Gear Review: The Scrubba

Awhile ago I became aware of a new product out of Australia that is supposed to make travel laundry easier. It’s called The Scrubba and the company sent me one for review.

The Scrubba is made of polyurethene and weighs practically nothing. To use, simply put water in the bag, add detergent, your clothes, push out the air, roll down a few times, seal via the clips,and lay flat. There is an additional air release valve should any air remain. (The photo above shows a foot long ruler to give you an idea of size.)

Next, roll the bag against a hard surface. What’s unique about this bag is the built in flexible urethene “washboard.” Rubbing the clothes against the washboard should help to get them clean.

This is a photo of the “washhboard” from the outside.

Take the clothes out, rinse them out, hang them to dry and you are done.

Mine was delivered without any packaging or instructions. I’m not sure if this is how they all come or just mine because it was for review. Either way, the Scrubba website gives good directions.

I put the Scrubba to the test and it does what it says; it cleaned my clothes.

That being said I’m going to leave this one without a verdict. If I was camping, or doing some serious adventure travel, or traveling to equatorial countries, as is shown in the demonstration video on the product website, I would definitely consider taking this along as it will help to clean clothes better than simply sink washing or a large ziploc. (The demonstration video was funny as it showed them cleaning clothes with the bag on a sidewalk and a train corridor.)

However, if my trip is taking me to New York, Paris or some major city where I’m probably not going to getting that dirty, I don’t know if this would really be an asset.

The Scrubba can be rolled up or folded into almost any space for storage or traveling.

The Scrubba goes for $50 (U.S. or Australian) and includes worldwide delivery.

Addendum: I have been told by the people at Scrubba that it does come packaged with instructions if you should buy one. They also say they are working on new packaging that is more aesthetically and environmentally pleasing.