Camping is a great way to explore the great outdoors with family and friends. One of the most pleasurable activities associated with camping is enjoying a meal around the campfire. There is a virtually endless variety of camping recipes ranging from something a 5-year old can do to a dutch oven feast, but the fact is, most camp cooking will result in the need to wash the dishes afterward.
Many people who are new to camping may be a little unsure of how to do camp dishes, since it’s not exactly as simple as turning on the faucet and loading the dishwasher. Disposable plates, cups, and cutlery are available pretty much everywhere, but if it can’t be burned safely, you must take it with you and make sure it’s properly disposed of, which some people may not find to be a desirable option. Fortunately, doing camp dishes the right way is very simple and effective.
Planning
Doing camp dishes right essentially starts when you are packing for the trip. Make sure to include biodegradable soap in your gear, like Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap (which can also be used for personal hygiene!). A small bottle of bleach or liquid sanitizer is also key for the sanitization step.
The set up
The ideal way to wash your camping dishes is to have three large bowls or tubs for the dishes. The first bowl is going to contain hot water and soap — just boil a kettle over your campfire or stove. The second bowl is going to contain warm rinse water, and nothing else. The third bowl is going to contain cold water and a couple drops of bleach or sanitizer to kill any germs that remain on the surface. Dishes are better off being washed right after dinner to prevent food items from sticking, and to free up time for everyone to hang out around the campfire.
The process
Place a few drops of soap and the hot water in the first bowl. Take care not to burn yourself while cleaning the dishes. Once the dish is washed, place it in the rinse water. Consider using tongs to dip the dishes in the warm rinse water. Make sure that all the soap is rinsed off the dishes before dipping them in the bleach water. Dishes should set in the cold bleach water for about a half of minute to make sure that they are sanitized and ready to use again.
The disposal
Drain all water through a colander into a bucket to remove food particles. Dispose of the food in the trash or on the fire, as dumping it near your camp could attract critters. You can store your dirty water in the bucket to put out the campfire when it’s time to leave, but be sure to check for a grey water dumping station before just dumping it anywhere, as your campground may have restrictions to preserve the ecology of the area.
Get everyone involved by assigning one step of the process to each camper, and the dishes will always be done before you know it!
Related articles: How to Build a Camping Kitchen Box also Why “Leave No Trace” Should Always Be Your Outdoor Mantra
Featured Image from Marek Studzinski/Unsplash
