Camp Kitchen Hygiene: Handwashing, Dishes and Dishwater
Stomach illness on a camping trip is often caused by poor hygiene rather than untreated water. Hands touch food, dishes and everything else at camp. A simple routine keeps the group healthy and the campsite clean.
Hands first
Wash hands with soap and treated water after using the toilet and before handling food. Hand sanitizer helps but does not remove dirt well, so use soap and water when possible.
In groups, one person can serve food from a shared bag so everyone does not reach into it.
Dishes and cooking gear
Scrape food remains into a trash bag, then wash with hot water and a small amount of biodegradable soap. Rinse with treated water and let gear dry in the air.
Keep raw meat separate and cook it thoroughly; a small thermometer is useful at car campsites.
Let dishes dry fully before packing them, because damp containers grow bacteria and smell. A small mesh bag lets cups and bowls air out while hanging from the pack or a branch.
Disposing of dishwater
Strain dishwater through a fine mesh to catch food scraps, pack the scraps out with the trash and scatter the water widely at least about 60 meters from lakes and streams, unless local rules say otherwise.
Store cleaned cooking gear with food in bear country, because it still carries scent.