, you just follow the main road from the bridge into the town, it's on a parade of shops.

 

Theres also quite a few campsites on the Upper Thames, I think the one at Lechlade takes washing in.

[sueb]

Launderette in Pangbourne. Hand washing and drying over the shower tray works

[bizzard]

The only time I pay visits to Launderettes is with bedding, everything else is done with with a rubbing board in the sink, dunked in the river for an initial rinse and final fresh water rinse.'' Use elbow grease'' the excercise is good for you.

[Lady Muck]

Launderette in Pangbourne.

Oh yes, I know that one, it's great. I have a spin dryer and a portable washer that both fit in my bathtub for when we are cruising, I use it if we're in the middle of nowhere and/or can't be bothered to go to launderettes. Both work off cheap Maplin invertor.

My portable washer is a lot bigger than the usual ones you can get, takes a 3.7kg load.

Edited May 17, 2013 by Lady Muck

[RichLech]

Many thanks for these replies.

[Tonka]

Oxford, moor by Waterman arms and down main road away from Oxford