Laundry services in Malaysia are top-rate, enjoying an Asian ethic to keeping clothes clean and well maintained. You can find everything from local ladies who will clean articles of clothing for RM3-5 up to five-star hotel dry cleaning services which, while expensive (RM20 at the Ritz-Carlton, for example) are certainly cheaper than in the West.

However, most expats will opt for a laundry service, one that comes to their homes, picks up and drops off pieces, all at the convenience of a phone call (or in the case of Laundryroom2u.com, online). These services are all bonded (but having said that get a contract for compensation should your clothes be damaged) and have clean trucks and smart staff to drive home the point of their professionalism.

If you’re the DIY type, you can certainly do your own clothes; there are good products on the market for hand-cleaning and washing. But be warned: the water in many buildings is substandard due to pipe rust. Make sure you have a filter in place before your washer (even better buildings are in denial) or hand wash tub. Also, to keep your clothes from moulding, use the de-humidifier boxes that can be picked up in grocery stores. They have to be changed every few months but they’re worth it. Last but not least in this vein know that they don’t sell cedar balls; if you don’t have them already bring them from home on the next trip. In the meantime you can get moth balls but better yet, source camphor balls. They don’t have as much stench, but are cheaper and do a great job.