Camping is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy nature. But when you’re camping, you still have to do dishes.
In this guide, you’ll find some helpful tips for washing dishes while camping that will help make the process easier.
How To Wash Dishes When Camping Step-By-Step
Let’s see how you can wash your dishes when camping.
Step 1. Choose The Right Dish Soap
When you’re doing dishes while camping, you want to make sure that you use a dish soap that is biodegradable and gentle on the environment. You don’t want to use a dish soap that will pollute the water or harm the wildlife.
For example, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps are a good choice because they are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Alternatively, you could fill up a bucket with water and wash your dishes with hot water.
Step 2. Use A Portable Camping Sink
If you’re washing dishes at a campsite that doesn’t have running water, you can use a portable camping sink. These basins come in handy because they have a place to store your dish soap and scrubber, and they also have a place to drain the dirty water.
Step 3. Rinse Your Dishes Off First
Before you start washing your dishes, rinse them off with clean water. This will help remove any food or dirt that is on the dish.
Step 4. Wash Your Dishes In Hot Water
If you have access to hot water, use it! Hot water will kill any bacteria that is on your dishes. Alternatively, if you have access to electricity, you could heat water with a camping kettle and use that to wash your dishes.
Step 5. Wash One Dish At A Time
If you have a lot of dishes to wash, it’s best to wash them one at a time. This will prevent the water from getting too dirty and make it easier to get your dishes clean.
Step 6. Use A Scrubber
If you have access to a scrubber, use it! A scrubber is going to make it easier to get your dishes clean. You can use a dish brush, a sponge, or even a clean cloth.
Step 7. Let Your Dishes Air Dry
After you’ve washed your dishes, let them air dry. Don’t put them away wet because this can cause bacteria to grow. If you have a dish rack, you can set your dishes on that to dry.
Step 8. Store Your Dishes Properly
Once your dishes are dry, put them away in a clean and dry place. If you’re storing your dishes in a box, ensure that the box is clean and dry before putting your dishes in it.
Step 9. Empty Your Sink
Once you’re done washing your dishes, make sure to empty out your sink. If you’re using a portable camping sink, dump the dirty water in a nearby toilet or pit toilet. If you’re using a regular sink, dump the water down the drain.
Step 10. Clean Your Sink
After you’ve emptied your sink, give it a quick rinse with clean water. This will help remove any soap residue or food particles that are in the sink.
Recommended Equipment
Here are some recommended items that will make washing dishes while camping easier:
- Dish soap – choose a biodegradable dish soap that is gentle on the environment.
- Scrubber – use a dish brush, sponge, or clean cloth to scrub your dishes clean.
- Portable camping sink – if you don’t have access to running water, a portable camping sink can be a lifesaver.
- Hot water – hot water will kill any bacteria on your dishes; if you don’t have access to hot water, you can heat water with a camping kettle.
- Dish rack – a dish rack is helpful for air-drying your dishes.
- Cleaning rag – a clean rag can dry your dishes or wipe down your table after you’ve finished washing your dishes.
Final Thoughts On Washing Dishes When Camping
Washing dishes while camping doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By following the steps above, you can easily wash your dishes and keep your campsite clean.
And, when you’re done washing your dishes, make sure to clean your sink, so it’s ready for the next time you need to use it.
Going camping soon? Read one of the following guides:
