On-the-Go Cleaning Products for Your Next Vacation

Whenever I travel, I never leave home without a few trusty cleaning products. From tackling unexpected coffee spills on my favorite sweater to managing stains on my go-to jeans, having these essentials on hand has saved me more times than I can count. And let’s be honest, no one wants to return from a trip with a bag full of dirty underwear. If you’re nodding along, these on-the-go cleaning tools are about to become your new travel best friends, so you can stay clean and stress-free on your next adventure. You can even keep these in your car for work accidents or other day-to-day spills.

_{Prices are accurate as of February 4, 2025. Subject to change.}

Tide Pen Stain Remover

Tide Pens are the answer to your problems, whether you have pesky stains from airline meals or an unclean seat on the train. They’re easy to use: Just press down directly on top of the stain and then rub with a microfiber pad. Use more or less solution depending on how thick the stain is. I recommend getting a pack of three. It’s great to have one in a few different spots, but they’re also easy to misplace in your luggage or handbag.

The Original MakeUp Eraser

There’s nothing worse than going to sleep with residual makeup on your face, like that crusty bit of eyeliner that refuses to come off. If you’re only traveling with a carry-on for your flight or don’t want to lug around your liquid face wash, choose the MakeUp Eraser. It easily removes all your makeup using just water and is even designed for sensitive skin — a much better option than irritating, single-use makeup wipes. You’ll want to make sure this reusable cloth is always packed in your travel tote.

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes

Lysol’s disinfecting wipes are some of my favorites for their crisp scent and ability to clean on the go. I use these to wipe down tray tables during plane travel and to disinfect the dashboard of my rental car. They kill nearly 100 percent of bacteria on surfaces and are even safe to use on your laptop or smartphone for general disinfecting or to remove sticky stains. This option comes with two 15-packs of wipes to fit easily in your purse or luggage. Stock up if you think you’ll need more for a lengthy vacation.

SinkSuds Travel Laundry Detergent Kit

This travel liquid soap cleans up to three garments per pack. Use it to wash your intimates while you’re on the road or to clean bathing suits, tees, and your Makeup Eraser or washcloth. It won’t fade or shrink clothing, so it’s great for even the most delicate of items.

Microban Disinfectant Spray

We love disinfecting wipes, but you may prefer a spray for cleaning surfaces when traveling, especially during flu season. A travel-size disinfectant can be used in public bathrooms, restaurants, hotels, and anywhere else you visit on your trip. Just spray it onto a table or doorknob to eliminate close to 100 percent of bacteria and germs as well as any odd odors. This 2.8-ounce multi-pack frequently sells out so check back often if it’s unavailable.

Sudstainables Water Bottle Cleaning Tablets

Save your water bottle from nasty odors or mold when you travel with these water bottle cleaner tablets. They’re made by a small business and will get your water bottle clean and odor-free without scrubbing. Just add a tablet to a little bit of water, and rinse after 15 minutes. They make it easy to clean at home too, but are especially great for camping or traveling when you don’t have the tools to properly wash your bottle.

OXO Tot Travel Drying Rack

Doing dishes on vacation? Occasionally it has to be done, especially with kids. This drying rack and brush kit makes it much easier, whether you need to wash bottles and sippy cups or even breast pumps on the go. The entire product folds over so it easily fits in your backpack — it’s actually my go-to for cleaning plastic containers during lunch hour at work.

Etercycle Makeup Brush Cleaner Bowl

Dirty makeup brushes are the bane of my existence as they lead to breakouts and irritated skin. This portable makeup cleaner works well for cleaning all your brushes and beauty blenders on the go. Just put your cleaning solution in and rub your brushes back and forth on the spiked silicone pad. In no time, your brushes should feel cleaner and less gunky. When you’re done, just fold it up and throw it back in your bag.

Jason Markk Quick Wipes

Shoes often go overlooked when you’re on the go, so you might end up with scrapes, mud, dirt, or other stains on your favorite pair. These Quick Wipes are a solution to that problem, cleaning leather and suede shoes with ease. With 30 individually sealed wipes, you should have more than enough to keep your sneakers, heels, and even boots shining on your next trip.

Purity Eyeglass Lens Cleaner Kit

A smudge or fingerprint stain on your daily eyewear can be annoying, to say the least — and cleaning the lens against your t-shirt or dress is not the best solution. Say goodbye to blurred glasses with this lens cleaner kit. It comes with three cleaning sprays and two microfiber cloths, so you can easily store one in each of your bags. It helps remove dust, oil, and, fingerprint stains quickly and effectively, and is gentle on your eyewear, too.

Featured image credit: SolStock/ iStock