It becomes essential to maintain personal hygiene while going for outdoor camping. But what about using regular soap while camping? Let’s learn about the dos and don’ts of using soap in the wild, ensuring you stay clean without harming the environment.
TO THE POINT:
No, you should not use regular soap while camping. Regular soap can be harmful to the environment, especially if it gets into water sources. It can also attract unwanted animals with its scent. Instead, you should use biodegradable soap that is designed for outdoor use.
The Importance of Cleanliness in the Wild
Camping is a fun outdoor activity, but it means you’ll be getting dirty and won’t have regular bathrooms. Keeping clean isn’t just about feeling good; it’s important to avoid skin infections and bad smells. So, even when you’re camping, taking care of your personal hygiene matters a lot. It helps you enjoy nature without any discomforts.
READ ALSO: Camping Hygiene: How To Stay Clean When Camping
Regular Soap vs. Biodegradable Soap
What is Regular Soap?
Regular soap is the term used to describe the conventional soap products that most people use at home, such as bar soap, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. These products are usually made with synthetic ingredients, such as detergents, fragrances, preservatives, and colors, that are designed to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin and hair. Regular soap can also contain antibacterial agents, such as triclosan, that are meant to kill germs and prevent infections.
Regular Soap: The Pros and Cons
What is Biodegradable Soap?
Biodegradable soap is a type of soap that can be easily and quickly broken down by natural processes, such as bacteria or fungi, without harming the environment. Biodegradable soap is made from natural and plant-based ingredients, such as oils, fats, herbs, and essential oils, that are less toxic and more gentle than synthetic chemicals and additives found in regular soap. Biodegradable soap is better for your health, your skin, and the planet.
Biodegradable Soap: The Eco-Friendly Alternative
The Impact of Soap on the Environment
One of the main reasons why you should avoid using regular soap while camping is the impact it can have on the environment. Regular soap contains chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can harm the plants and animals that live in the area. Soap can also alter the pH and nutrient balance of the soil and water, making it less hospitable for natural life.
According to the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, soap can have the following negative effects on the environment:
- Soap can reduce the surface tension of water, making it easier for aquatic insects to drown.
- Soap can interfere with the natural decomposition process of organic matter, such as leaves and dead animals, by killing the bacteria and fungi that break them down.
- Soap can increase the growth of algae and bacteria in the water, which can deplete the oxygen levels and affect the aquatic life.
- Soap can attract wildlife, such as bears and rodents, to your campsite, which can pose a risk to your safety and theirs.
Even biodegradable soap, which is often marketed as eco-friendly, can still cause damage if used improperly. Biodegradable soap takes time to break down, and it still needs to be disposed of away from water sources and buried in a hole at least six inches deep. Otherwise, it can still contaminate the water and attract wildlife.
READ ALSO: Stay Clean While Camping: Essential Hygiene Tips
The Alternatives to Soap
If you want to stay clean and fresh while camping, there are some alternatives to using regular soap that are more environmentally friendly and practical. Here are some of them:
- Water only: Sometimes, all you need is water to rinse off the dirt and sweat from your body. You can use a portable shower, a water bottle, or a wet cloth to wash yourself. Just make sure you do it at least 200 feet away from any water source, such as a lake, river, or stream, to avoid polluting it. You can also boil the water before using it to kill any germs or parasites that might be present.
- Natural soap: Natural soap is made from plant-based ingredients, such as oils, fats, and herbs, that are less harmful to the environment. However, you still need to use it sparingly and dispose of it properly, as mentioned above. You can also make your own natural soap from common camping items, such as ash, salt, and vinegar. To make ash soap, you need to mix wood ash with water and boil it until it forms a thick paste. To make salt soap, you need to dissolve salt in water and add some oil or fat. To make vinegar soap, you need to mix vinegar with water and add some baking soda. These natural soaps can be used to wash your body, hair, dishes, and clothes, but they might not be as effective or pleasant as regular soap.
- No-rinse products: No-rinse products are specially designed for situations where water is scarce or unavailable. They include wipes, sprays, and powders that can clean your skin, hair, and teeth without the need for rinsing. They are convenient and effective, but they can also generate waste and cost more than regular soap. Some examples of no-rinse products are:
- No-rinse body wipes: These are moistened wipes that can be used to wipe your body and remove dirt, sweat, and odor. They are usually infused with aloe vera, vitamin E, and other moisturizing and soothing ingredients. They can also be heated up for a more comfortable experience. Some brands of no-rinse body wipes are Surviveware, Combat Wipes, and Epic Wipes.
- No-rinse shampoo and conditioner: These are liquid or foam products that can be applied to your hair and scalp and massaged in. They can remove oil, dirt, and odor from your hair and leave it soft and shiny. They can also be used to style your hair and prevent tangles. Some brands of no-rinse shampoo and conditioner are No Rinse, Rinseless, and Batiste.
- No-rinse toothpaste and mouthwash: These are gel or spray products that can be used to clean your teeth and mouth without the need for water or a toothbrush. They can remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles from your teeth and gums and freshen your breath. They can also prevent cavities and gum disease. Some brands of no-rinse toothpaste and mouthwash are Denttabs, Colgate, and Listerine.
Conclusion
Using regular soap while camping is not a good idea, as it can harm the environment and the wildlife that live in it. You should opt for more eco-friendly and practical alternatives, such as water only, natural soap, or no-rinse products, to keep yourself clean and fresh while camping. Remember to follow the leave no trace principles and respect the nature that surrounds you.
Common Camper Questions
Here are some common questions that campers might have about using soap while camping, and their answers:
I hope this article has helped you. If you have any feedback or questions, please let me know. 😊