How to Wash Dishes While Camping: A Short Guide

Washing dishes while camping is one of those tasks that everyone dreads, but it’s necessary to keep your campsite clean and safe. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right approach, you can make quick work of dish duty and get back to enjoying the great outdoors.

Here’s a straightforward guide to washing dishes while camping that’s easy to follow and respects both the environment and your time.

1. Bring the Right Supplies

Preparation is key to making dishwashing in the wild as painless as possible. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Biodegradable soap: This is crucial because regular dish soap can harm the environment.
• Scrubbing tool: A small sponge, scrubber, or dishcloth works well. Opt for something compact and easy to dry.
• Two containers: You’ll need one for washing and one for rinsing. Collapsible bowls or lightweight buckets are perfect for this.
• Quick-dry towel: For drying dishes before you store them.
• Trash bag: For food scraps and any waste.

These basic supplies will help you clean up quickly without leaving a mess behind.

2. Choose the Right Spot

When it’s time to wash up, be mindful of your surroundings:

• Stay away from water sources: Wash dishes at least 200 feet from any lakes, rivers, or streams to avoid contaminating natural water.
• Pick a flat, stable surface: This makes it easier to manage your setup and prevents spills.

By choosing the right location, you’ll protect the environment and keep your washing process manageable.

3. Scrape and Dispose of Food Scraps

Before you start washing, take a moment to scrape off any food scraps into your trash bag. This simple step keeps your wash water cleaner and reduces the chances of attracting animals to your campsite.

If you have a campfire, you can safely burn small bits of food waste, but avoid anything that won’t burn easily or could attract wildlife.

4. Wash and Rinse Efficiently

With your setup in place, it’s time to get washing:

• Wash basin: Fill your first container with warm, soapy water. Use just enough biodegradable soap to get a good lather. Start with the least dirty items, like utensils and cups, and work your way to the greasier pots and pans.
• Rinse basin: Use the second container for rinsing. Cold water is fine if you’re conserving resources. Give each item a good shake or rub to remove all soap residues.

By keeping your washing process simple and methodical, you’ll save time and water.

5. Dry and Store Your Dishes

After rinsing, shake off excess water and either air-dry your dishes on a clean towel or dry them with your quick-dry towel. Once dry, pack your dishes away immediately to prevent any lingering food smells from attracting wildlife.

Storing clean dishes right away helps keep your campsite organized and reduces the risk of contamination.

6. Dispose of Wastewater Responsibly

Once your dishes are clean, it’s important to dispose of the wastewater properly:

• Strain food particles: Use a small strainer or bandana to filter out food particles from the wastewater. Put these in your trash bag.
• Scatter the water: Walk at least 200 feet away from water sources and scatter the water over a wide area to minimize environmental impact.

Proper disposal of wastewater is essential for keeping nature pristine and preventing animal encounters.

7. Be Adaptable

Sometimes, conditions won’t be ideal—maybe you’re short on water, or the weather takes a turn. In these cases, prioritize washing the dirtiest dishes and give the others a quick wipe-down. If rain threatens, wash under a tarp or use rainwater for rinsing.

Camping is all about adapting to your surroundings, and dishwashing is no exception.

Wrapping Up

Washing dishes while camping doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With the right supplies, a simple setup, and a mindful approach, you can keep your campsite clean and safe without much fuss. Plus, taking a few minutes to do it right means you can relax and enjoy the rest of your camping experience, knowing everything is taken care of.

So next time you’re out in nature, tackle dish duty with confidence. It’s just one more part of the adventure!