Winter camping hygiene: Showering & washing the smart way
When the snow turns the world into a wonderland and your breath hangs like fog in the air, winter invites you to enjoy a special camping adventure. Yet it’s often during the cold season that you find yourself asking, how can campers maintain good hygiene while travelling?
Clean water, warm showers and fresh clothes are essential – and with good planning and the right solutions, hygiene and comfort don’t have to be a luxury, even in the freezing cold. In this article, we show you how to maintain camping hygiene in winter with clever water and waste water management, efficient washing methods and well-designed accessories.
Key takeaways
- Do: Protect fresh water from frost, use water sparingly while keeping clean, prioritise personal and hand hygiene, dispose of grey water correctly.
- Don’t: Store water without a cover, dispose of waste water in nature, go too long without a warm shower.
- With well-designed AL-KO solutions like sturdy support systems for motorhomes and caravans, your vehicle will stay secure even through winter – perfect if you plan to settle in one spot and keep your water and sanitation systems running smoothly.
Water management: Keep everything flowing
Water is the heart of camping hygiene. That’s why it’s best to take special care in winter to ensure that your pipes and tanks do not freeze. Insulate the fresh water tank and hoses or use heated systems. If you want to be on the safe side, pour smaller quantities of fresh water into canisters and store them in a protected place in the vehicle.
Caution is also advised with grey water: position the waste water tank at a slight angle so that nothing freezes. Alternatively, use flexible collection containers, which should be emptied regularly – only at official disposal stations, of course.
Good to know: Ensure your camper is ready for winter operation with accessories like insulated hoses or frost-protected canisters. These keep water usable even at sub-zero temperatures, so you don’t have to compromise on comfort.
Showering in winter: warm and efficient
A hot shower after a day in the snow is a real treat. However, resources in a camper can be limited. Short shower times save water and energy. Use shower stop valves to interrupt the water flow while you lather up.
If your camper’s shower is insufficient or frozen, many campsites offer winter pitches with heated sanitary facilities. Plan these stops carefully – that way, comfort won’t fall by the wayside.
Extra comfort: Thanks to AL-KO’s stable support systems for mothomes and caravans, you can enjoy your onboard shower – even on bumpy winter ground – without worrying about slipping.
Camping hygiene on the go: Washing and hand care
Regular handwashing is crucial during winter camping, particularly in the cold season. So, always keep soap or disinfectant handy.
For personal hygiene, damp washcloths or so-called ‘outdoor showers’ filled with warm water are suitable. This lets you freshen up without using a lot of water. Dry shampoo and cleansing wipes are practical on days when showering is not possible.
AL-KO tip: A reliable on-board power supply is worth its weight in gold in winter. The high-performance power solutions from CBE – such as chargers, solar systems and energy management components – ensure you have sufficient energy for lighting, hot water and charging small devices even in cold weather.
Washing laundry on the go
Clothes dry more slowly in winter, so it is better to wash them selectively. Small amounts can be cleaned using hand-washing detergent in a collapsible bowl. Use laundry bags to keep things tidy when travelling, and plan a stopover at a campsite with laundry facilities for longer trips.
Tip: Functional clothing dries faster than cotton. This helps you avoid musty smells and ensures your outfits always smell fresh.
Winter hygiene must-haves
- Insulated fresh water canisters and hoses: protect against frost
- Heated waste water tanks: ensure that nothing freezes.
- Disinfectant and soap: for cleaning hands quickly on the go
- Outdoor shower or wash system: for a quick, practical wash
- Dry shampoo and cleansing wipes: ideal for emergencies
In short: Stay clean and relaxed through the winter
Winter camping requires a little more preparation, but rewards you with unforgettable experiences. If you plan your camping hygiene, manage your water and waste water properly, and have the right tools on board, you can enjoy the cold season without any worries – and AL-KO accessories can make your winter adventure even more comfortable.
