The Best RV Washing Machines (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance

If you spend a lot of time in your RV, you’re probably quite comfortable living in a tiny space. Typically,…

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The Best RV Washing Machines (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance © The Best RV Washing Machines (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance
Best Choice Gizmos Portable Washing Machine Gizmos Portable Washing Machine
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Best Value Super Deal Portable Compact Washing Machine Super Deal Portable Compact Washing Machine
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Premium Pick Panda PAN6320W Portable Machine Panda PAN6320W Portable Machine
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If you spend a lot of time in your RV, you’re probably quite comfortable living in a tiny space. Typically, tiny home dwellers give up certain amenities found in larger homes. In an RV, a dishwasher or washer/dryer is a luxury you learn to live without. Not anymore. Today’s RVs use innovative techniques to provide storage solutions and maximize space so that you don’t have to forego so many of the comforts of home. In this handy buying guide, we review some of the top RV washing machines that will help revolutionize your RV experience and make RV life just that much easier.

The Best RV Washing Machines

Our pick for the best overall RV washing machine is the Gizmos Portable Washing Machine. This is a washer/dryer combo that comes equipped with one tub that is capable of washing 7.9 pounds of clothing and another tub that is capable of spinning dry 4.4 pounds of clothing per cycle. Each wash cycle can be fully adjusted to run up to 15 minutes on either a normal or a soft wash option, and each spin cycle can last up to five minutes to remove as much excess water from clothes as possible and greatly shorten overall drying time. The best part is that you choose the length of each cycle, so if you’re pressed for time, no problem.

Key Features
  • Can wash 7 pounds of clothes at one time
  • A maximum spin of 1,440 RPM
  • Removes up to 97 percent of water during the drying cycle
  • Fully programmable wash and dry cycles
Specification
  • Brand Gizmos
  • Model TG23
  • Weight 24.2 pounds
PROS

Sleek and modern-looking

Washer/dryer combo

Does a thorough job

CONS

Not the most space-saving model

Need monitoring during washing and drying

Wash cycles might be too aggressive for delicate clothing

For our favorite budget-friendly pick, we like the Super Deal Portable Compact Washing Machine. Even its name is budget friendly. This is a very compact and portable twin tub washer/dryer combo that hooks up easily to your kitchen sink faucet. It’s capable of washing 5.5 pounds of clothing at one time and drying 4.4 pounds of clothing in one cycle. This machine also allows you to wash and dry clothing simultaneously, making it a very efficient and a time-saving option. Its True Rinse technology delivers powerful and efficient rinsing of clothing without wasting water. Separate timer controls allow you to customize the length of both the wash and dry cycles. This washing machine has a slightly smaller capacity than many on the market, but it’s also one of the more space-saving ones on our list, making it ideal not just for RVs but also dorm rooms, condos, small apartments, and more.

Key Features
  • Capable of washing 5.5 pounds and drying 4.4 pounds of clothing simultaneously
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Customizable wash and dry cycles 
  • Highly affordable
Specification
  • Brand Super Deal
  • Model SD190119
  • Weight 22 pounds
PROS

Sleek and modern look

Great space-saving design

Can be stored out of the way when not in use

CONS

An aggressive wash cycle can damage delicates

Smaller capacity than some other models on the market

Some concern over the durability of the drainage hose

If you’re looking for a premium quality, high-tech portable washing machine for your RV, apartment, dorm room, or condo, check out the Panda PAN6320W Portable Machine. It features a super-compact space-saving design that can be easily rolled on its heavy-duty casters to any room in your home or RV. Its large 1.34 cubic foot capacity can hold up to 10 pounds of clothing at a time. This top-of-the-line washing machine also features fully digital controls with a super bright LED display that lets you choose from 10 different washing programs and five different water levels. It has a heavy-duty stainless steel drum that can withstand some serious use, unlike some other models with plastic drums. It resists rusting, chipping, and cracking. Easy quick-connect hoses let you set it up in seconds. The only drawback to this high-end RV washing machine is that it’s not a combo unit with a dryer.

Key Features
  • Fully digital display
  • Heavy-duty stainless steel washing drum
  • Rolling casters for easy transportation
  • 10 wash cycles and five water levels to choose from
Specification
  • Brand Panda
  • Model PAN6320W
  • Weight 51 pounds
PROS

Super efficient and durable

Customizable washing capability

Sleek and high-tech design

CONS

Very heavy

No dryer option

Pricey

The Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine is a tried and true model that is a popular option. It has an extra-large 11-pound washing capacity and a spinner that can dry up to 6.6 pounds of clothing. It’s easy-to-read and simple-to-operate dials allow you to incrementally select wash times up to 15 minutes long and spin times up to five minutes long, giving you total control over your laundry time. You can even wash and dry simultaneously. You can also choose either a normal wash cycle or soft wash for more delicate items. 300 watts of washing power and a 1,300 RPM spinner is sure to get your clothes squeaky clean. This unit is also offered at a very competitive price point. It is one of the larger washer/dryer combos on our list, however, and as such, it may not fit as well as more compact models in certain RVs.

Key Features
  • 11-pound washing capacity
  • 6.6-pound drying capacity
  • Customizable wash and dry cycle times
  • 300-watt motor
Specification
  • Brand Giantex
  • Model N/A
  • Weight 29.3 pounds
PROS

Extra-large capacity for washing and drying clothes

Can easily hook up to your sink or shower faucet

Easily removable lint trap for cleaning

CONS

Might big too big for some RVs

Gravity-operated drain may not drain as well as a motorized drain pump

Some concern over the quality of the drainage hoses and draining efficiency

The Kuppet Compact Twin Tub Portable Mini Washing Machine deserves an honorable mention for being a reliable large capacity washer/dryer combo that has an impressive 18-pound washing capacity and an 8-pound drying capacity. A rugged built-in drain pump ensures proper emptying of water each time. The controls are easy-to-use and highly customizable, allowing you to select the perfect wash and dry times for your needs. All-in-all, this is a very straightforward and simple-to-use washer that delivers good and time-saving results. The simple stainless steel snap-ring allows you to quickly and easily hook up the water hose to almost any faucet, anywhere. The large washtub is equipped with a top-of-the-line powerful 3,600 RPM motor and the ability to spin a full 360-degrees to be able to remove even stubborn stains from your clothing quickly and efficiently. Please note, that this machine is on the larger side and may not fit ideally in every RV.

Key Features
  • Large washing capacity of 18 pounds
  • Drying capacity of 8 pounds
  • Powerful 3,600 RPM motor
  • Motorized drain pump for thorough water drainage
Specification
  • Brand Kuppet
  • Model 1040603600#kuus
  • Weight 26 pounds
PROS

Can wash a lot of clothes at one time

Fully customizable wash and dry cycle selection

Affordable

CONS

Large discrepancy between wash size and dry size means multiple drying loads 

As a bulkier and larger machine, it may not fit in very small spaces

No warranty on parts

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line, futuristically designed portable washing machine, the Comfee’ 1.6 Cu.ft Portable Washing Machine fits the bill perfectly. This washing machine features the ability to use both hot and cold water, unlike many of the others on our list. It’s fully digital and easy to read display is cleverly designed to include the six most commonly used wash programs, including normal, quick, heavy, bulky, delicate, and spin only settings. There’s a handy extra rinse feature to make sure clothes come out super clean and three water temperatures to select from. This machine is capable of washing up to 11 pounds of clothing in its heavy-duty and durable stainless steel tub. It’s also capable of saving you up to 84 percent on your energy consumption when compared to other models on the market. It features a child lock that lets you freeze the control panel so your little ones don’t accidentally cause problems with it. While this isn’t a washer/dryer combo, it is a very space-saving model, making it a great option for really tiny spaces.

Key Features
  • Fully digital controls
  • 11-pound clothing capacity
  • Heavy-duty stainless steel tub
  • Transparent glass lid for easy viewing of clothes during a wash
Specification
  • Brand Comfee’
  • Model CLV16N2AMG
  • Weight 70.5 pounds
PROS

Sleek and futuristic design

Extra rinse cycle to fully remove residues

Super compact for excellent space saving

CONS

Very heavy

No dryer option

Max spin speed is only 700 RPM

When it comes to a super simple, compact, and inexpensive RV washing machine, the Zeny Portable Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine deserves an honorable mention. Like a lot of others on our list, this is a side-by-side dual tub washer/dryer combination that measures 23.62 x 27.17 x 14.96 inches, taking up very little space. It’s capable of washing up to 8 pounds of clothing and spin-drying up to 5 pounds at one time, it’s a good little machine for the money. The easy-to-use dials allow you to fully control and alter the wash time up to 15 minutes and the spin-dry time up to five minutes, with no pre-programmed settings to worry about. It utilizes a gravity drain system, which can sometimes be a pain compared to an automatic pump drain, but there are fewer parts to malfunction and have to repair. This is a super-efficient machine that costs between $2-4 per year to operate, saving you tons of money at the laundromat.

Key Features
  • Compact and Lightweight
  • Washing capacity of 8 pounds
  • A spin dry capacity of 5 pounds
  • Gravity drain for water elimination
Specification
  • Brand Zeny
  • Model ZENYJA019042T
  • Weight 23.5 pounds
PROS

Very light and easy to move around

Good balance between wash and spin capacities

Very energy efficient making for an excellent value

CONS

Gravity drain can be difficult to fully remove water

Smaller load capacities than some other models

Questionable customer service

If you’re looking for an ultra space-saving and energy-efficient alternative to the typical RV washing machine The Wonder Wash Compact Washing Machine is just the product you’ve been waiting for. This is one of the smallest and most uniquely designed portable washing machines you can buy. It uses no electricity, only your elbow grease, and will easily fit into any RV, boat, apartment, or dorm room, no matter how small. The whole machine weighs in at under 6 pounds and you can clean clothes in as little as 1-2 minutes using the powerful and efficient hand crank. This is an excellent washing machine for delicate clothes, as it’s super gentle and won’t over agitate. With no motor or internal mechanical parts, this washing machine will provide reliable and durable use for years to come. Being one of the smallest washing machines on the market, this unit is greatly limited in its washing capacity but cleans clothing super quickly to counteract that.

Key Features
  • Super compact and Lightweight
  • Doesn’t require any electricity to use
  • Cleans clothes quickly
  • Uses 90 percent less water than other models
Specification
  • Brand The Laundry Alternative
  • Model Wonderwash
  • Weight 5 pounds
PROS

Very light and easy to move around

Three-year warranty

Very energy efficient and affordable

CONS

Smaller load capacities than other models

Requires manual labor to function

Doesn’t spin as much water out of clothes as other models

Best RV Washing Machines Buying Guide & FAQ

Now that you’ve seen some of our favorite models of RV washing machines, let’s talk about why you would even want one in the first place. Also, what are some of the key features to look for in a reliable and durable RV washing machine and how can you take care of and maintain them for optimal longevity and continued function? The following buying guide will answer all your questions and then some so that you can be confident in your decision-making when it comes to choosing the best RV washing machine for you and your family.

Check out our list of favorite RV washer/dryer combos.

Benefits of an RV Washing Machine

Let’s face it, laundry is on many people’s list of least favorite things to do. Now take that and put doing laundry in a super tight space with limited amenities and power options, and it can become a dismal prospect. 

An RV washing machine can ease the burden of having to do laundry while camping or on the road. It eliminates the need to search for, travel to, and spend lots of valuable time and money at laundromats, which can be dirty, expensive, and hard on your clothes. 

If the laundromat isn’t your thing, then having an RV washing machine can speed up and provide a better clean than having to wash all your garments in a five-gallon bucket by hand. Many RV washing machines also make the rinsing and spinning of water out of your clothes much easier and less physically taxing. No more sore hands and forearms from ringing your clothes manually.

  • Big-time savings over manual washing
  • Big money savings over expensive laundromats
  • Complete control over the cleaning and drying of all of your clothes, sheets, and towels

Learn all about our favorite RV waxes.

RV Washing Machine

The Most Common Types of RV Washing Machines

When it comes to the different types of RV washing machines, there are a few different options to consider. Each one has its pros and cons, but certainly is still a step up from having to wash your clothes by hand, and each one will get your clothes cleaner in less time than hand washing as well.

Type Portable RV Washer

This is an extremely compact washing machine that can be easily moved out and then returned to its designated storage area when not in use. It comes in digitally controlled models or analog dials that you just turn to select the wash, rinse, and spin cycles. It features a main washtub that can usually hold 5-11 pounds of clothing. The washing, rinsing, and spinning are all done in the same tub. These units are usually high energy and water efficient, with programmable wash and spin cycles, and they’re usually offered at a very economical price point.

Type Portable RV Washer/Dryer Combo

This is a side-by-side dual-tub system that washes and rinses in one tub and spins dry in another. They can be digitally controlled, or be run by analog dials. Some will have a gravity-fed drain system, while others will have a motorized drain. The benefit of this type of washer is that you can wash and dry clothing simultaneously, getting your laundry done in less time. The drawback is that while they are still lightweight and portable, they do take up a greater amount of floor and storage space than just the single washer model, and as such, they may not be the best option for very tiny RV spaces.

Type Stackable Electric RV Washer and Dryer

This type of washer and dryer is more like what you would find in an apartment or condominium with a small either front or top loading electric washer on the bottom and an electric clothes dryer on the top that is the same as most home washers and dryers, only small enough to be able to fit in your smaller RV storage space. These units are significantly more expensive to purchase and operate over the more portable units, but they require much less monitoring and are plumbed directly into the RV, eliminating the need to move them from place to place.

In the market for a pressure washer for your car? See our list of top car pressure washers picks.

Care and Maintenance for RV Washing Machines

As with any household appliance, proper care and maintenance are key in having a reliable and long-lasting machine that won’t malfunction too soon. It may seem strange, but washing machines can get dirty too. Standing water in their stationary parts that doesn’t drain out after each use can lead to mold and bacteria growth that not only smells bad but also has the potential to permanently stain your clothes and make you sick. It can also damage the washer’s components over time.

Depending on how often you use your RV washing machine, it should be cleaned every 1-3 months by taking a cup of bleach and running it through a full wash cycle to clean out the drums, hoses, and drains of the washer.

If your washer and spin dryer are separate from each other, just wipe down the inside of the spinner with diluted bleach water to remove any bacteria. If bleach isn’t your thing, try distilled white vinegar, either straight or diluted with some water.

  • Clean your washer regularly to limit mold and bacteria.
  • Make sure water is as fully drained out of the bottom of the unit as possible before storing it.
  • Periodically wipe down the outside and underneath of the unit to remove any dust and dirt that may be inhibiting its function.

Learn more on our top tips for winterizing your RV.

RV Washing Machine

Best RV Washing Machines FAQ:

Q: Are mini washing machines efficient?

Mini washing machines are a very energy-efficient option for small space dwellers who want to save money and time over going to the laundromat. The money savings over a year can be very significant. Many mini washing machines will very thoroughly and gently clean your clothes.

Q: How much water does an RV washing machine use?

The most efficient RV washing machines can use as little as 5 gallons of water per load, but the average RV washing machine typically uses around eight gallons of water per load.

Q: How do you wash clothes in an RV?

Portable RV washing machines are a great way to wash clothes. You just bring them out of their storage space and hook them up to your RV sink. If you don’t have an RV washing machine, you can also wash clothes by hand in your sink or a 5-gallon bucket. They make systems for washing clothes that are specifically designed for 5-gallon bucket applications.

Our Top Pick

Now that you’ve seen all our picks for RV washing machines, you know why our pick for the best overall RV washing machine is the Gizmos Portable Washing Machine. This is an energy-efficient side-by-side washer/dryer combo that comes equipped with one tub that is capable of washing 7.9 pounds of clothing and another tub that is capable of spinning dry 4.4 pounds of clothing per cycle. The wash and spin cycles are highly customizable and easy to control.

Final Thoughts

An RV washing machine can be a game-changer when it comes to revolutionizing your laundry habits while camping or traveling. Whether you choose the Gizmos Portable Washing Machine, the Super Deal Portable Compact Washing Machine, or one of our other top-rated recommendations, an RV washer can save you time and money in the long run and allow you more time to enjoy all the fun parts of RV life.

Sources:

  1. Washer-dryer – Wikipedia
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