Looking for a portable washing machine for your small space? Check our our top picks for dorms, RVs, small apartments and more.
If you live in a small apartment or a house without a laundry room, the task of washing your clothes can become even more of a hassle. This is where a portable washing machine comes in.
Check out our favorites here. Or scroll down for in-depth reviews.
- Best Overall: Comfee Portable Washing Machine
- Trusted Brand: BLACK+DECKER Small Portable Washer
- Biggest Capacity: COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine
- Automatic Load Balancing: Krib Bling Full Automatic Washer with Drain Pump
- Best for Apartments: Mojoco Foldable Washing Machine
- Easiest to Use: Giantex Portable Washing Machine
- Budget Choice: HABUTWAY Portable Washing Machine
What are Portable Washers?
A portable washing machine is a compact and convenient appliance that can help you save time and money by doing laundry at home. It means no more expensive trips to the laundromat your apartment complex’s creepy basement laundry.
It also means no need for a large and expensive traditional washing machine. It can save you money and be more eco-friendly, especially for a small household.
How do Portable Washers Work?
Portable washing machines work similarly to regular washing machines but have some differences due to their size and portability.
Filling with water: First, you need to connect the provided inlet hose to a nearby faucet or tap. The hose will transfer the water from the tap into the washing machine’s drum. You can control the water level by selecting the appropriate setting on the machine.
Adding detergent: Next, add your laundry detergent to the designated compartment or directly into the drum if there is no specific compartment.
Loading clothes: Load your clothes into the drum, making sure not to overfill it.
Selecting a wash cycle: Choose your desired wash cycle based on factors such as fabric type, dirt level, and personal preferences about water temperature. Most portable washing machines offer multiple options including normal, delicate, heavy-duty, and quick cycles.
Washing process: Once you start the wash cycle, the machine will agitate the clothes in a mix of water and detergent using an impeller or pulsator system (instead of an agitator found in full-size washers). This action helps remove dirt, stains, and odors from your clothes.
Rinsing: After completing the wash cycle, rinse water is added to flush out any remaining detergent from your clothes. The impeller/pulsator system spins again during this phase to ensure thorough rinsing.
Draining: The washer drains all used water through an outlet hose, which you need to place near a sink or drain. The water is extracted by a pump or gravity depending on the model.
Spinning: In some portable washing machines, there’s a separate spin compartment that allows you to spin-dry your clothes partially. You’ll need to transfer your laundry from the wash drum to the spinning drum manually. The spinning action helps remove excess water from your clothes, reducing drying time.
Removing and drying clothes: Once the washing and spinning cycles are complete, you can remove your laundry from the machine and hang it up to air-dry or use a separate dryer if available.
To store or transport your portable washing machine, simply disconnect it from the faucet, drain any remaining water, and unplug it from the power source.
How to Choose the Best Portable Washing Machine
When looking for the best portable washing machine, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider the size of the machine and how much laundry it can handle. You’ll want to make sure it’s big enough to handle your average load of laundry, but not so big that it takes up too much space in your home.
Second, think about the features you need. Do you want a machine that can also spin dry your clothes, or one that has a built-in timer? Finally, consider the price and whether the machine fits within your budget.
With the right portable washing machine, you can say goodbye to the hassle of laundromats and enjoy the convenience of doing laundry at home.
Buying Guide
When choosing a portable washing machine, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Capacity
The capacity of a portable washing machine is an important factor to consider. You want to make sure it can handle the amount of laundry you typically need to wash. Look for a machine with a capacity of at least 6-8 pounds, which is enough for a few pairs of jeans or a set of sheets.
Size and Weight
One of the main benefits of a portable washing machine is its size and weight. Make sure the machine you choose is compact and lightweight enough to be easily transported and stored. Look for a machine that weighs less than 50 pounds and can be easily moved around.
Water Usage
Portable washing machines use less water than traditional machines, but it’s still important to consider how much water your machine will use. Look for a machine with a low water usage, which will save you money on your water bill and help conserve water.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another important factor to consider when choosing a portable washing machine. Look for a machine with an Energy Star rating, which means it meets certain energy efficiency standards set by the government.
Noise Level
Portable washing machines can be noisy, so it’s important to consider the noise level when choosing a machine. Look for a machine with a low decibel rating, which will help keep the noise level down.
Price
Portable washing machines can vary greatly in price, so it’s important to consider your budget when choosing a machine. Look for a machine that fits within your budget while still meeting your needs.
By considering these factors, you can choose a portable washing machine that fits your needs and budget.
Best Portable Washing Machines of 2023
If you're living in a small apartment or traveling frequently, a portable washing machine can be a lifesaver. These machines are compact, easy to use, and can save you a lot of time and money.
The BLACK + DECKER Portable Washing Machine] is a highly rated, convenient, and efficient laundry solution for those living in apartments or other small spaces. This machine has received positive reviews for its performance, ease of use, and durability. It’s praised for its compact design, quiet operation, and effectiveness in cleaning clothes.
Pros:- Compact and fits conveniently into small spaces.
- Quiet operation which is beneficial for apartment living.
- Efficient cleaning performance comparable to regular washers.
- Uses less water, making it an eco-friendly choice.
- Easy to set up and operate.
- Can handle a variety of clothing items, including queen size comforters and large hoodies.
- The delicate cycle might be rough on sensitive clothing.
- Filling the machine with hot water may require extra steps.
- The lint trap may need frequent maintenance.
- Slight vibration during operation could be felt by neighbors in close quarters.
The [BLACK + DECKER Portable Washing Machine] is a sturdy, reliable, and highly functional washing machine. It’s designed to be space-saving and easy to use, making it ideal for those living in apartments or other small spaces. Despite its size, it offers a powerful cleaning performance that rivals traditional washers. It’s also designed to be eco-friendly, using less water than typical washing machines. It can handle a variety of clothing items, which adds to its convenience. However, it may require some maintenance over time, such as taking care of the lint trap.
If you're looking for a portable washing machine that's compact, easy to use, and efficient, then the Comfee Portable Washing Machine is a great option.
Pros:- With five washing programs and three water levels, you can quickly start the machine with your preferred settings. You can also customize your washing program by selecting load size, wash time, rinse time, and spin time.
- This top load washer is only 18.1 inches in width, 17.7 inches in-depth, and 31.5 inches in height. It is easy to store in your cabinet, RV, dorm, or even bathtub. It comes with wheels and handles for easy movement and is a perfect choice for small households with limited space and minimal optimal.
- The see-through lid design allows you to see and monitor the water and washing conditions. Featuring a durable rust-resistant stainless steel inner tub, lint filter, water inlet, and drain pump which allows you to easily drain out dirty water. In addition, this portable laundry washing machine has an LED display that shows the time left to finish.
- The load capacity is only 0.9 cubic feet or 6.7 gallons, so it may not be suitable for larger families or individuals who need to wash larger loads of laundry.
- Some users have reported that the machine can be noisy during the spin cycle, which may be an issue for those who are sensitive to noise.
- The machine may not be as durable as larger washing machines and may require more frequent maintenance.
The Comfee Portable Washing Machine is a great option for those who need a compact and efficient washing machine. It is easy to use, has multiple washing programs, and is easy to store. However, it may not be suitable for larger families or individuals who need to wash larger loads of laundry.
If you're looking for a portable washing machine that's energy-efficient, easy to use, and eco-friendly, then the Mojoco Foldable Washing Machine is the perfect solution for you.
Pros:- Complete Sanitation with Advanced Cleaning
- Revolutionary Laundry Solution
- Eco-Friendly and Whisper-Quiet
- End to End Testing for Quality Assurance
- Not Suitable for Large Laundry Loads
- Some Clean Water May Remain in the Machine
With its cutting-edge technology, the Mojoco Foldable Washing Machine can deeply clean your clothes with its powerful blue light and cleansing technologies. It's also a revolutionary laundry solution that operates like a full-sized washing machine with its intelligent rinsing and cleaning technology, powerful motor, and automatic water inflow and drainage system.
Plus, it's eco-friendly and whisper-quiet, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to save money and resources.
The Mojoco Foldable Washing Machine requires no technical installation and is a breeze to operate. Its strong suction cups make it easy to place, and its simple control panel allows you to choose your preferred wash time with just the press of a button. It includes a foldable drying basket for effortless clothes drying.
This compact folding washing machine is suitable for small apartments, RVs, homes, dorms, and even travel. With a 2.4 gallons washing capacity, it's ideal for undergarments, baby/girls clothes, and small laundry loads.
Its collapsible design makes it lightweight and easy to move from one place to another, making it a great choice for a compact top load washer.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a portable washing machine that's easy to use, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly, then the Mojoco Foldable Washing Machine is the perfect choice for you.
The Krib Bling 17.7 lbs Full Automatic Washer is a high-quality washing machine that offers
convenience and efficiency for your laundry needs. With its full automatic functionality, this washer takes the hassle out of doing laundry. Its compact size makes it suitable for small spaces, while its sleek design adds a touch of modernity to any room. The washer has a large capacity of 17.7 lbs, allowing you to wash a considerable amount of clothes or even quilts at once.
Pros:
- Full automatic functionality for ease of use
- Compact size ideal for small spaces
- Sleek and modern design
- Large capacity of 17.7 lbs for efficient laundry loads
- Automatic Load Balancing
Cons:
- No specific cons mentioned in the provided information
The Krib Bling 17.7 lbs Full Automatic Washer is designed with convenience in mind. Simply plug in the device, turn the water on, and you’re ready to go. The washer’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to select the desired settings and ensure a thorough and effective wash. Its low noise level ensures a quiet operation, allowing you to do laundry without disturbing your household. Additionally, the washer is easy to clean and maintain, making it a reliable choice for your laundry needs.
If you are looking for an affordable and compact washing machine that can handle light to medium laundry loads, the Giantex Portable Washing Machine could be a good option for you.
Pros:- The machine is fully automatic, which means you don't have to keep an eye on it while it's running. You can set the program and leave it alone to work.
- The machine has a built-in drain pump and a drainage tube, which makes it easy to drain out dirty water.
- The machine is lightweight and easy to move around, which is great for small apartments or dorms.
- The machine can only handle up to 8 pounds of laundry at a time, which may not be enough for larger households.
- The machine has a relatively small water capacity, which means you may need to refill it more frequently.
- Some users have reported that the machine can be noisy during the spin cycle.
In terms of performance, the Giantex Portable Washing Machine can effectively clean light to medium laundry loads. It has six different washing modes and three water levels, which allows you to customize the washing process to your specific needs. The machine is also easy to operate, with straightforward illustrations and descriptions.
However, the machine does have some limitations. It can only handle up to 8 pounds of laundry at a time, which may not be enough for larger households. Additionally, some users have reported that the machine can be noisy during the spin cycle, which could be a concern if you live in a small apartment or dorm.
Overall, if you are looking for a compact and affordable washing machine that can handle light to medium laundry loads, the Giantex Portable Washing Machine could be a good option for you.
If you're looking for a high-capacity portable washing machine that can handle a decent amount of laundry, the COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine might be a good option for you. It comes as close to a full-size washing machine as most any portable machine will.
Pros:- With a total capacity of 20 lbs, you can wash the whole family's clothes at the same time.
- The twin tub design offers great convenience, allowing you to directly move the washed clothes to the spinning tub for saving your precious time.
- Easy to use, even if the elderly can use it conveniently.
- The power of washing is 330W and the power of spinning is 110W which might not be as powerful as other washing machines.
- Some reviewers have mentioned that their clothes get twisted into a big knot.
This compact and lightweight washing machine is ideal for small places such as camping, apartments, and dorms. Designed with 3 knobs, including washing selector, washing timer, and spin timer, this high-quality washing machine is easy to use. The filter on the side of the cleaning bucket is easy to filter during cleaning.
Overall, if you're looking for a portable top load washer with a decent capacity and twin tub design, the COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine is worth considering.
If you're looking for a compact and efficient washing machine, the HABUTWAY Portable Washing Machine might be exactly what you need.
Pros:- With a twin tub design and a capacity of 17.6lbs, this washer and dryer combo is perfect for daily laundry.
- The machine is easy to operate, and you can choose from three washing modes according to your needs.
- The HABUTWAY Portable Washing Machine is highly efficient, saving both water and electricity.
- The drainage hose is a bit short, which might be inconvenient for some users.
- The filter device in the tub might not be as effective as expected.
- The machine might be too small for larger items such as blankets or comforters.
This compact washing machine is perfect for those who live in apartments, dorms, or RVs, or for anyone who wants to save space. The twin tub design allows you to wash and dry your clothes quickly and efficiently, and the transparent cover lets you check the washing and spinning process at any time.
The HABUTWAY Portable Washing Machine is easy to operate, and you can choose from three washing modes depending on your needs. The built-in drainage pump allows you to quickly and easily discharge the water from the tub, and the filter device in the tub collects debris with a powerful cleaning function.
This washing machine is highly efficient, saving both water and electricity, and the dual motor system delivers strong laundry power. The separate timer controls for the washer and dryer make laundry washing more convenient and efficient, and the machine is quiet enough to run even at night.
Overall, if you're looking for a compact and efficient washing machine, the HABUTWAY Portable Washing Machine is definitely worth considering. It's easy to use, highly efficient, and saves both water and electricity.