The Easiest Way to Wash Dishes While Camping

Whether you’re hiking, going to the beach or on vacation, you need convenience. You also want to eat from clean dishes. Packing a bottle of dishwashing detergent when you’re traveling is dangerous because it can spill, leaving you with a mess and no lather. ( You can try using plastic wrap here , but even that is tedious and doesn’t eliminate the need for a bulky bottle in scarce storage space.) Instead, it’s best to have a few soap pucks ready ahead of time .

Gather the following items from your pretrip quests:

• Dishwashing liquid
• Sandwich bags
• Paper towels or rags
• Sponges

You have two options for creating your on-the-go dishwashing rugs. The first includes a humble paper towel or, more eco-friendly, a rag. Take one and cut it into squares, then spray them with dish soap and let them dry. Put them in a sandwich bag; when you need it, take one out, wet it, and you have a little soapy cloth you can use to clean plates or other surfaces.

For a more durable option, do the same with a sponge. Cut it into squares and soak for a while in dishwashing detergent. When they’re dry, transfer them to a plastic bag and you’ll have foam on demand and cleaning power when you need it, which is great for any greasy or filling food mess you create while enjoying the great air.

Be sure to also bring a few regular paper towels or a microfiber cloth with you to wipe them dry afterwards, otherwise you’ll have to hide wet dishes on the go. If you are heading to a remote location or don’t have a camper, make sure you have enough water. In addition to the water you’ll need to drink, add a few dishwashing containers. Finally, consider bringing a canvas or water-resistant plastic bag with you so you can lay out your dishes in a safe place to dry. Keep plastic or a tarp for this purpose only so that your freshly washed dishes don’t touch anything dirty.

These ready-made washers and scrubbers can be useful for more than just washing dishes. Wipe down picnic tables, children’s toys, tools and everything you need on the road without the use of harsh chemicals.