How to Stay Clean When Living on the Road
Several friends have asked how I manage to stay clean and work while car camping. It’s actually straightforward.
I have listed my strategy for maintaining hygiene here, and the best part? These steps are applicable whether you live on the road full-time or if you’re car camping for the weekend.
Here are the simplest ways to keep clean + greasy-free while living on the road.
1. Use public showers.
The best place to get a public shower is at a gym.
If you don’t have a gym membership, you can pay for a day pass which will allow you to use their facilities.
There is a lot of variation between gyms, but it typically costs anywhere from $5-20 dollars.
If you plan to be on the road for large periods of time, and in various locations, you may want to look into getting a gym membership with a larger chain.
It’s wonderful to support local businesses, of course. In this case, bigger is better, because it allows you to use several (or all!) of their locations for a single monthly or bi-weekly fee. If you choose your one-off local gym, you’ll pay a lot more for your showers.
👉 You can gussy up while at the gym, as well. There are plug-ins and mirrors – some gyms even have blow-dryers available.
Plus, since you’re already there, what better way to sneak a workout into your schedule! Bonus if they have massage chairs, right?
Beach showers
Some beaches have showers where you can rinse off.
If you have biodegradable soaps, you may be able to get a quick shower in there for free!
Campgrounds
Campgrounds always have showers. Some of them are free, some you pay for, it just depends on where you are.
You will get just as clean as you would with any other shower, but be prepared for some bugs to be in there with you.
2. Use your rearview mirror
Sure, it may not be the fanciest way to get ready for your day – but it works!
The mirror will always be present, so you can always glimpse your reflection before heading to work or out into the public.
People may give you a confused look if you’re getting ready in the Wal-Mart parking lot, but hey! That’s part of car camping sometimes.
3. Always keep baby wipes on you!
Baby wipes are a great multi-purpose item.
They are best for cleaning your face at the end of the day (or any body part really!).
👉 If you go camping a lot (where you may be out in the woods and not in a vehicle), then I would recommend getting scentless baby wipes. Scented wipes can attract animals, and no one wants hungry animals creeping into their campsite while they sleep.
👉 An alternative I’ve been trying is grapeseed oil and cotton rounds to remove makeup. It works wonders on your eyes (and is a wayyyyy cheaper make-up removing alternative), but I’m still in the process of seeing how it goes for your whole face.
4. Do laundry at a laundromat.
You’ve got to clean your clothes somehow!
Search up nearby laundromats and check it out! Many offer wifi, so you can work on your laptop while your laundry is going.
👉 It costs anywhere between $5-10 to do a load of laundry, but the cost is worth it.
Here are a couple of tips for using a laundromat for the first time:
Don’t be afraid to go up and buy detergent.
I don’t know why, but laundromats can feel intimidating to people who have never used them (I know I felt that way the first time I did my laundry).
Make sure you keep an eye on your clothes.
I have never had an issue with anyone taking my clothes, but that’s always a possibility. It’s best to keep an eye on your stuff, even just to make sure no one moves it without your knowledge.
Set a timer!
This one is important!
The machines will stop when they stop. If there are a lot of people there, no one wants to wait on you to come back from the coffee shop 30 minutes after your laundry was done.
Moving over your clothes in a timely manner is being respectful of other people’s time – and the business you are in. Setting a timer is a simple way to get in and out of there as efficiently as possible. (That’s probably your goal anyway!)
If you’re still on the fence about using a laundromat, you could always DIY it with a bucket, soap, and water!
Keeping up appearances may not be the most fun topic, but it’s important. Particularly in a workplace setting.
Hopefully, these few simple tips help you in your journey! If you have any questions, leave a comment below 🙂
Cheers,
Taylor
#vanlife#carcamping#vanlifeideas#hygiene#howto#lifeontheroad
