Whether you are at home or travel fulltime, camping tips and hacks, cleaning and all things tidy related, are one of those things that must be done! The good news is, there is less on the road.
This was a question from one of our followers and as everyone has to do it, we thought we would share what works for us when cleaning while camping and roadtripping.
Personal camping tips and hacks
Depending on what style of travel you are doing, this can vary. We like various forms of travel and will share some of the most helpful tips we have found with you here.
For on the move body cleaning or the ‘FAB’ shower with baby wipes – Face, UnderArms, Bum. Pretty self explanatory here, carry them at all times.
DO NOT put them down cassette toilets or drop pits – throw them in the bin.
Budget Body washing – basin, kettle, soap, water, face washer. Nice and easy conserves water.
Deluxe body washing version (under AUS$100) By far THE best camp shower we have come across, it has now been upgraded to a 10L. The Quechua 10L Solar Shower from Decathlon (who are now in Australia too). We have used their 8L in picture right shower for years. Fantastic quality, durable, packs flat in it’s own bag when not in use. Easy to use and the best bit, PRESSURISED.
Ladies with long hair, this is a god send. 8 litres will do all three of us if just showering, or mum and daughter (both with long hair) if washing hair. We leave in the car in direct sunlight when we go out for day or pop it outside with us if we are having a rest day. You can add hot water from kettle if sun has been a bit unreliable.
In both cases the supported/frame shower tents are a great way to add privacy if you don’t have an actual toilet/shower in your rig. We still use the camp shower in our rig when fulltime on the road. This way you know how much water you are using and its not using any gas supply to heat your water. WIN WIN.
We also use our camp shower for washing dirty feet and quick spot wash of car or windshield.
They are easy to fill up wherever you are and help conserve your water.
Washing your clothes camping tips and hacks
There is a whole separate blog post here on the various methods available when needing to wash your clothes while camping and roadtripping.
We discuss what we use, ways to save money and what works best.
Cleaning your rig / dishes / everything
Everybody will have favourite cleaning products they prefer to use. I prefer as little chemicals as possible. Another factor to consider is space, this is VERY important while camping and roadtripping. My chosen mixture for cleaning can work across ALL areas inside and out of the rig. Better still, it doesn’t make you nearly choke to death and you don’t need gloves to handle it. Safe for those of you with little kids too.
Your going to love me for this one. Buy a garden quality spray bottle (they are generally better than hair & beauty one). Mix 70/30 white vinegar and dishwashing detergent and shake.
We always have a personal water spray bottle for doing hair which hangs in the bathroom and we recommend you have one of these too. Total cost about AUS$0.40c a mix!
This little gem will do your floors, cupboards, bench tops, oven, marks on car/rig/windows, toilet, bathroom EVERYTHING. There is nothing this bottle and paper towels can not handle! The water spray bottle is just a followup when too soapy, go over the top with spray of water and paper towel.
Campers rejoice – I am telling you this little guy will clean up even a spaghetti bolognese or bacon & eggs with NO water (other than spray bottle) no residue on plates, saucepan, frypan. Completely clean!!
Spray with vinegar mix, leave 30 seconds, wipe out with paper towel, repeat if necessary. Spray with water, wipe out. Done. I have done our families dishes following a spaghetti bolognese when roadtripping, 10 sheets of paper towel and no water, only spray bottle. It is a game changer, especially if offgrid and water is precious.
Other cleaning items
Always a dustpan and brush, good for quick sweep out of rig, car, shoes.
In our main rig we have a Dyson handheld vacuum with only the small attachments (leave long pole at home).
Fantastic for beds, mattresses, under the expanda lip, around front cabin and dashboards. Also cleaning the car floors, seats and boot.
You can read more tips and tricks in our Life on the road series
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