Doing laundry on your travels is one of the best ways to prevent overpacking and staying light within a carry-on. Obviously, it's easier if you have access to a washing machine in your accommodations (this is a filter on AirBNB's site, and some hotels offer self-serve machines). Even if you don't have access to a washer or dryer, you still have options!
Washing bag
This Allurette wash bag can clean your clothes almost as well as a machine. Just add water, detergent, and your dirty clothes. After sealing the bag (by rolling down the top), you "agitate" and clean your clothes by manually pushing the bag around. Then, just drain the soapy water, add clean water to rinse, wring out your clothes and hang dry. Since it has little scrubbers inside, your clothes get cleaner than they normally would by just washing in the sink.
I agitate the bag in the bathtub just in case it leaks - I don't want to get soapy water everywhere.
I'll typically bring this on trips longer than a week & wash an outfit's worth of clothes (top, pants, socks/undies) each night. I let them hang-dry overnight so I can rewear sooner and don't have to spend a long time washing a large batch. Rolling your clothes in a towel before hanging can also help get rid of excess water.
This has come in handy in Europe where laundromats weren't nearby and on cruise ships, where they charge exorbitant amounts to do your laundry (cruise ships also wash/dry on the highest heat setting, which can damage or wear down your clothes). It also doubles as a dry bag for your beach or lake days!
Sink laundry
This is for if you don't want to pack a wash bag or unexpectedly extend your trip. I always carry a small detergent packet or pod for emergencies (if I get stuck overnight).
In a pinch, you just need a sink (with a basin/water stopper) and detergent. Fill up the basin with warm water, add your detergent and dirty clothes. Let them sit for a few minutes. Then, agitate and move your clothes around against each other a few times to get them clean. Drain the soapy water, add clean water to rinse, and wring out/hang up to dry.
Laundromat
Using a Laundromat while traveling is a great option if you're staying nearby and having a rest day. You will want to stay close to check on everything and switch your clothes to the dryer. Plus, I doubt you want to be lugging your dirty-then-clean clothes across town.
Laundromats don't usually provide detergent, so keep that in mind if you plan to rely on these for laundry. Either pack a small bottle of detergent or buy some locally before laundry day.
Quick note: Hotel-provided machines automatically dispense detergent, so definitely check the machine's instructions before starting.
In closing...
If you want to travel the lightest while staying flexible laundry-wise, just pack a small bottle or packet of detergent. If you want a high-quality wash without relying on a machine, grab a scrubber bag (like Scrubba or Allurette). Either way, laundry detergent is good to keep on hand during your travels in case of unexpected delays/cancels/standby strandings.
If you aren't able to find detergent, shampoo also works to get you by in emergencies.
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