First Impressions
The Scrubba arrived at GearGuide without much fan fare. It’s an interesting concept, billed as the “only washing machine you can carry” or something like that. Cool, I guess. But not something to get all charged up about. Let’s face it, when was the last time you were excited about washing a load of laundry? Especially when traveling. Not very often, maybe not ever, was my thought. But hey, let’s give the Scrubba a try anyway.
Features
On a recent trip to Southern California, I decided to throw the Scrubba into my bag. It takes up hardly any space folding essentially flat. But that little green bag is a lot more than just a little green bag. It has a clear window (so you can see the clothing inside as you wash), a heavy duty scrubbing “platform” with little raised nodes (for better agitation and stain removal), a watertight seal (that really does work) and an air relief valve (that allows for compressing the bag before washing). All of this combines into what turns out to be a pretty darn effective washing “system” for travel.
Specs
Weight: 6.5 oz
Dimensions: 24 x 12 in
Capacity: 2-3 items per load
On the outside of the bag are a set of pictogram instructions outlining a six-step process for washing clothes in the Scrubba.
Fit
So was the Scrubba up to the task? I followed the aforementioned instructions on my So Cal trip and got pretty darn good results. I used a little shampoo as a substitute for laundry soap, filled the bag with a couple of clothing items (running shorts, t-shirts, etc.) and water, rolled the bag shut, deflated (this is a critical step, by the way) and began agitating. The clear window showed suds. And after about a minute, I was done. A little rinse and I hung the clothes to dry. I repeated for a second load. Everything emerged clean (including a shirt or two that entered the Scrubba with food stains), smelling sweet and ready to be worn again.
Final Verdict
I know, I know, laundry is not one of those things you get excited about while traveling. But it is often a necessary evil. The Scrubba definitely helps make the task easier and more effective. Honestly, I was shocked at how well it performed on my recent trip. It’s compact, rugged and takes up almost no space in the suitcase. And my washing on the road seemed almost as good as my home machine. No joke.
Find it at www.thescrubba.com.