If you have ever camped for more than a night or two, you probably already know how challenging it is to keep clean while roughing it. No one wants to stink up the place. But because many soaps are harmful to the environment, you need to be careful about the personal hygiene products you use in the great outdoors.
Products like scented shampoos and hand sanitizers are out. Store-bought toothpaste and toiletries are often toxic to wildlife. So how do you stay clean?
Here are five eco-friendly ways you can maintain cleanliness no matter where you camp.
1. Try Soap in Seconds
When you have no soap or water on hand, where do you turn when you need to get clean?
Hand sanitizer is a popular water-less method for getting rid of germs. However, the CDC says that washing your hands and body with traditional soap and water is the best option for reducing contact with chemicals and germs. The reason? Good ol’ soap eliminates more types of germs, and it removes them from your body. Sanitizer only kills some germs, and it isn’t a great option for more than just your hands.
Unfortunately, many soaps are hazardous to the environment, making it hard for campers to stay clean while out in the wilderness. Prevent damage to the environment by using a product that doesn’t require you to wash it off after use.
To keep your hands and body clean while camping, you need a new solution. For example, Soap in Seconds is a foaming soap that allows you to freshen up without the need for extra water. Soap in Seconds is literally soap and water in a can, making it a portable washing solution that you can use while camping.
All you have to do to use Soap in Seconds is shake the can, twist the cap open, and spray a small amount of the foam onto your hands. Rub the soap into your skin anywhere on your body thoroughly. You can rinse if you have water available, but simply allowing your skin to air dry or drying with a towel is the only other step to cleanliness.
2. Wear Moisture-Wicking Clothing
The best clothes to wear while camping will stay dry. Moisture-wicking clothing is often made using wool or synthetic polyester. The clothing helps wick away moisture and sweat, so you remain dry and warm throughout the day, whether the temperature drops or rains unexpectedly.
Keeping the moisture and sweat from building up in your clothing is an excellent way to keep your nether regions free of stinky bacteria. Your clothes also remain clean for a more extended period between washing. The material also saves room in your pack.
Make sure to set aside clean undies and PJs to wear at night after a long day outdoors too. There is nothing worse than crawling into your sleeping back with the sweat and smell of the day on you.
3. Take a Reusable Water Bottle
Always take a reusable water bottle with you to a campground. Sure, you may want to use a water bottle for drinking purposes. But the bottle has more uses than you may think.
You can use the water bottle to keep clean. It’s great for a quick rinse or using the bathroom when you have no toilet paper.
Squirt water from the bottle onto sweaty areas or after going to the bathroom to get a little bit cleaner. The water allows you to quickly clean your underarms, hair, face, or any other sweaty area in a pinch.
4. Use Sanitary Wipes and Dry Shampoo
Water is a luxury in some locations. You may find yourself camping in an area with no lakes to dive in or spare water for bathing. Thankfully, baby wipes and dry shampoo can lift grime and allow you to remain hygienic.
Many sanitary wipes for camping or other outdoor activities are available on the market. For example, the Shower Pouch is a large wipe that cleans your entire body. Set the pouch in boiling water over the campfire for a warm experience or refresh by dabbing yourself with wipes as needed.
Sanitary wipes are a must-have for campers. Take them backpacking or keep them in your camping hygiene kit in case of an emergency.
Dry shampoo is another effective way to cut grease from your hair while camping. It’s an excellent alternative to shampoo. Some brands sell dry shampoo as a powder that you shake into your hair, while others include aerosols that are less eco-friendly.
The fantastic thing about both products is that you can use them anywhere. They help you keep clean when you can’t take a regular shower, and you can find eco-friendly brands to cut back on your environmental impact. Just make sure to dispose of them appropriately and leave no trace.
5. Brush with Organic Toothpaste
Many store-bought types of toothpaste are bad for the environment. But you don’t have to avoid brushing your teeth the entire time you’re camping.
There are two crucial factors for brushing your teeth in nature: use organic toothpaste and attempt to leave no trace.
Organic or natural toothpaste brands are safe to use outdoors. Many organic options include baking soda, which is typically jarring if you’re not used to the taste. Using traditional toothpaste would require you to be insanely careful about getting it on the ground or water.
The ‘leave no trace’ method comes into play with the way you brush.
To brush your teeth and have a minimal impact on the environment, be careful about the way you spit out the toothpaste. Always head to a location far away from any water source or your campground. Start by brushing like normal, but before you spit, swoosh more water around your mouth to dilute the paste. Then, spit using a spray motion to spread the watered-down paste in a wide area rather than a small puddle.
Camping in nature doesn’t mean you can’t keep clean. You have many opportunities to maintain your hygiene. Soap in Seconds is perfect for cleaning your hands without water or when you need to get clean outdoors.
Although there are no one-size-fits-all solutions, the above options include easy ways you can preserve nature and stay clean while camping. Use our tips to keep squeaky clean on your next camping trip. Learn more about Soap in Seconds.
