Outdoor
Safe Soap
When you're out in the backcountry, staying clean is important, but leaving Mother Nature untouched is just as crucial. Here's some advice to help you scrub up while treading lightly on the land:
Opt for biodegradable soap that won't mess up aquatic life when it breaks down.
When washing up, make sure you're at least 200 feet away (about 70 adult steps) from any water source to prevent pollution.
Before you dump out that wash water, strain it using a thin cloth or bandana to catch any food bits.
Scatter your used dishwater on the ground away from the water. Let the soil do some filtering before it all heads downstream.
Give your pots a quick boil to sanitize your cookware without resorting to too much soap. Mother Nature's own sterilization method.
For yourself, a little sponge bath does wonders. Use a small towel or bandana to wipe down the essential bits. Biodegradable wet wipes can work too, just bag 'em up and pack 'em out.
If you're by a stream or a lake and you really need to use it for washing, keep it light. Rinse off with just a bit of soap, then head away from the water to scatter the rinse water.
If you're ditching food scraps, dig a hole about 6-8 inches deep away from water sources and trails. Let those leftovers return to the earth.
Outdoor Safe sOap rEVIEWS
Reviews incoming. If I can just get out of this hammock...
GOT FEEDBACK?
If you've used one of the outdoor safe soaps I reviewed and you have something to add, I'd love to hear it.
Same, if you have a soap you love (or hate) that's not reviewed here, tell me about it and I'll check it out.
