Washing dishes outdoors may seem like a small issue, but believe me, it can make a big difference in how enjoyable your camping experience is.
When I go camping, one of the most frequently asked questions is how I clean my dishes while I’m out there.
If you’ve ever been out in the wild and wondered how to tackle the sometimes daunting task of cleaning up after meals, you’re in the right place.
I’m excited to share my personal insights and tips on how to effectively wash dishes while camping.
So, here’s how I keep my dishes clean in the great outdoors.
Table of Contents
The Basics of Outdoor Dishwashing
Here are the basics:
1. Collapsible Wash Bins: These are game-changers for camping. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and available in various sizes. I always bring two bins—one for washing and one for rinsing.
2. Biodegradable Soap: I prefer using something like Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Pure Castile Soap.
3. Sponge or Scrub Brush: A simple sponge will work, but I like using a sponge that can hang to dry, preventing mildew.
4. Water: Water is essential. You can either bring your own or find it at nearby water stations.
5. Paper Towels or Cloth Towels: These are great for drying dishes or wiping down surfaces.
6. Trash Bag: Don’t forget to pack out what you pack in! Keeping your campsite clean is crucial for wildlife and the environment.
Method 1: The Two-Bin System
This method is perfect for larger groups or when you have a lot of dishes to clean. Setting it up is simple.
First, set up your two bins. One will hold your soapy water, while the other will be for rinsing.
– Step 1: Prep Your Dishes
Before you even touch the water, scrape off any leftover food into your trash bag. If you can, wipe the dishes with a paper towel to remove as much residue as possible.This step is crucial as it helps eliminate any lingering food scents that could attract unwanted wildlife.
– Step 2: Fill the Bins
Fill one bin with clean water and a few drops of biodegradable soap. In the second bin, fill it with plain water for rinsing.If you have the option, warm water is ideal for cutting through grease, but if not, cold water will work too; just be prepared to scrub a bit more.
– Step 3: Wash the Dishes
Use your sponge to wash each item. It’s just like washing dishes at home—make sure to get into any crevices. Once cleaned, dip it in the rinse bin to remove any soap.– Step 4: Dry and Store
Place the cleaned dishes on a towel to dry. You can also use the wind to help speed up the drying process.Just be mindful of where you place them; you don’t want to risk them blowing away!
– Step 5: Dispose of Gray Water
When you’re finished, you’ll need to dispose of the gray water properly. Be sure to check the regulations for your campsite.If you’re in a more remote area, it’s best to stay at least 200 feet away from water sources when dumping gray water.
Method 2: The One-Bin Approach
– Step 1: Scrape and Clean
As before, start by scraping any food residue into your trash bag. Getting the bulk off will make your job easier.– Step 2: Fill Your Bin
Fill your single bin with soapy water. If you want to speed up the cleaning, you can mix in some warm water if you have it available.– Step 3: Wash and Rinse
Wash your dishes directly in the soapy water. Once you feel they’re clean, you can hold them over the bin and slowly pour fresh water over them to rinse off the soap. This method is straightforward and saves space!– Step 4: Dispose of the Water
Just as with the two-bin method, be cautious with the gray water disposal.Method 3: No-Bucket System
– Step 1: Wipe the Plates
Just as before, start by wiping any leftover food into your trash. With minimal residue left, you can move to the next step.– Step 2: Use Squeeze Bottles
This is where it gets clever. Fill one squeeze bottle with fresh water and another with a mixture of camp soap and a bit of water.– Step 3: Clean with Ease
Spray your soapy water on the dishes and use a paper towel to scrub them clean. Afterward, spray some fresh water on the dish to rinse it off and wipe it down with another paper towel.– Step 4: Minimal Water Usage
This method uses very little water and is perfect for when you’re trying to travel light. It’s quick, efficient, and ideal for solo campers or small groups.Dealing With Gray Water
Once all the dishes are clean, it’s time to get rid of the gray water. If you’re at a campground, you can usually find a designated gray water disposal area.
This is by far the easiest way to dispose of it. If you’re out in the backcountry, you’ll need to follow Leave No Trace principles and regulations specific to the area.
This often involves dispersing the gray water over a large area or burying it, depending on the environment.
One thing that helps when it comes to gray water disposal is making sure there aren’t any food bits left in the water. That’s why scraping off plates before washing is so important.
Adapting the System for Different Conditions
The great thing about this system is that it’s flexible. Whether you’re camping solo or with a group, you can adapt it to suit your needs.
If you’re camping with a larger group, using two buckets and being more efficient with water becomes even more important.
On the other hand, if it’s just me, I might opt for the simpler one-bucket method and clean fewer dishes more quickly.
The key is to remain flexible and work with the resources you have.
A Few Extra Tips
Here’s a little bonus tip: On shorter trips, I sometimes leave certain things to be cleaned when I get home. For instance, if I have a sealed container in the cooler (like leftover sausage patties), I might just wait and wash it at home.
This reduces the amount of dishwashing I need to do in camp, and it’s totally fine if the container stays sealed in the cooler for another day.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it—a quick guide on how to wash your dishes while camping!
Whether you opt for a two-bin system, a single bin, or even a no-bucket approach, the key is to plan ahead and ensure you’re respectful of the great outdoors.
I hope this information proves helpful for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re car camping with friends or setting out on a solo backcountry trek, these tips will make the dishwashing process manageable and keep your campsite clean.
As always, I love hearing from you, so if you have any questions or tips of your own, feel free to drop them in the comments.
