5 Camper Bathroom & Laundry DIY Ideas: Smart, small and surprisingly comfy solutions for combining bathroom and laundry in a camper

I once tried to sneak a full-size washer into a camper and almost flooded my client’s tiny bathroom — lesson learned: creativity beats brute force. For compact projects I often sketch a few small-space layout examples on day one so we don’t fall in love with impossible ideas.

1. Wet Bath with Slide-out Laundry Stack

I love the wet bath because it’s brutally efficient: shower, toilet and a slide-out washer/dryer combo tucked behind a waterproof curtain. The advantage is extreme space savings and simple plumbing consolidation; the trade-off is limited drying space and the need for corrosion-resistant fixtures.

Budget tip: use a compact stackable unit and stainless-steel fittings — cheaper than a custom dryer vent and kinder to a wet environment.

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2. Folding Vanity That Hides a Washer

I’ve retrofitted vanity cabinets so a drawer-style washer slides out beneath a sink — during the day it’s a counter, at laundry time it’s a machine. It’s a classy multitasker and keeps the camper feeling like a home, but you’ll sacrifice cabinet depth and might need a tiny, ventless washer.

Pro trick: route plumbing through shared panels to keep installation costs down and make maintenance easier later.

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3. Use Kitchen Layout Ideas for Laundry Efficiency

Many lessons from tiny kitchen planning apply: put the washer where you’d place an appliance triangle partner and use vertical cabinetry for detergents and drying racks. Borrowing these kitchen layout ideas gave me better traffic flow in several camper remodels and minimized moisture zones near sleeping areas.

Drawback: you must be ruthless about load size — these setups favor small, frequent washes rather than family-size laundry days.

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4. Multi-use Drying Wall and Shower Storage

I like wall-mounted drying racks that fold up over the wheel well and a ceiling-mounted retractable line in the shower — it’s discreet and dries clothes using the camper’s own hot-air paths. This saves energy versus a dryer, but humidity control becomes critical to avoid mold.

When I install this I always visualize the footprint with a quick 3D mock so I don’t block doors or vents — a small step that prevents big headaches later with cabinetry alignment. See an example using 3D floor layouts.

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5. Modular Cassette Toilet + Portable Washer Drawer

For boondocking lovers I often suggest a cassette toilet paired with a removable washing drawer that can be taken outside to drain — minimal plumbing, easy winterization, and simple repairs. It’s flexible and low-cost, though it means sacrificing some luxury finishings.

Small-case note: label every hose and screw during installation. I once cursed an unlabeled bracket for an hour; your future self will thank you.

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FAQ

Q1: Can I install a washer in a camper without a vent?

A1: Yes — ventless washers (condensing or heat pump types) work well in campers, but you must manage humidity with vents or fans to prevent condensation on surfaces.

Q2: What’s the best way to prevent mold in a camper bathroom?

A2: Ventilate aggressively, wipe down wet surfaces, and use mildew-resistant materials. For cleaning and mold remediation guidance, follow CDC recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/mold/cleanup.htm.

Q3: Is a wet bath safe for long-term living?

A3: Absolutely — many full-time RVers use wet baths successfully; pick corrosion-resistant fixtures and ensure good drainage to keep it durable.

Q4: How do I handle greywater from a washer?

A4: Use a dedicated greywater tank or connect to the camper’s greywater system per local regulations; always avoid dumping in unauthorized areas.

Q5: Can I use household detergents in a tiny washer?

A5: Use high-efficiency (HE) detergents in compact machines and measure carefully — excess suds are a common tiny-washer headache.

Q6: How much will a simple camper bathroom-laundry combo cost?

A6: Expect a wide range: $500 for DIY portable setups, $3,000–$8,000 for professional compact installs. Costs depend on appliances, plumbing changes, and finish materials.

Q7: Are cassette toilets hygienic?

A7: Yes, they’re widely used and very practical for off-grid life; empty regularly, use appropriate chemicals, and maintain seals to keep odors at bay.

Q8: What’s one quick tip for planning a remodel?

A8: Mock up the exact footprint with cardboard or a simple 3D sketch so you can walk through the space before cutting holes — it saves time and money later.

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