Scrubba Wash Bag

Long before our lives were ruled by two tiny humans, we used to do a bit of back packing. So, we have done our fair share of hostel sink laundry, at times our clothes were at risk of coming out dirtier than when they went in. We could have definitely used the Scrubba. At first glance it looks like a small dry bag but inside it has a flexible washboard covered in small nodules. You fill it with water, add a little detergent, seal it, then rub the clothes against the nodules for 30 seconds to 3 minutes to clean them. The grip backing on the outside prevents it sliding on surfaces while washing, I can even be done with one hand.

Things can’t really be the simple right? Well as far as we could tell the Scrubba is surprisingly effective. Light items such as shirts, underwear and socks come out noticeably fresher and cleaner after only a few minutes of agitation. Heavier garments like jeans or jumpers need more effort and time but the results are still better than handwashing in a sink. The process is straightforward once you get used to it, though it can take a bit of practice to find the right balance of water and air inside the bag for best results.

One of the main advantages of the Scrubba is its portability. It weighs very little at just 150g and folds down small enough to fit into a backpack or suitcase pocket (16cm x 6cm x 6cm). It is ideal for long trips, festivals, or even for emergencies when your washing machine breaks down. The bag also does double as a dry bag, which is a nice bonus for outdoor enthusiasts. Cleaning the Scrubba itself is easy; just rinse it out and leave it to dry. Its diminutive size means it can only handle two T-shirts, two pairs of socks and two pairs of underwear per load but this is fine for lightweight travelling.

The one of the drawbacks is the price, which feels a little high for what is essentially a waterproof bag with a textured liner. We also found that items sometime needed a quick rinse under running water to get rid of all the soap residue. Still, considering its quality, durability and convenience, it offers good value for anyone who travels often or likes to pack light. Overall the Scrubba is a well designed piece of kit that does exactly what it promises and can make doing laundry on the go much less of a chore. RRP $59.95

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