The Campfire Blog

Washing dishes while camping can be one of the less glamorous parts of your outdoor adventure, but it’s essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring a pleasant experience. Whether you’re deep in the wilderness or enjoying a weekend getaway at a campsite, keeping your camp kitchen clean doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right gear and a few simple tips, you can make dishwashing a quick and easy task. In this post, we’ll walk you through the best practices for washing dishes while camping, featuring some top-notch products from Fort Robin.

Essential Gear for Washing Dishes While Camping

1. Komodo Camp Kitchen Dual Grill & Skillet with Folding Shelves and Rocket Tower

Before you even get to the dishwashing stage, it’s important to have a well-organized and efficient camp kitchen setup. The Komodo Camp Kitchen Dual Grill & Skillet with Folding Shelves and Rocket Tower from Fort Robin is an excellent choice for any camper who loves cooking in the great outdoors. This versatile kitchen unit allows you to grill, sauté, and boil with ease, all while keeping your workspace tidy with its convenient folding shelves.

When it’s time to wash up, the Komodo Camp Kitchen makes it easy to organize your dirty dishes and utensils, keeping everything within reach and off the ground. Its durable stainless steel construction is easy to wipe down, making post-meal cleanup a breeze.

2. High-Quality Cutlery and Utensils

Fort Robin offers a wide range of camping cutlery and utensils that are not only durable and lightweight but also easy to clean. When selecting your camping utensils, look for options that are made from materials like stainless steel or BPA-free plastic, which are resistant to staining and easy to wash.

Some top picks from Fort Robin include:

• Stainless Steel Utensil Set: This set includes a fork, knife, spoon, and a handy carrying case, making it a great addition to your camping gear. The stainless steel construction ensures that your utensils are easy to clean and long-lasting.
• Stainless Steel Scrubber: This Stainless Steel Cleaning Mesh is designed to effectively removes tough grease, residue, and food particles, ensuring a clean and sanitary grilling surfacer.

Tips for Washing Dishes While Camping

1. Set Up a Washing Station

Creating a designated washing station will help you stay organized and make the dishwashing process more efficient. If you’re at a campsite, use the provided facilities if available. If you’re in the backcountry, set up your washing station at least 200 feet away from any water sources to avoid contaminating natural water supplies.

A basic washing station should include:

• A washing basin: Use a collapsible dish basin or a large pot for washing your dishes.
• Biodegradable soap: Choose an eco-friendly, biodegradable soap that won’t harm the environment.
• Scrubbing brush or sponge: A small brush or sponge will help you clean off stuck-on food and grease.
• Clean water: Bring enough water for washing and rinsing your dishes.

2. Scrape Before You Wash

Before you start washing, scrape off any leftover food into a trash bag. This will make the washing process easier and prevent food particles from clogging up your washing basin.

3. Use the Three-Bucket System

The three-bucket system is a simple and effective method for washing dishes while camping:

• Bucket 1: Fill the first bucket with hot, soapy water for washing.
• Bucket 2: Fill the second bucket with clean water for rinsing.
• Bucket 3: Fill the third bucket with a sanitizing solution (a few drops of bleach in clean water) for a final rinse.

This method ensures that your dishes are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, reducing the risk of attracting wildlife or spreading bacteria.

4. Air Dry Your Dishes

After washing, let your dishes air dry on a clean surface or use a portable dish rack. Avoid drying dishes with a towel, as this can transfer bacteria. The air drying method is more hygienic and convenient when camping.

5. Dispose of Wastewater Responsibly

Once you’ve finished washing your dishes, dispose of the wastewater properly. Strain out any food particles and pack them out with your trash. If you’re in the backcountry, broadcast the wastewater (disperse it widely) at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites.

Washing dishes while camping doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right setup and a few smart techniques, you can keep your camp kitchen clean and enjoy your outdoor meals without the hassle. Investing in quality products like the Komodo Camp Kitchen Dual Grill & Skillet with Folding Shelves and Rocket Tower, along with durable camping cutlery and utensils from Fort Robin, will make the process even smoother. So, get out there, cook up a storm, and leave no trace behind! Happy camping!