Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
I was wondering what little tips or tricks you use to milk out your water supply?
Conserving water tips.
- Thread starter Stumpalump
- Start date
Herbie
Rendezvous Conspirator
My two biggest:
1) Food Scraper - 95% of dishwashing is just getting the food off the plate. Doing this "mechanically" with a silicone scraper means that a very small amount of hot water and a dash of soap is really all that's needed to get pots and plates clean. It also means you can scrape food scraps into your trash, so there's very little food in the wash water - which is best for avoiding animal problems if you are dumping instead of capturing your grey water.
2) Hand or Foot Pump on the faucet - electric faucets are convenient as hell, but its way too easy to blow through my meager water supply with handwashing, etc. A hand pump forces me to wet hands, soap up, then rinse in a fairly organized way. We also substitute hand sanitizer for some times when the hands aren't "dirty", but need to be clean for cooking, etc.
1) Food Scraper - 95% of dishwashing is just getting the food off the plate. Doing this "mechanically" with a silicone scraper means that a very small amount of hot water and a dash of soap is really all that's needed to get pots and plates clean. It also means you can scrape food scraps into your trash, so there's very little food in the wash water - which is best for avoiding animal problems if you are dumping instead of capturing your grey water.
2) Hand or Foot Pump on the faucet - electric faucets are convenient as hell, but its way too easy to blow through my meager water supply with handwashing, etc. A hand pump forces me to wet hands, soap up, then rinse in a fairly organized way. We also substitute hand sanitizer for some times when the hands aren't "dirty", but need to be clean for cooking, etc.
4x4junkie
Explorer
×2 on scraping/wiping as much food off as possible. I then use a small amount of warm soapy water (heated on the stove) to cut what's left, followed by one or two ¼-½ cup clear-water rinsings (products such as "Camp Suds" require far less water to rinse away than something like "Dawn" dishwashing detergent).
I also use paper plates and plastic ware that can be disposed of in the campfire without the hassle of washing. If a normal campfire is unavailable due to restrictions, then depending on location/length of trip I either try to organize things somewhat to minimize bulk (stacking used plates together, etc) before throwing in the trash, or just simply resort to regular dishes and washing them as above.
Cleaning of strainers, ladles, plastic spatulas w/holes and similar items wastes mega-tons of water, so I usually go without. Liquid can be poured out of a pot by holding the lid and tipping it sideways, a plastic soup-spoon can sub fairly well for a ladle... If I absolutely need a colander or strainer, I can always make one by stabbing some holes into the bottom of a paper cup or bowl (usually I try not to bring foods that would require such items to prepare in the first place).
I have found "Diamond" brand clear plastic cutlery to be fairly heat-resistant, allowing it's use for many cooking chores. Boiling of water/simmering doesn't faze it at all (though you do have to be fairly quick when turning bacon... more than 10-15 seconds or so in the bubbling grease and they still can curl up). This helps save on cleanup of wooden spoons and the like. Tongs/spatulas for the BBQ I still haven't come up with a good disposable option for, so when needed I use ones that have smooth metal surfaces that are easy to wipe off, requiring only a tiny amount of water to clean.
I also use paper plates and plastic ware that can be disposed of in the campfire without the hassle of washing. If a normal campfire is unavailable due to restrictions, then depending on location/length of trip I either try to organize things somewhat to minimize bulk (stacking used plates together, etc) before throwing in the trash, or just simply resort to regular dishes and washing them as above.
Cleaning of strainers, ladles, plastic spatulas w/holes and similar items wastes mega-tons of water, so I usually go without. Liquid can be poured out of a pot by holding the lid and tipping it sideways, a plastic soup-spoon can sub fairly well for a ladle... If I absolutely need a colander or strainer, I can always make one by stabbing some holes into the bottom of a paper cup or bowl (usually I try not to bring foods that would require such items to prepare in the first place).
I have found "Diamond" brand clear plastic cutlery to be fairly heat-resistant, allowing it's use for many cooking chores. Boiling of water/simmering doesn't faze it at all (though you do have to be fairly quick when turning bacon... more than 10-15 seconds or so in the bubbling grease and they still can curl up). This helps save on cleanup of wooden spoons and the like. Tongs/spatulas for the BBQ I still haven't come up with a good disposable option for, so when needed I use ones that have smooth metal surfaces that are easy to wipe off, requiring only a tiny amount of water to clean.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
2 biggest water consuming activities are dishes and bathing (this includes washing hands)
Im also on the food scraper. But more often than not, bread = food scraper :sombrero:
We never use paper plates or plastic ware though. That's a $$ expense that's is easily removed by regular dishes.
Ive always opted for no shower on board. Sponge baths are easy and super efficient on water.
Waterless hand sanitizer is always used as well for hands washing.
Im also on the food scraper. But more often than not, bread = food scraper :sombrero:
We never use paper plates or plastic ware though. That's a $$ expense that's is easily removed by regular dishes.
Ive always opted for no shower on board. Sponge baths are easy and super efficient on water.
Waterless hand sanitizer is always used as well for hands washing.
Desert Dan
Explorer
Paper plates, paper towels and a teflon frying pan makes clean up easy and saves water. I try to plan simple meals for easy clean up and bbq dinners when possible.
ZMagic97
Explorer
In Arizona, it's tough because you have to account for a lot of drinking water. I have found the use a spray bottle with clean water for rinsing dishes and wiping down surfaces to help a LOT. Same can usually be said about the plastic condiment dispensers with a squirt style tip like in 50's style diners. They use a little more, but still reduces use.
danfromsyr
Adventurer
We prepare foods as best we can before we travel/camp
sure it's nice to have a steak or bacon sizziling away at camp.. but I leave that bear bait to to the other campers..
for cleanup we use the cheap spray bottles. a yellow with soapy water to wash, and a blue one to rinse..
also don't allow food to dry on the plate/utensils 1st one who does, does the dishes. wipe them off just as you're finished with them
once home all plates/pan/utensils get a run thru the dishwasher..
we call this 'camp clean'
the bottles are also good for cleaning hands/legs etc. only takes a couple drops to make a soapy spray bottle. too many people think it takes a 1/4cup to clean dishes.
then it takes more to rinse them.
sure it's nice to have a steak or bacon sizziling away at camp.. but I leave that bear bait to to the other campers..
for cleanup we use the cheap spray bottles. a yellow with soapy water to wash, and a blue one to rinse..
also don't allow food to dry on the plate/utensils 1st one who does, does the dishes. wipe them off just as you're finished with them
once home all plates/pan/utensils get a run thru the dishwasher..
we call this 'camp clean'
the bottles are also good for cleaning hands/legs etc. only takes a couple drops to make a soapy spray bottle. too many people think it takes a 1/4cup to clean dishes.
then it takes more to rinse them.
Honu
lost on the mainland
ditto baby wipes cheap ones can dry your skin out ? so try them out extended at home first 
also are good to wipe food after scraping so almost perfect clean just a bit of water to clean off the wipe
we have some kitchen wipes with the rough stuff on one side and that was something I got from a earlier thread on here and works really well to get pans and tough stuff super clean for again minimal water use to final clean
ditto foot pump something from the white water rafting folks and works really really nice I love it cause when my hands are messy I dont have to touch anything and as said just enough is easy to pump out
I use a black jerry can and often in the sun gets warm enough for hand washing etc.. to
also a chafing pan works good as a dish pan like a 4 inch deep half and you can also put it on the stove to heat up
one thing also is if you rinse the dishes lightly keep that water to then use as the cleaning soapy water the next time dishes are due
also are good to wipe food after scraping so almost perfect clean just a bit of water to clean off the wipe
we have some kitchen wipes with the rough stuff on one side and that was something I got from a earlier thread on here and works really well to get pans and tough stuff super clean for again minimal water use to final clean
ditto foot pump
something from the white water rafting folks and works really really nice I love it cause when my hands are messy I dont have to touch anything and as said just enough is easy to pump out I use a black jerry can and often in the sun gets warm enough for hand washing etc.. to
also a chafing pan works good as a dish pan like a 4 inch deep half and you can also put it on the stove to heat up
one thing also is if you rinse the dishes lightly keep that water to then use as the cleaning soapy water the next time dishes are due
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Happy Joe
Apprentice Geezer
Limit the washbasin size, use only enough water to do the job (got to try the spray bottle technique... thanks!).
...am big fan of the bread food scraper... all food related waste goes into the fire to reduce temptation for critters. If no fire is allowed a dedicated plastic bag lined sealed ammo can is used for storage, until disposal.
We do disposable plates only on quickie over nighters, for longer trips we use dishes. We use only stainless flatware; easy to clean and packs more compactly than a bag-o-plasticware (and we never run out of forks).
Wash up, sponge baths are normal, water typically heated via alcohol burner, morning and night. Tried baby wipes, they are better than nothing and OK for quick hand cleanup but not as satisfying as a heated water sponge bath.
Showers, modded garden sprayer, usually happen when we are next to a lake/stream (at least 50 to 100 feet away) if you fill the sprayer before you leave the first use or 2 can happen without refilling... or if on the road and desperate; at a truck stop.
Laundry only happens, at home or when next to a lake/stream for a long period, or in a Laundromat.
Enjoy!
...am big fan of the bread food scraper... all food related waste goes into the fire to reduce temptation for critters. If no fire is allowed a dedicated plastic bag lined sealed ammo can is used for storage, until disposal.
We do disposable plates only on quickie over nighters, for longer trips we use dishes. We use only stainless flatware; easy to clean and packs more compactly than a bag-o-plasticware (and we never run out of forks).
Wash up, sponge baths are normal, water typically heated via alcohol burner, morning and night. Tried baby wipes, they are better than nothing and OK for quick hand cleanup but not as satisfying as a heated water sponge bath.
Showers, modded garden sprayer, usually happen when we are next to a lake/stream (at least 50 to 100 feet away) if you fill the sprayer before you leave the first use or 2 can happen without refilling... or if on the road and desperate; at a truck stop.
Laundry only happens, at home or when next to a lake/stream for a long period, or in a Laundromat.
Enjoy!
4x4junkie
Explorer
I used to do this a lot myself (completely forgot about this trick). Worked really well, especially if it's sandy dirt like from a creek bed. Unfortunately it's a little rough on non-stick cookware so I don't do it anymore. But if your pots/pans are uncoated...
On the cost of disposables... "Dixie Ultra" plates, cups, & bowls are about 4-6¢ each at Costco (depending on size), and plastic utensils, about 3-6¢ ea. depending on type and place of purchase (Costco by me doesn't carry anything from Diamond). The Ultra plates are rigid enough to support a heaping helping of spaghetti & meat sauce without collapsing, and they don't soak through or get soggy like some other plates do.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
The "cost" of those disposables is much more than the simple cost of the items IMO.
If on the road, backcountry, or dry camped for a good period of time the simple need to stop/detour for a few dollars work of plates adds a ton of hassle.
Over time, it also adds a lot of garbage. Something that every camper already has too little space for.
On that note, we are also ones that rarely light a fire. So no, we cannot just burn them.
Simply the way I seen it. Normally rolling with just two people, our dish selection is sparse, for a reason.
There is no need for more, and it forces us to wash/clean them in order to be clean and ready for the next use. :chef:
If on the road, backcountry, or dry camped for a good period of time the simple need to stop/detour for a few dollars work of plates adds a ton of hassle.
Over time, it also adds a lot of garbage. Something that every camper already has too little space for.
On that note, we are also ones that rarely light a fire. So no, we cannot just burn them.
Simply the way I seen it. Normally rolling with just two people, our dish selection is sparse, for a reason.
There is no need for more, and it forces us to wash/clean them in order to be clean and ready for the next use. :chef:
pugslyyy
Expedition Vehicle Engineer Guy
creeks beds (dry or wet) were exactly where I would do this. I agree that it will trash your fine nonstick, but tbh that was never an issue for me.
I've never been big on the disposable plates and flatware. I really like eating off real plates with real utentsils - and I'm more than happy to clean and reuse them. As long as I have a little hot water, I can clean things up just fine and not add to the trash pile.
I'm not trying to judge the solo cup crowd - I do appreciate the ease of use it affords. It is just that personally I like a nice meal on nice ceramic plates with metal flatware and maybe even a little stemware for the wine. I just find the experience of being able to enjoy a nice drink out of a nice glass to be worth it. YMMV!
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