Supplies Needed - Make sure you bring the following for washing dishes
3 plastic bins (for washing)
Sponge or washcloth
Sifter or strainer (to strain out food particles from used water before dumping)
Dish detergent, preferably biodegradable (such as Camp Suds)
Small amount of either bleach or vinegar (for sanitizing)
Rope (& clothespins) to use as clothesline (for hanging mess kit mesh bags) ** Please hang this away from where girls may be walking! We do not want anyone walking into these - especially at night!**
Washing Dishes - A method we often use in Girl Scouts for washing dishes at camp is by using 3 bins:
1) a bin of warm soapy water to wash
2) a bin of hot water to rinse
3) a bin (any temp) to sanitize. For sanitizing the dishes, you can add a capful of either bleach or vinegar
Tough Dishes - If you have a hard time cleaning a pot, you can use sand or snow to help scour pots, then rinse with hot water. Enjoy this short video from Howcast.com on How to Wash Dishes with Dirt
Drying Dishes - Air-drying dishes works best in the outdoors. This can be done on a drying rack or by hanging them in a mesh bag on a rope clothesline.
Disposing of Dishwater Safely - If you are camping in a campground, they may have a sink to pour the used water into. If you are in the wilderness however, you should choose a spot at least 200 feet from where you are camping and/or any water sources