A Comprehensive Guide to Washing While Camping
As a father of three kids and an experienced camper, I get asked a lot about how to keep clean while camping. One of the most common questions is how to wash while camping? Washing while camping, without access to a shower or washing machine, might seem like a daunting task. But fear not, with the right supplies and a bit of know-how, keeping clean on the camping trail is a piece of cake.
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Gather the Correct Supplies for Camping Washing
The type of supplies you need for washing while camping will depend on your personal preferences. However, having the following essential items will make it easier to keep clean:
- A bucket
- Biodegradable soap (you don’t want to contaminate the water or pollute the environment)
- Drinking water, or water collected from a nearby river
- A small towel, or a cloth
- Clean and appropriate clothing
It is also advisable to bring an extra set of clothing for each member of the camping group, so you can keep your camping gear clean and free from any undesirable odours and dirt.
Find the Right Spot for Camp Washing
One of the main things to consider when washing while camping is finding the right spot. You must choose a place that is away from pollution, and closer to a water source. It is advisable to choose areas that are a reasonable distance away from the campsite, so that the water used for washing is kept away from the food and drinking water source. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that you don’t contaminate the environment by disposing of soapy or dirty water in rivers or streams.
Follow These Steps for Washing While Camping
Once you’ve found the ideal spot for washing while camping, you can start the process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wash while camping:
- Fill the bucket with the collected or drinking water.
- Add a small amount of biodegradable soap.
- Clean yourself in the bucket, using the cloth or small towel.
- Rinse off any residual soap.
- Rinse the bucket and cloth, and put the water away from the campsite.
If you want a shower-like experience while camping, you can use a camping shower bag. It includes pockets for soap, shampoo, and other items. Once you’ve gathered the right supplies, all you have to do is hang the shower bag from a tree or a hook in the area, fill it with water and hang it from a branch, and you are ready to camp shower.
Use Campground Wash Stations
If you are camping at a campground, you’ll have the luxury of access to a campground wash station. Here, you can fill up a bucket with soap and water and have a quick wash. These wash stations are usually equipped with showers, handwashing stations, and other washing amenities. Be sure to take advantage of these stations and keep your camping gear clean.
For a more detailed instruction on how to make the most of the campground wash stations, take a look at this video:
Using Proper Disposal For Camp Washing
It is important to keep the environment clean and avoid any contamination. So, it is essential to properly dispose of all the soapy or dirty water that is used for the camp washing. This should be done by disposing of it at least 50m from a water source. Doing so will ensure that nobody in the area is drinking contaminated water.
It is also important to be mindful of the environment when selecting the type of soaps and detergents for washing while camping. Biodegradable options are the best way to go because they require less water and energy to process, and could help maintain the natural environment.
Conclusion
Washing while camping doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right supplies and knowledge, you can enjoy both cleanliness and nature without compromising either. Storing the extra supplies for camp washing doesn’t require much space, so there is no excuse to leave behind appropriate items. Happy camping!
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