How to stay clean in a campervan
How to stay clean in a campervan is a common concern. But it is not that difficult. We are so used to hot water on tap and the luxury of a machine that washes our clothes, that it requires a small adjustment. But it is, of course, the fact that it is different from our daily life that makes it so nice!
Washing clothes while traveling sometimes just requires a bit of thinking. Keeping audible does not mean that it is cold showers and wet towels! A quirky camping holiday does not require you to embrace your inner Bear Grylls.
Some campers have a built-in shower and toilet. This can be an additional convenience but requires the emptying of waste in a designated facility and the frequent refilling of the water. For this reason, they are not always suitable for wild camping. Moreover, it is a larger vehicle or you lose some other space/functionality. That is why so many of our owners choose not to include them in their conversion. Whichever campervan you choose, the following tips are useful to you.
So, how were you yourself and your clothes in a camper without unlimited hot water or a washing machine?
The basic sink wash
My mother always said that it was amazing what I thought I had assumed for a good wash! I was an adventurous child that was always with dirt on me, so it seemed to make little sense to keep everything clean! An over the sink with a flannel is greatly underestimated.
- Cook an electric kettle. This way you can carefully store the amount of hot water you use.
- Put a towel on the floor.
- Add soap to flannel.
- Scrub away with wild desolation.
You can also wash your hair over the sink. If you have long hair, make it easier by using a space-saving collapsible bucket to rinse off. I must say that I am very proud to master the art of a two-cup hair wash! You can also wash your clothes by hand in the sink. Although this can be a bit sloppier for larger items, depending on the size of your sink, it is a good intermediate solution for your little ones. Make sure you use an environmentally friendly cleaning agent if you do not have gray waste (and it is better, even if you do it :-)).

Go to your nearest laundry matt!
Laundrettes exist outside Albertplein! Most of lifers are likely to rely on using this approximately once a month to wash and dry their larger items. It is really useful to be able to use them on rainy days. If you have to wash and dry your duvet, this is a relatively easy way to do it if you are not traveling in hot countries.
It usually costs between £ 5 – £ 7 for a full wash and then £ 2- £ 3 for a tumble dryer. It is not the cheapest option, but it is a good quick solution, especially for those looking for a longer outing.
3. Scrub a Dub Dub
A brilliant way to keep your clothes clean in a camper is to use a portable washing machine. No, I have not gone mad, such things do exist! Scrubba is a genius invention, which means that you can wash your clothes anywhere. It is actually a drybag with an integrated washboard.
You can experiment with the detergent that you use, but you do not have to use much. It is portable, lightweight and also offers a convenient solution for drying your clothes afterwards.
- Fill the bag to 20 – 40% of the volume with clean, hot water and cleaning liquid;
- Add clothing!
- Remove excess air just like a compression bag;
- Roll the top down a few times and click the straps together to secure;
- Place elbow grease and rub vigorously between 30 seconds to 3 minutes depending on the need;
- Now change dirty water for some cleaner stuff (it does not have to be hot) and rinse the clothes;
- Remove and dry.
You can get a drying package with the Scrubba set, a lightweight towel; wrap each garment separately in the towel and turn it dry.
4. Get clean au Naturel
You may be close to a lake, stream or duck pond. Well, I would not recommend the latter, but the first two are excellent places to wash. And it’s free! The biggest advantage is that you will probably get a fantastic photo for Instagram. The cons … it may not be 100% clean and it is probably cold! I remember a Nordic fjord in September that was refreshingly lively when I freeze generously and unbearably when I’m honest!
You must ensure that you use environmentally friendly shampoo / cleaning products so that you do not upset the ecosystem or nature.

5. Take advantage of a night at a campsite
There are many different types of campsites across the width and breadth of the United Kingdom. Some are, admittedly, a little tight, but some are quiet, quiet and located in some of the best places in the countryside. If you stay in one of these accommodations, you may as well make use of the facilities offered, such as the showers and the laundry room.
We have stayed in campsites where the toilet block has underfloor heating and there is free shower gel. We stayed in a number where you buy tokens for a wave of lukewarm water!
You could pay an average of £ 25 per night for a pitch with hook-up, so it’s not a cheap option if you have to pay extra costs for water.
Unlike laundry, you have the advantage of being in your van while you are washing, so you do not have to look around to see how the machine does its thing.
The facilities of the campsite are generally a great way to keep clean, and depending on your budget, you can find that you use facilities to match many hotels!
6. Get Down With the Beach Vibes
Staying clean while camping does not have to be limited to the van! Many beaches have free shower facilities that you can use. You would not want to strip and spray under a cold tap; some beaches have hot shower facilities that you can use for a small fee.
If you have a small trug, you can wash your clothes in it. Just fill the beach tap and clean your clothes while you take in the sea air and the fantastic view!

7. The pure glamor of the service station
Staying clean in a camper does not have to be limited to a static place. While driving between locations you will probably encounter a petrol station. Most petrol stations have showers that are free to use; you just have to ask for the key! Generally, these showers are not used very often and are kept very clean. That is why they are a great quick and convenient way to stay clean while traveling.
Stink for free and enjoy!
There are many, many ways to ensure that you do not spend a little bit the entire duration of your motorhome holiday! Whether you want a luxury hot shower, a quick wash strip, all the facilities of a laundry or a quick change of clothing, you can do it all in a camper!
The post 7 Tricks to Keep Clean in a campervan appeared for the first time at Quirky Campers.