This Easy DIY Outdoor Hack Offers A Cheap And Simple Way To Wash Your Hands While Camping
While camping involves a fair share of "roughing it," it is still important to maintain proper hygiene while out in the woods. You don't want to return from your camping trip with a stomach bug because you didn't clean your hands properly. There are several ways to keep your camping messes tidy, though some are more effective than others. You can use bottled water to wet and rinse your hands, which usually results in an awkward limbo between not wanting to waste water and not fully cleaning your hands. You can use hand sanitizer and wet wipes for quick sanitation, but these just aren't as effective as good old soap and water, especially when you end up with a few stray cuts on your hands. But what if there was a way to wash your hands with running water even though you're all the way out in the wilderness?
No, not by glamping. By simply combining a plastic jug and a straw, you can build yourself a contraption that makes you feel like you're washing your hands at home. Well, almost. This makeshift spigot can save you money on expensive camping gear and keep your hands clean on the trail. While it certainly isn't an endless water supply, this DIY handwashing station will add a new level of convenience to your next camping adventure.
How to construct your handwashing station
There are several ways you can craft your handwashing station, and nearly all of them involve a recycled plastic jug and a straw. This TikTok by @tacticalbelle serves as a great visual guide on how to construct the handwashing station.
@tacticalbelle DIY water spigot trick for camping or outdoor adventures 💧 #outdoors #camping #survival #survivalskills #hike
It is best to prepare this hack before you set out for your trip to make sure the water in the jug remains clean. With the jug emptied of any liquid, use a screwdriver or sharp object to poke a hole in the side of your jug, close to the bottom. Insert your straw into the hole you made. If your straw fits snugly, you may not need to secure it, but if you'd like an extra guarantee that your straw will not slip out, some nontoxic waterproof glue or tape can be used to keep your straw in place. Allow the glue to dry completely before adding any liquid to the jug.
Once the glue is dry, fill the jug with tap water. When the cap of the jug is screwed on tightly, no water should come out of the straw. But once you loosen the cap, water should start to flow out of the straw spigot. Be sure to test out your contraption before leaving for your trip. Using this brilliant camping hack will save you money, prevent you from getting sick, and impress your fellow campers with your crafty camping solution.