How To Wash Dishes When Camping: Gear & Best Practices

What is the best way to wash dishes when camping? The best way to wash dishes when camping involves using a three-bin system (wash, rinse, sanitize), biodegradable soap, and disposing of wastewater responsibly, all while adhering to Leave No Trace principles. This article dives deep into the gear, methods, and crucial tips to keep your camp kitchen clean and environmentally friendly.

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The Importance of Camp Kitchen Sanitation

Maintaining a clean camp kitchen isn’t just about avoiding ants. It’s about preventing foodborne illnesses and protecting the environment. Poor camp kitchen sanitation can lead to:

• Food poisoning: Bacteria can thrive on dirty dishes, leading to upset stomachs and more serious illnesses.
• Attracting wildlife: Food scraps left on dishes can attract animals like bears, raccoons, and insects to your campsite.
• Environmental contamination: Improper disposal of dishwater can pollute water sources and damage vegetation.
• Spreading germs: Bacteria and viruses can easily spread if you’re not careful with your dish cleaning practices.

Essential Camping Dishwashing Gear

Having the right gear makes outdoor dish cleaning easier and more effective. Here’s a breakdown of essential items for your camp kitchen sanitation setup:

The Core Trio: Buckets or Collapsible Sinks

A three-bin (or three-bucket) system is the cornerstone of camping dishwashing.

• Wash Bin: This holds hot, soapy water for scrubbing dishes.
• Rinse Bin: Clean, hot water removes soap residue.
• Sanitize Bin: A diluted bleach solution or very hot water kills bacteria.

Collapsible sinks are perfect because they pack down small. Buckets are a more durable and budget-friendly option.

Feature	Collapsible Sink	Bucket
Packability	Excellent – folds flat	Bulky
Durability	Can be punctured or torn	Very durable
Cost	Moderate to High	Low
Best For	Backpacking, car camping with limited space	Car camping, group camping

Soap: Biodegradable is Best

Always use biodegradable soap when washing dishes in the wilderness. Regular dish soap can harm plants and pollute water sources. Look for soaps specifically labeled “biodegradable” and “camp soap.” Can I use regular dish soap while camping? No, you should always use biodegradable soap when camping.

Popular biodegradable camp soaps include:

• Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds: A concentrated, multi-purpose cleaner.
• Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash: Gentle and effective.
• Coghlan’s Camp Soap: A classic, affordable option.

Scrubbers and Sponges: Choose Wisely

Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that can damage cookware. Opt for:

• Soft sponges: Gentle on dishes and cookware.
• Scrub brushes: Effective for removing stubborn food residue.
• Mesh scrubbers: Good for cleaning cast iron.

Always pack out your used scrubbers and sponges. They don’t decompose and can pollute the environment.

Drying Rack: Air Drying is Key

A small, lightweight drying rack helps dishes air dry quickly and prevents them from sitting in dirty water. Collapsible options are ideal for saving space. A simple mesh bag can also work in a pinch.

Towels: Absorbent and Quick-Drying

Pack a few quick-drying towels for wiping down dishes and your camp kitchen. Microfiber towels are lightweight, absorbent, and dry quickly.

Water Heating: Camp Stove or Fire

You’ll need a way to heat water for washing and sanitizing dishes. A camp stove is the easiest and most efficient option. If you’re using a campfire, be extremely careful when handling hot water and follow all fire safety regulations.

Waste Disposal: Strainer and Trash Bags

A fine-mesh strainer is essential for catching food particles before you dispose of dishwater. Pack plenty of trash bags for hauling out food scraps and other waste.

Optional Gear:

• Portable Camp Sink: Some campers prefer using a dedicated portable camp sink for added convenience and organization.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from hot water and harsh soaps.
• Spray Bottle: For pre-soaking dirty dishes.

Step-by-Step Guide: Washing Dishes in the Wilderness

Follow these steps for effective and responsible camping dishwashing:

1. Scrape Food Waste: Before washing, scrape all food scraps into a trash bag. This prevents food from contaminating your wash water and attracting animals.
2. Set Up Your Wash Stations: Arrange your three bins (wash, rinse, sanitize) in a convenient location away from your campsite and at least 200 feet (60 meters) from any water source.
3. Heat Water: Heat water on your camp stove or over a fire. The wash and rinse bins should be filled with hot water.
4. Add Soap to Wash Bin: Add a small amount of biodegradable soap to the wash bin. A little goes a long way!
5. Wash Dishes: Wash each dish thoroughly in the soapy water, using a sponge or scrub brush to remove food residue.
6. Rinse Dishes: Rinse each dish in the clean, hot water of the rinse bin to remove all soap residue.
7. Sanitize Dishes: Sanitize the dishes by dipping them in the sanitizing solution. You can either use very hot water (above 170°F or 77°C) for at least 30 seconds or a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) for at least 2 minutes.
8. Air Dry Dishes: Place the sanitized dishes on a drying rack or clean towel to air dry completely.
9. Dispose of Wastewater Responsibly: This is the most crucial step. Strain the dishwater through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining food particles. Dig a hole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet (60 meters) away from any water source and pour the strained water into the hole. Backfill the hole with soil.
10. Pack it in, Pack it out: Don’t leave anything behind. Pack out all trash, food scraps, and used scrubbers.

Leave No Trace Dishwashing Principles

Leave No Trace dishwashing is crucial for minimizing your impact on the environment. Here are some key considerations:

• Distance from Water: Always wash dishes at least 200 feet (60 meters) away from any water source (lakes, rivers, streams). This prevents soap and food scraps from polluting the water.
• Scatter Food Scraps: Never toss food scraps into the woods. This can attract animals and disrupt the natural ecosystem. Pack out all food waste in a trash bag.
• Proper Disposal of Wastewater: Strain and dispose of dishwater properly by digging a cathole and backfilling it.
• Use Biodegradable Soap: Only use biodegradable soap to minimize the impact on the environment.
• Minimize Soap Use: Use only the amount of soap needed to clean your dishes. Excess soap can harm plants and pollute water sources.
• Pack Out Everything: Pack out everything you pack in, including trash, food scraps, and used scrubbers.

Camp Hygiene Tips Beyond Dishwashing

Good camp hygiene extends beyond just washing dishes. Here are some additional tips to stay healthy and clean while camping:

• Wash Your Hands Frequently: Wash your hands with soap and water (or hand sanitizer) before preparing food, after using the bathroom, and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
• Keep Your Campsite Clean: Regularly sweep or tidy up your campsite to prevent attracting animals and insects.
• Store Food Properly: Store food in airtight containers and keep it out of reach of animals. Consider using bear-resistant containers in bear country.
• Proper Toilet Hygiene: Use designated toilets when available. If you need to go in the woods, dig a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from any water source.
• Practice Good Personal Hygiene: Shower or bathe regularly, even if it’s just a quick sponge bath. Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

Choosing a Portable Camp Sink

A portable camp sink provides a dedicated space for washing dishes and can make the process more organized and efficient. Who is this portable camp sink for? Portable camp sinks are ideal for car campers, families, and anyone who wants a more comfortable and convenient dishwashing experience.

Features to look for in a portable camp sink:

• Collapsible Design: For easy storage and transport.
• Durable Material: Look for a sink made from waterproof and tear-resistant material.
• Multiple Compartments: Some sinks have separate compartments for washing, rinsing, and drying.
• Drain Plug: For easy drainage of wastewater.
• Sturdy Handles: For easy carrying.

Cleaning Camp Cookware

Cleaning camp cookware requires special attention to avoid damaging the materials. Here are some tips for cleaning different types of cookware:

• Cast Iron: Avoid using soap on cast iron, as it can remove the seasoning. Instead, scrub with hot water and a stiff brush. Dry thoroughly and re-season with oil after each use.
• Non-Stick: Use a soft sponge and mild soap to clean non-stick cookware. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the non-stick coating.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel cookware can be cleaned with soap and water. For stubborn stains, use a stainless steel cleaner.
• Aluminum: Aluminum cookware can be cleaned with soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can discolor the aluminum.

Cookware Type	Cleaning Method
Cast Iron	Hot water, stiff brush, dry thoroughly, re-season with oil
Non-Stick	Soft sponge, mild soap
Stainless Steel	Soap and water, stainless steel cleaner for stains
Aluminum	Soap and water, avoid harsh chemicals

Addressing Specific Scenarios

Here are some solutions for when your campsite has limitations.

Limited Water Supply

• Minimize water use by pre-soaking dishes.
• Use a spray bottle to apply soapy water.
• Thoroughly scrape food scraps.
• Filter and reuse rinse water for the wash bin (if appropriate).

No Camp Stove

• Use a campfire to heat water, but be extremely careful.
• Consider using solar-heated water if available.

No Space for Three Bins

• Use two bins: wash and rinse/sanitize.
• Sanitize dishes by pouring boiling water over them.

Encountering Wildlife

• Store food securely.
• Clean dishes promptly after use.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If wildlife approaches, make noise and back away slowly.

FAQ: Camp Kitchen Sanitation

• Can I bury food scraps? No, you should always pack out all food scraps. Burying food scraps can attract animals and contaminate the soil.
• Is it okay to dump dishwater in the woods? No, you should never dump dishwater directly into the woods or near water sources. Strain the water and dispose of it in a cathole at least 200 feet away from any water source.
• How do I clean my dishes if I don’t have any soap? You can use hot water and a scrub brush to remove food residue. Alternatively, you can use natural abrasives like sand or ash (but be careful not to scratch your cookware).
• What are the consequences of poor camp kitchen sanitation? Poor camp kitchen sanitation can lead to food poisoning, attracting wildlife, environmental contamination, and spreading germs.
• How often should I wash my dishes while camping? Wash your dishes after every meal to prevent food from hardening and attracting animals.
• What if I forgot my biodegradable soap? Try using a small amount of baking soda as a gentle cleaner. It’s better than using regular soap, but proper biodegradable soap is always best.

By following these guidelines and adapting them to your specific camping situation, you can ensure a clean, safe, and environmentally responsible camp kitchen. Enjoy your time in the great outdoors, knowing you’re doing your part to protect it!