Scrubba Wash Bag Review

When we go camping, we tend to go for two weeks at a time. I try to take enough clothes for the six of us to last a week, but with a young family it can be virtually impossible.

It always ends up with me having to hand wash some things to make sure that the kids have enough - with frequent trips to the campsite laundrette. I've often wished for a portable washing machine. Anything that means less time spent watching clothes go round and round works for me!

When I first heard about the Scrubba Wash Bag, I thought it was a great name and was intrigued how it actually worked.

The Scrubba is an Australian innovation - perhaps not surprising given the climate concerns over there - and was actually crowdfunded. Over $20,000 was raised from the IndieGogo site, with almost 500 investors stumping up more than nine times as much investment as was needed in just three months.

It's billed as an invention which allows you to wash clothes anywhere in just three minutes. Perfect for backpackers, anyone who likes to travel light and people with sensitive skin who avoid detergents because of allergies.

The whole concept is a modern twist on an old fashioned washboard. The key is the internal 'nobules' housed within the flouresent lightweight green bag which agitate the clothes.

So that's the concept, but does it work in reality?

The Scrubba Washbag is very simple to use and big enough to hold up six items of clothing (t-shirts for example).

To use it, you simply add the water to the level shown, add washing powder or liquid and add the clothes (nothing too bulky).

Once full, you roll the top of the Scrubba washbag about 4-5 times and clip it together at the top. Expel any air from the bag by holding it and squeezing the valve firmly and you're ready to wash!

The washing process works by pressing and rubbing the clothes against the Scrubba's flexible washboard for roughly 2-3 minutes. If you can't manage with your hands you could easily use your feet.

Once finished, unclip and unroll the wash bag, then empty all the water out. Please be responsible where you empty the bag out, as detergents can be harmful to wildlife and the environment. Where possible, it's best to use biodegradable washing detergent such as Summit Wilderness wash.

Finally, rinse the clothes with fresh water (in the Scrubba bag or under a running tap), wring them out and hang them up to dry. Remember that some campsites have restrictions regarding washing lines though!

When you are drying your clothes, don't forget to dry the Scrubba too as this will help with the longevity of the wash bag itself.

I found the results really effective, and the Scrubba washed our clothes really well. I would personally use washing liquid rather than powder, as it is easier to store and use, particularly when travelling. You could wash coloureds with whites but I'd probably wash them separately, just in case.

It's also worth saying that all buttons and zips should be fastened to stop any wear and potential snagging of the washbag.

One other great point is that the Scrubba makes a great dry-bag when not in use, given its waterproof material.

It's a great idea and a bit of a money saver too in comparison to the laundrette. That's something I won't miss!