9 Best Portable Washing Machines for Apartments, RVs & Small Spaces

Portable washing machines offer a practical laundry solution when a full-size washer is too large, permanent plumbing is unavailable, or laundry space is limited. They are especially useful in apartments, RVs, dorm rooms, studios, and other compact spaces, with options ranging from fully automatic washers to manual and twin-tub designs.

The best portable washing machine simplifies everyday household laundry while fitting your available space and laundry needs. Water access, drainage, load size, portability, and ease of use are also important when choosing a model. This guide explains the main portable washer types and helps you compare options for different needs. 

How Do Portable Washing Machines Work?

Portable washing machines clean clothes through a series of automated or manual steps that combine washing, draining, rinsing, and spinning. The basic process works as follows:

• Water is added: The washer is filled with the required amount of water, either automatically through an inlet connection or manually, depending on the model.
• Washing: The motor powers an agitator, pulsator, or rotating drum to move clothes through the water and detergent, helping loosen dirt and stains.
• Draining: After the wash cycle, the used water is removed through the drain hose.
• Rinsing: Fresh water is added to remove remaining detergent and loosened dirt from the clothes.
• Spinning: The drum or spin tub rotates rapidly to extract excess water, leaving clothes damp and ready for drying.

The controls, cycle settings, and level of automation vary between portable washing machine models, but these basic steps form the foundation of most wash cycles.

Experiencing washing machine problems? Fix them quickly with high-quality home appliance repair parts from HnK Parts. Shop washing machine replacement parts for top brands like LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE, and Asko, including drain pumps, water inlet valves, door locks, drive belts, suspension rods, and more. Order today for fast delivery to your doorstep.

Portable Washing Machine vs Full-Size Washer: Which Is Better?

A portable washing machine is often better when space, mobility, and installation flexibility are priorities, while a full-size washer is generally more suitable for larger households that need higher capacity. The table below highlights the key differences between the two:

Note: Portable washers also vary considerably in capacity. Current compact models range from very small machines designed for light loads to larger portable top-load washers.

Learn about washing machine parts and their functions: a complete guide 

Types of Portable Washing Machines

Portable washing machines are available in different designs based on how the wash cycle is controlled and how washing and spinning are performed. Understanding these types can help you identify the differences between each design. 

• Fully Automatic Portable Washing Machines: These washers handle washing, rinsing, and spinning automatically in a single cycle. They are best for users who want a portable washer with operation similar to a conventional washing machine.
• Semi-Automatic Portable Washing Machines: These washers require some manual steps, such as adding or draining water or moving clothes between washing and spinning. They are suitable for users who want more control over the washing process.
• Twin-Tub Portable Washing Machines: These washers have separate tubs for washing and spinning. Clothes are moved manually from the wash tub to the spin tub, making this design useful for users who prefer separate washing and spinning functions.
• Manual Portable Washing Machines: These washers rely on the user to agitate clothes and remove excess water rather than handling the entire process automatically. They are suitable for small loads, travel, camping, and situations where electricity or standard washer hookups are limited.

9 Best Portable Washing Machines Reviewed by Use Case

The best portable washing machine depends on how you plan to use it, including available space, load size, portability, and the level of manual involvement you prefer. The following options are grouped by specific use cases to make comparison easier. 

1. Best Overall Portable Washing Machine

Midea Compact Washing Machine provides a practical option for everyday laundry when you need useful capacity without the size of a full-size washer. The lineup includes compact models designed for smaller living spaces, with features such as multiple wash cycles, stainless-steel tubs, quick-wash options, and electronic controls, depending on the model. 

• What Makes It Suitable: Midea's current compact washers combine useful capacity with a space-saving design and features intended for regular household laundry.
• User Benefit: Helps users handle everyday laundry while making better use of limited laundry-room space.

2. Best Portable Washer for Apartments

Danby DWM055A1WDB-6 1.6 cu. ft. Compact Top Load Washing Machine is designed specifically for apartments, homes, and small-space living. It has 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, four wash cycles, 10 water levels, a stainless-steel drum, digital controls, delay start, and spin auto-balancing. 

• What Makes It Suitable: Its compact capacity and top-load configuration make it appropriate for smaller laundry areas, while multiple water levels provide flexibility for different load sizes.
• User Benefit: Gives apartment users a practical washer that can handle everyday loads without requiring the footprint of a full-size appliance.

3. Best Portable Washing Machine for RVs

Danby DWM17WDB 5kg Capacity Compact Top Load Washing Machine is a practical option for compact living applications. The current model provides an 11-lb (5-kg) capacity, four water-level settings, eight wash programs, a stainless-steel tub and drum, electronic controls, 120V operation, and castors. It can also connect to a standard faucet. 

• What Makes It Suitable: The 5-kg capacity provides enough room for personal laundry, while the portable design and castors make the machine easier to accommodate in space-conscious environments.
• User Benefit: Gives RV users a compact washer for regular laundry without requiring the space of a conventional full-size machine.

4. Best Portable Washer for Small Spaces

Magic Chef MCSTCW09W2 0.9 cu. ft. Portable Compact Top Load Washer is designed for small loads and limited spaces. It provides five automatic wash programs, three water levels, a stainless-steel tub, electronic controls with an LED display, and a 680-RPM maximum spin speed. Its compact dimensions are approximately 17.7 × 18.1 × 31.5 inches. 

• What Makes It Suitable: Its 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity and compact dimensions make it particularly suitable where floor space is more important than washing large loads.
• User Benefit: Makes it easier to add automatic washing capability to very small apartments, studios, or utility areas.

5. Best Budget Portable Washing Machine

Magic Chef MCSTCW17W5 1.7 cu. ft. Portable Compact Top Load Washer provides a larger capacity while retaining a portable design. It includes six wash cycles, three water-level options, an LED display, delay start, a stainless-steel tub, and up to 800 RPM spin speed. 

• What Makes It Suitable: It provides automatic washing functions and several fabric-care options without moving to a larger conventional washer.
• User Benefit: Gives users a more capable portable washer for everyday laundry while keeping the appliance compact.

6. Best High-Capacity Portable Washer

A better current choice is the Magic Chef MCSTCW20W6 2.0 cu. ft. Compact Portable Top Load Washer. It provides 2.0 cu. ft. capacity, six wash programs, three water-level options, a stainless-steel tub, electronic controls, delay start, hot- and cold-water inlets, and up to 800 RPM spin speed. 

• What Makes It Suitable: Its 2.0-cu.-ft. capacity provides more room than ultra-compact portable washers while retaining a portable top-load configuration.
• User Benefit: Allows users to wash larger everyday loads without moving to a full-size washer.

7. Best Portable Washer for Dorms

Magic Chef MCSTCW09W2 0.9 cu. ft. Portable Compact Top Load Washer is a practical choice for individual laundry loads in space-constrained environments. Its 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity, five automatic wash programs, compact dimensions, and 680-RPM spin speed are suited to smaller personal loads.

• What Makes It Suitable: The smaller capacity is appropriate for students who primarily wash personal clothing rather than large household loads.
• User Benefit: Provides automatic washing capability while taking up considerably less space than a standard washer.

8. Best Portable Washer for Faucet Hookup

Danby DWM17WDB 5kg Capacity Compact Top Load Washing Machine is a strong option for users who need a portable washer that can connect to a standard faucet. The model has eight wash programs, four water-level settings, electronic controls, an 11-lb capacity, stainless-steel tub and drum, and castors. Danby specifically states that the unit can be installed by connecting the hose to a standard faucet.

• What Makes It Suitable: The standard-faucet connection can simplify installation where a dedicated washer water supply is unavailable.
• User Benefit: Makes portable laundry easier to set up in locations without permanent washer plumbing.

9. Best Compact Portable Washer for Everyday Loads

Magic Chef MCSTCW17G5 1.7 cu. ft. Portable Compact Top Load Washer is suitable for users who regularly handle smaller laundry loads. It features six wash programs, three water-level options, a stainless-steel tub, electronic controls with an LED display, delay start, and up to 800 RPM spin speed. 

• What Makes It Suitable: The 1.7-cu.-ft. capacity provides a useful middle ground between very small portable washers and larger compact models.
• User Benefit: Provides enough capacity for regular personal or small-household laundry while maintaining a compact footprint.

Note: The models and specifications mentioned above are provided as examples to help illustrate how different portable washing machines may suit specific use cases. Models, features, specifications, availability, and product configurations may vary by brand, model, and product version. 

Watch to explore the ultimate guide to Frigidaire washing machine parts and troubleshooting for smarter laundry care. 

Common Portable Washing Machine Problems and How to Fix Them

Portable washing machines can develop problems involving water supply, drainage, spinning, washing performance, or electrical operation. Many issues can be traced to a blocked hose, unbalanced load, worn component, or incorrect setting. Here are the most common portable washing machine problems, their likely causes, and the checks that can help identify the right solution.

• Machine Won't Start: Check that the washer is properly connected to power and that the lid or door is fully closed. Make sure the selected cycle has been started correctly.
• Machine Won't Drain: Check the drain hose for kinks, blockages, or improper positioning. Make sure the hose is installed according to the washer's instructions and that the drain opening is not obstructed.
• Vibrating Excessively: Examine whether the washer is level and the feet are firmly positioned on the floor. Redistribute the load evenly and reduce the load if necessary. If the vibration continues, replace worn leveling feet, damaged suspension springs or rods, or worn anti-vibration pads. 
• Leaking Water: Inspect the inlet and drain hose connections for loose fittings or damage. Check the door or lid area and make sure the hoses are properly connected.
• Not Spinning Properly: Redistribute the load if clothes have collected on one side of the tub. Avoid overloading the washer and check that the drain system is working correctly.
• Not Filling With Water: Check that the water supply is turned on and that the inlet hose is connected correctly. Inspect the hose for kinks or blockages and verify that the selected cycle requires water.

Double-Check Replacement Part Compatibility:

To ensure a seamless repair, verify your portable washing machine’s exact model number and original part number before purchasing a replacement. Compare the new part’s type, electrical connections, physical dimensions, and mounting brackets with the original component. 

Find out the top 10 washing machine issues homeowners face and how to solve them. 

Summary: How to Choose the Right Portable Washing Machine for Your Laundry Needs

The best portable washing machine is the one that fits your available space, typical load size, water access, drainage setup, and preferred level of automation. Fully automatic models prioritize convenience, while semi-automatic and twin-tub machines provide more control in exchange for additional manual steps. For apartments, RVs, dorms, and small spaces, choosing the right balance of capacity and footprint is more important than simply selecting the largest washer available.

Key Takeaways

• Measure Before Buying: Check the washer's dimensions against your available floor and storage space.
• Match Capacity to Your Loads: Choose capacity based on how much laundry you normally wash rather than the maximum available size.
• Check Water Requirements: Determine whether the machine requires a faucet connection or manual water filling.
• Plan for Drainage: Make sure the drain hose can reach an appropriate drainage point without kinks or restrictions.
• Choose the Right Operating Style: Fully automatic models reduce manual work, while twin-tub and semi-automatic designs offer more control.
• Consider Spin Performance: A strong spin cycle can reduce the amount of moisture left in clothes and shorten drying time.

FAQs

Can a Portable Washing Machine Wash Regular Clothes?

Yes, portable washing machines can wash everyday clothing when the load size is within the machine's rated capacity. Smaller models are generally better suited to lighter loads.

Do Portable Washing Machines Need a Water Hookup?

Some portable washers connect directly to a faucet, while others allow water to be added manually. Always check the specific model's water-intake requirements before purchasing.

Can I Connect a Portable Washing Machine to Any Sink?

Not necessarily. Faucet adapters and inlet connections vary, so check the washer's included adapter and compatibility requirements before connecting it to a sink.

Why Is My Portable Washing Machine Shaking So Much?

Excessive shaking is often caused by an unbalanced load or an uneven surface. Redistribute the clothes and make sure the washer is stable and level.