Tired of hauling heavy laundry baskets to the laundromat or waiting for a machine to free up in your apartment building? Imagine the freedom of washing a small load of clothes right in your own space, whenever you need it. That dream is now a reality with portable washing machines!
But let’s be honest, diving into the world of portable washers can feel overwhelming. You see so many different sizes, features, and prices. Which one is actually good? You want something that cleans well but doesn’t take up your whole bathroom. Finding the perfect balance between power and portability is the real challenge.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what you need to look for, from spin power to size limits. By the end of this post, you will know the best portable washing machine for your specific needs, saving you time and frustration.
Ready to take control of your laundry, no matter how small your space is? Let’s dive into the best portable washing machines available today!
Top Portable Washing Machine Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer, 6.6 lb. Capacity Washing Machine for Homes & Apartments, 5 Wash Cycles, Quick Connect Sink Adapter and Drain Hose Included, Transparent Lid, BPWM09W, White
- Multiple Wash Cycles: Wash your laundry at home with this Black and Decker portable washer. Our portable clothes washer has 5 cycle selections: Heavy, Gentle, Normal, Rapid, and Soak.
- Cold Water Wash Only: This portable washing machine offers 3 water level choices for small, medium, and large loads up to 6.6 lbs. capacity for cold water only temperature settings.
- Stainless Steel Tub: Our 0.9 cu. ft. portable laundry machine features a durable, rust and corrosion-resistant stainless steel wash tub with top loading transparent quiet-close lid to view contents.
- Safety Features: Our small washing machine features auto unbalance detection to ensure laundry is cleaned at peak performance, as well as auto shutoff safety features and child lock protection.
- Portable Convenience: Connect and disconnect this apartment washing machine with ease and transport from kitchen or bathroom to storage closet on two roller wheels with side handles when its needed.
Bestseller No. 2
Auertech Portable Washing Machine, 28lbs Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine with Drain Pump, Semi-automatic 18lbs Washer 10lbs Spinner Combo for Dorms, Apartments, RVs
- [Large Capacity Twin tub Washer] Auertech portable mini washer has two separate tubs, washing tub and spin tub, allowing you to wash and dry clothes at the same time. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to fit in bathrooms or closets. Perfect for dorms, apartments, RVs, etc. Note: There is water in the washing machine because it is tested before packaging, we do not sell used products!
- [Powerful Performance] Equipped with a 1300 rpm powerful motor, clothes can be washed quickly and efficiently. Washer capacity: 18lbs, Spin capacity: 10lbs. Recommended maximum water line: 13.5 inches. The transparent window allows you to see the process of washing or spinning. Our mini washer machine can achieve low consumption and save water, while free your hands.
- [Equip with Drain Pump & Adjustable Inlet Hose] This portable washing machine equipped with a drainage pump. You can choose freely drain water to a higher position or a convenient place randomly. You never need to worry about the drainage problem.
- [Separate Time Control & Lint Filter]Users can control washing time, washing mode and spinning time through the three control switches on the panel. There is two water inlets on the panel for connecting the hose to easily add water. With the simple control panel, this mini washer is easy to operate and you can get clean clothes in three steps.
- [Product Usage Tips] 1. Don't overload. Overload may cause the motor to turn on overheating protection. 2. Balance the spinner to prevent it from losing balance, hitting the inner walls, stopping work. 3. If the machine doesn’t drain, check that the water hose is not clogged or bent, which may prevent the spinner from working properly. 4. Make sure the drain height is less than 45 inches.
Bestseller No. 3
Vicamy Portable Shoe Washing Machine,Sock Washing Machine, 3-in-1 Mini Washer with Spin Dry,PA Soft Bristles, Compact Shoe Cleaner for Dorms, Apartments, Homes, RV Travel & Small Spaces
- Versatile 3-in-1 Functionality: Easily switch between shoe washing, clothes & socks cleaning, and rapid spin-drying modes to meet all your daily needs. The quick-release nylon brush and removable water filter basket make cleanup a breeze, while the compact design can be placed in a small space.
- Gentle yet Powerful Deep Cleaning: Equipped with premium PA soft bristles, this shoe washer effectively lifts dirt, stains, and grime without scratching delicate shoe surfaces (including sneakers, canvas shoes, and casual footwear). The high-speed motor delivers consistent rotating power for a thorough clean every time, keeping your shoes looking brand-new.
- Ultra-Compact & Lightweight Design: Measuring just 15×15×23.6 inches and weighing only 15 LBS, this portable shoe washer fits seamlessly into dorm rooms, RVs, balconies, bathrooms. Its space-saving profile makes it ideal for students, apartment dwellers, and travelers who need efficient laundry solutions without sacrificing valuable space
- Knob Effortless Operation: No complicated settings required—simply twist the knob to activate the built-in timer program. Sit back and let the machine do the work, freeing you from the fatigue of hand-washing shoes and small garments.
- Thoughtful Design for Everyday Convenience: The concealed back water inlet combines sleek aesthetics with practicality, making refilling quick and mess-free. An integrated ergonomic handle allows for easy transportation.
Bestseller No. 4
Portable Washing Machine,15L Collapsible Mini Washer with 3 Cleaning Modes Drain Basket Small Foldable Laundry Machine for Travel Camping Dorms RVs Apartments Baby Clothes Underwear Socks Delicates
- 15 L Compact Size: Designed for efficient small-volume laundry, 15L mini washing machine can wash multiple pieces of clothing at once, especially for delicate fabrics; the powerful motor produces strong vortexes to deep clean clothes and make them look brand new; can be connected to the kitchen faucet or sink for easy filling and draining
- Convenient and Foldable: Introducing the ultimate portable washing machine for small spaces and busy lifestyles! The lightweight body with folding structure adopts a stylish design, providing complete washing in a compact device, is very suitable for travel, camping, RV travel or small spaces such as apartments, dormitories, and hotels; the external handle is convenient for carrying, and it is easy to store after folding, which does not take up space
- Washer and Dryer 2 In 1: Foldable washing machine can not only wash clothes, but also the equipped drain basket can help remove most of the moisture from the clothes after washing and speed up the drying of clothes; after washing clothes, drain the water in the washing machine, install the drain basket on the buckle at the bottom of the washing machine, put the clothes in the basket, select the time mode, and it can be rotated to drain; do not use the drain basket when washing clothes
- Easy Operation: Mini washing machine is equipped with an intuitive one-touch control panel, which makes washing simple and convenient; equipped with 3-minute, 5-minute and 10-minute timer buttons, just press the button to start the washing program; whether you are a busy office worker, an elderly person not familiar with electronic products, or a first-time user, this portable washer can make washing easy and worry-free
- Durable Material: Made of excellent TPE and food-grade silicone materials, portable washer machine is durable and safe for daily use; designed for washing delicate clothes such as underwear, socks, and baby clothes, provides a gentle and efficient washing experience; blue light deep washing protection can improve cleanliness and promote healthy living
Bestseller No. 5
BLACK+DECKER Small Portable Washer, Washing Machine for Household Use, Portable Washer 2.0 Cu. Ft. with 6 Cycles, Transparent Lid & LED Display
- 15.4 LBS. OF LAUNDRY PER LOAD—Wash up to 15.4 lbs. of laundry per load with this superior BLACK+DECKER best portable washer. Our portable clothes washer (21.6” x 22.2” x 37.4”) has 6 cycle selections—Normal, Heavy, Delicate, Quick, Bulky, and Spin Only. Even suitable for baby clothes, diapers, and lingerie.
- IMPRESSIVE FUNCTIONALITY—With your new washer machine (79.4 lbs.) you have 3 water level choices for small, medium, and large loads as well as Hot, Warm, and Cold temperature settings. You can even select Delay Start up to 24 hours.
- STAINLESS STEEL TUB— This 2.0 cu. ft. portable washing machine features a durable, rust and corrosion-resistant stainless steel tub with top loading transparent quiet close lid. See your clothes cleaned in real time with our outstanding impeller washer!
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES—There’s a lot going on with our amazing washing machine, including auto unbalance detection to ensure your laundry is being cleaned at peak performance as well as auto shutoff safety features and child lock protection.
- DESIGNED FOR MOBILITY— This fantastic portable clothes washer machine can be transported from room to room thanks to two rollers, two side handles, and adjustable leveling legs. Also included with our compact washer is a quick connect adaptor, water supply hose, and drain hose.
Bestseller No. 6
Portable Washing Machine, 16L Foldable & Lightweight, 3 Cleaning Modes, Compact Laundry, No Installation & Easy to Use for Travel, RV, Small Apartment & Dorm Room
- Ultra-Lightweight 16L Portable Washer: Weighing just 3.9 lbs, this 16L large capacity portable washer is ultra-easy to carry and designed for on-the-go laundry needs. Its slim, compact profile fits seamlessly into backpacks, making it the perfect companion for camping trips, dorm living, weekend road trips, and RV travels. Whether you’re a student needing a small portable washer for dorms or a frequent traveler looking for a travel-friendly compact washing machine, this lightweight solution solves your on-the-go laundry troubles.
- 3 Wash Modes& Upgraded Powerful Motor: Equipped with an upgraded powerful motor, this portable washing machine delivers strong yet gentle agitation to effectively remove tough stains—while protecting delicate fabrics like silk and baby clothes. It offers 3 precise timer settings to meet different needs: 3 mins for quick rinses, 5 mins for delicate items, and 10 mins for heavy-duty cleaning. This balanced design ensures both deep stain removal and fabric care, making it an ideal portable washer for delicate clothes and everyday laundry alike.
- Compact & Foldable (11.9x11.9x6”) Space-Saving Design: This small washing machine features a foldable design that shrinks to half its expanded size when not in use, enabling easy storage under beds, in closets, or cabinet gaps. As a space-saving portable washer, it fits perfectly in small apartments, dorms, RVs, and hotel rooms—ideal for anyone living in limited space who still wants the convenience of a washing machine.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation (45 dB) for Shared Spaces: Operates at a low 45 dB (equivalent to a quiet library), this 16L portable washing machine is ultra-quiet, making it suitable for shared living spaces like apartments, dorms, and hotels. You can do laundry anytime—day or night—without disturbing roommates, neighbors, or family members, delivering quiet convenience for daily use as an apartment-friendly compact washer.
- No Installation Required & User-Friendly for All Ages: This 16L portable washer requires no complex installation: just add water, detergent, and clothes to start washing—perfect for those who hate tedious setup. Its user-friendly design makes it suitable for all ages, whether you’re using it as a camping portable washer or a small travel washing machine.
Bestseller No. 7
Welsteepse Portable Washing Machine, 16L Upgraded Mini Washer with Spin Basket Laundry Machine for Baby Clothes, Underwear, Socks; Ideal for Travel, Dorms, Camping (purple)
- 【✨ Foldable & Space-Saving Design】The Welsteepse portable washing machine adopts a foldable design that measures 12x12x11 inches when unfolded and only 12x12x6 inches when folded. Compact and easy to store, this mini washing machine can fit under the bed, in closets, or between shelves, making it perfect for apartments, dorms, RVs, and travel.
- 【⚡ Easy to Operate】Our small washing machine features simple semi-automatic operation with 3 timer settings, allowing you to handle daily laundry with ease. Just fill it with water (up to 2/3 capacity) for the best washing performance—ideal for busy students, travelers, or families.
- 【🧺 16L Large Capacity】Upgraded to 16L, this portable washer provides nearly double the washing space compared to 11L models. No more worrying about too many clothes—it can handle multiple baby clothes, socks, underwear, or T-shirts in one go, making laundry more efficient.
- 【🌀 Powerful Cleaning with Blue Light】The mini washing machine simulates hand scrubbing with a suitable washing speed, strong decontamination, and built-in blue light. Perfect for delicate clothes, baby garments, or intimate wear, helping you and your family maintain healthy hygiene. 【Not suitable for large items】
- 【🌍 Lightweight & Portable】Weighing only 3.5 lbs, this foldable portable washing machine is lightweight and easy to carry anywhere. Great for small living spaces, student dorms, hotels, RV camping, and travel. Made of TPE and food-grade silicone for safe, eco-friendly use.
Bestseller No. 8
ROVSUN 17.8LBS Portable Washing Machine, Full-Automatic Electric Laundry Machine with Stainless Steel Drum, Compact Washer and Spin Dryer Combo with Drain Pump for Apartment, Dorm, Home
- 【2-in-1 Convenience】The 17.8 lbs fully automatic washing machine combines washing and drying functions, allowing you to wash and spin dry your clothes in one seamless process, making it the perfect all-in-one portable washing machine for your laundry needs. Say goodbye to laundry day hassle!
- 【Superior Cleaning Performance】This portable washing machine features a unique diamond-patterned inner drum that reduces wear and tear on your clothes when washing while improving cleanliness and ensuring you get spotless laundry. The Air Dry function promotes airflow during washes, leaving your clothes not only clean but also fresh.
- 【Versatile Washing Options】 Choose from 8 different washing modes and 5 water levels, making this clothes washer perfect for anything from heavily soiled items to delicate fabrics. Enjoy quick washes in just 26 minutes, making it ideal for busy lifestyles and different laundry demands. .
- 【User-Friendly Design】Designed for ease & safe of use, this compact washer includes a child lock for safety and adjustable feet for stability. The self-cleaning ensures that the washing machine's stainless steel inner tub is clean. And the clear control panel makes operation straightforward. Perfect for busy households, ensuring everyone can use it safely and effortlessly.
- 【Ideal for Any Space】Whether you live in an apartment, RV, home or dorm, this portable washer is the ideal solution for small spaces. Its compact design and efficiency make it a versatile laundry machine suitable for a variety of living arrangements.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Portable Washing Machine
A portable washing machine is a fantastic tool! It lets you wash clothes anywhere. Think RVs, small apartments, or dorm rooms. Choosing the right one can make laundry day much easier. This guide helps you pick the perfect machine.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, certain features really matter. These make your washing experience better and easier.
Capacity and Size
- Load Size: Check how many pounds of laundry it holds. Small units hold 5-8 lbs (good for socks and small items). Larger units might handle 10-15 lbs (better for a few shirts and pants).
- Footprint: Measure the space where you plan to keep it. Make sure the machine fits easily.
Washing Action
- Spin Speed: Some machines have a spin cycle. This removes more water, helping clothes dry faster. Higher RPM (revolutions per minute) means faster spinning.
- Wash Modes: Look for different settings like “Gentle,” “Normal,” or “Heavy Duty.” This lets you treat different fabrics right.
Convenience Features
- Timers: Digital or manual timers let you set the wash time. This stops you from having to watch the machine constantly.
- Drainage: How easily does the dirty water drain out? Gravity drains are simple but require you to lift the machine. Pumps offer easier, controlled draining.
Important Materials and Durability
The materials used affect how long your machine lasts and how well it cleans.
Tub Material
Most portable washers use plastic tubs. High-quality ABS plastic resists cracking and staining well. Stainless steel tubs are rare in portable models but offer the best durability.
Motor Quality
A reliable motor ensures consistent washing. Cheaper motors might fail sooner, especially if you overload the machine often. Read reviews to see if users report motor issues.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all portable washers clean equally. Some design choices boost performance, while others cut corners.
Quality Boosters
- Inlet Hoses: Sturdy hoses that connect to the faucet resist leaks.
- Strong Agitators: If the machine uses an agitator (the central column that moves clothes), make sure it feels solid. A strong agitator moves clothes better for a deeper clean.
Quality Reducers (Things to Watch Out For)
- Thin Casings: If the outer body feels flimsy, the internal parts might not be protected well.
- Manual Draining Only: While simple, relying only on tipping the machine to drain can be messy and difficult if the unit is heavy when full of water.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you will use the machine. This dictates the best type for you.
Apartment Living
If you live in a small apartment, you need a compact machine that is easy to store. Top-loaders are usually easier to fill and empty than front-loaders in tight spaces.
Camping and RVs
For travel, weight matters most. Look for models that are lightweight and have simple, manual controls. You need a machine that uses minimal water and electricity.
Dorm Rooms
Dorm use often means sharing facilities or washing small loads frequently. A twin-tub model (separate wash and spin sections) saves time because you can wash one load while spinning the previous one.
Remember, a portable washer is not meant to replace a full-sized machine. It works best for small, frequent loads, keeping your essentials fresh between trips to the laundromat.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Portable Washing Machines
Q: Can I use any detergent in a portable washer?
A: You should use High-Efficiency (HE) detergent. Since these machines use less water, regular detergents create too many suds, which can harm the motor or prevent proper rinsing.
Q: How much water do these machines typically use?
A: This varies greatly. Smaller units might use just 3-5 gallons per wash cycle. Larger twin-tub models might use 8-10 gallons.
Q: Do portable washers really clean clothes well?
A: Yes, for light to moderately soiled items. They clean very effectively for everyday wear. Heavy, muddy stains might still need pre-soaking or a full-sized machine.
Q: How do I connect a portable washer to my sink?
A: Most models come with a universal adapter hose. You attach this to your sink faucet, and the hose fills the machine. When done, you disconnect it.
Q: Are portable washers loud?
A: They are generally quieter than older traditional washers, especially during the wash cycle. The spin cycle, if the machine is unbalanced, can be the loudest part.
Q: How long does a full wash cycle take?
A: A standard wash and spin cycle usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the settings you choose.
Q: What is a twin-tub machine?
A: A twin-tub has two separate compartments: one for washing and one for spinning/drying. This lets you run both processes at the same time, which saves time.
Q: Can I wash heavy items like towels or jeans?
A: You can wash small towels or light jeans if the capacity allows. Overloading them severely reduces cleaning power and can damage the machine.
Q: Do I need special electrical outlets for these?
A: No. Almost all portable washing machines plug directly into a standard 110V household outlet.
Q: What is the importance of the drain hose height?
A: If your machine drains by gravity, the drain hose must hang lower than the bottom of the tub, or the water will not drain completely. Pumps handle this differently.