The 6 Best Portable Washing Machines of 2020

Best Overall: Magic Chef Compact 0.9 cu ft. Portable Top Load Washer in White

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For an affordable portable washing machine that delivers a superior clean and boasts many of the same features as full-size models, you need the Magic Chef Compact Portable Top Load Washer. This appliance looks like a shrunk-down top-load washing machine, and it’s 0.9 cubic foot capacity is perfect for doing small loads of laundry.

This portable washer features a see-through top window, electronic controls, and a stainless steel inner tub. To use it, all you have to do is attach the water supply hose to a water faucet. You can then choose from five wash cycles, including normal, heavy, gentle, quick, and soak, and there are three water levels, as well.

Reviewers absolutely love the Magic Chef Portable Washer, writing that it’s an ideal solution for small apartments and RVs. Many say it’s easy to set up, operates quietly, and does a great job washing their clothes.

Best High-End: GE 2.8 Cu. Ft. 8-Cycle Top-Loading Portable Washer GNW128PSMWW

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Most portable washing machines are pretty small, which can be frustrating if you have a lot of laundry to wash. If you’re willing to pay more for a larger, more advanced portable washing machine, the GE Portable Washer will make laundry day a whole lot easier.

This high-end portable washer has an impressive 2.8 cubic foot capacity—almost three times larger than many comparable products! It has electronic one-touch controls, and you can choose from eight different cycles and four wash temperatures. The machine features caster wheels that let you easily move it around your home, as well as a stainless steel basket that resists rust and won’t harm your clothes. The water input hose easily connects to a standard kitchen or bathroom sink, and reviewers absolutely love that the tub is big enough to wash sheets and towels, as well as larger loads of clothing. Many note that it’s easy to operate and extremely quiet, making it a great alternative to a full-size washing machine.

Best Mini: COSTWAY Mini Washing Machine

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You may not have much storage space in a small apartment or RV, which can make it challenging to find room to store a portable washer. Luckily, there are products like the COSTWAY Mini Washing Machine, which are small enough to stash in a closet or cabinet.

This mini washing machine measures just 14” long, 13” wide, and 20” tall. Its compact design makes it an ideal product to bring on long road trips or camping, but it could also work in an apartment or RV. The single tub washes and spins small loads of laundry, and you can choose how long to wash items for via the timer. Once you’re finished washing, simply drain the dirty water out the bottom via the included drain house.

According to reviewers, this compact machine packs a big punch, getting clothes clean in a short amount of time. Sure, you can’t fit a lot in the small tub, but it’s a great product if you’re pressed for space, as it can easily be operated on the kitchen counter.

Best for Camping: LAVARIO Portable Clothes Washer

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The Lavario Portable Clothes Washer is the perfect gadget to take with you on camping trips. This compact, manual washer is simple and straightforward, allowing you to wash a few items of clothes in mere minutes.

To use this gadget, simply load up the basket with the clothes you want to wash. Pour water and detergent into the bucket, then submerge the basket and pump it up and down. Within a few minutes, your clothing will be clean, and you can refill the bucket with clean water to rinse. Wring excess water out of your garments, then hang them up to dry—it’s that easy! Reviewers say the manual operation and compact design make this machine a must-have for camping, but many note they like it so much that they use it to wash clothes at home, too.

Best for Apartments: Best Choice Products Portable Twin Tub Laundry Washing Machine

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If you’re sick of paying to use your apartment’s coin-op laundry machines or dragging bags of clothes to the laundromat, invest in a product like the Best Choice Portable Twin Tub Washing Machine! The lightweight, space-saving design will allow you to clean your clothes in the comfort of your own apartment.

This product features two tubs that allow you to wash and dry your clothing. You can choose to attach the hose to a faucet to add water, or you can do it by hand. The washer runs for up to 15 minutes, then you transfer clothing to the other compartment for a five-minute spin cycle. Reviewers say this machine is ideal for anyone who only has a small amount of laundry, and many love that the washer is quiet and efficient. It’s an ideal solution for apartment-dwellers—and affordable to boot.