Camp Dish Washing Methods

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