Washing dishes at camp is simple once you have a routine. The part that trips people up is where the dirty water goes. This is the method we use, based on Leave No Trace guidance.
The short version
- Scrape food into your trash bag.
- Carry water at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) from lakes, streams and camp.
- Wash with a small amount of soap and a scrubber.
- Strain the dirty water and pack out the food bits.
- Scatter the strained water widely.
What you need
A scrubber. A loofah scrubber works well and dries fast.
Soap, in small amounts. A camping soap bar means no bottle to leak in your bin.
- A collapsible basin or bucket
- A fine mesh strainer or a bandana
- A bag for food scraps
Step by step
1. Scrape and wipe first
Scrape leftover food into your trash bag, then wipe greasy pots with a paper towel. The less food in the water, the less you have to strain out later.
2. Carry water away from the lake or stream
Fill your basin, then walk at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) away from lakes, streams and your campsite before you wash. Never wash directly in a water source, even with plant-based soap.
3. Wash with a little soap
Use a small amount. Rub the wet soap on a greasy pan, scrub with your scrubber, and rinse.
4. Rinse
Rinse with clean water. If you have a second basin, use it for rinsing so your wash water stays in one place.
5. Strain out the food bits
Pour the dirty water through your strainer. Put whatever it catches in your trash bag and pack it out with you. Food scraps left on the ground attract animals.
6. Scatter the water
Scatter the strained water widely on the ground, away from camp and water, instead of dumping it in one spot. In bear country, follow local food and odor rules.
7. Dry and store
Hang your scrubber to dry and let your soap air out a little before you pack it. A camping soap kit with a case and a hanging lathering bag makes this easier.
Bar, liquid or sheets: which camp soap?
| Type | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Bar | No leaks, easy to rub on a pan, easy to see how much is left | Can get messy if it is stored wet, so let it dry and keep it in a case |
| Liquid concentrate | A few drops go a long way | Bottles can leak in a pack, and it is easy to use too much |
| Sheets or powder | Very light and compact | Less convenient for scrubbing greasy pots |
Whatever you choose, the 200-foot rule applies. "Biodegradable" means a soap breaks down over time in soil. It does not make it safe to use in a lake or stream.
Common questions
Can I wash dishes in the lake if I use biodegradable soap?
No. Carry water at least 200 feet away from the lake or stream and wash there.
Do I even need soap?
For a light mess, hot water and a scrubber can be enough. Soap helps most with grease.
How much soap should I use?
A small amount. More soap means more rinsing and more soapy water to scatter.
What do I do with the strained food bits?
Pack them out in your trash bag. Do not bury them or leave them on the ground.
Quick tips
- Wash right after you eat, before food dries on.
- Hot water helps with grease, so use some of your leftover cooking water.
- Keep a small amount of soap and a scrubber in your cook kit so you never forget them.
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