keeping clean on the road - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**expatben** · 02-02-2008, 02:44 PM

So I was reading a post and someone was saying that contrary to public conception it is possible to remain clean while on the road and even though I choose not to I agree

So I was thinking we can give our tips on how to stay clean on the road.
My big one is pack your own soap. I know it may sound weird but many places will not have any or run out. Also if your slumming it depending on where you are try going to a gym or a YMCA and use their facilities.
As for clothes bring another bag to separate your dirty clothes and clean ones.
McDonalds are everywhere and have clean bathroom sinks-great for shaving guys although maybe invest in an electric.
Well those are mine anyone else have ideas?

**lauren313** · 02-02-2008, 03:19 PM

Wet wipes, wet wipes, wet wipes.

glitterhairdye · 02-02-2008, 03:24 PM

Tide packets for when you need to clean your underwear. hahaha
Seriously though. i don't know how to do laundry and only one hostel had a laundry service the month i spent in europe last year and so i ran out of underwear and I did them in a sink in hungary with tide packets.

**c0urt** · 02-02-2008, 05:09 PM

i use octagon soap to wash everything when on the road, me and my laundry. works great and it is cheap to. I either hand wash stuff in the sink or throw the whole bar in at the beginning of the wash and pull it out before the rinse cycle

**maracle** · 02-02-2008, 05:20 PM

It occured to me on my last trip as I dealt with getting my soggy bar of soap in and out of it's little plastic case and then cleaning the soap off the case so it could be packed again....

...that using body wash instead would probably be a hell of a lot simpler. You don't really need a sponge thing, just use small amounts at a time and your hands should do the trick. Much easier to handle!

In South America laundry services are very common and pretty cheap. It was about $1 per kilo of clothes and you'd just drop them in a bag at a certain place in the hostel and they'd appear the next day clean, smelling nice and wrapped in plastic. They don't necessarily advertise well though so ask around if you need laundry done.

And don't forget a dedicated pair of flip flops just for communal showers.

**marc873** · 02-02-2008, 05:35 PM

Ahh, I am so good at this. I always pack atleast 4 clothes lines, simple twine... Upon arrival, I buy a bottle of shampoo, and that is what I use for washing myself and clothes. Roxy and I have a great system. One of us will get in the shower or use a sink. One washes and rinses, the other hangs. It does work in hostels, you just have to get creative. Private rooms make it much easier. Plastic bags are my best friend. Whether its dirty clothes, or wet clothes that haven't dried yet, or my shower towel, they go in bags. If you are in a hury to dry something, we have gotten lucky in soooo many places, and have been able to get a hair dryer from the reception desk and use that to dry our stuff. I agree also with the wet wipes. In a pinch, they are the bomb.
The only public restrooms I have used, are in airports or train stations. To wash my feet or other exposed parts. Haven't shaved in one yet, but don't really feel the need to shave that often on the road, unless I am getting some loving!

**jengt** · 02-02-2008, 06:47 PM

I used to use trash bags to keep dirties separate from clean, but I've discovered the ziplock XL bags on my recent trip. They are GREAT. It was always tough to use the trash bags because it was impossible to get all of the air out & they took up extra space. With the ziplocks, it easy to press all of the extra air out & so they're semi-vacuum packed. I always pack a few smaller quart & gallon sized ziplocks anyways because they come in very handy for keeping wet things separate & also if you have food or anything else that comes up.

**marc873** · 02-02-2008, 07:07 PM

Umm..... trash bags Jenny! Those are for the homeless peeps. No offense to them or you, just wanted to pick on you.....

**jengt** · 02-03-2008, 05:34 AM

^^

I'm talking the small size, not the big 20 gal. yard bags!

**MeTurk** · 02-03-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jengt

^^

I'm talking the small size, not the big 20 gal. yard bags!

I think using a big load of rubbish bags would be a great security idea. People wouldn't be as inclined to steal from them or would think it's a big bag of washing or charity clothes. Probably much lighter than any backpack too.

**Canadian Bacon** · 02-03-2008, 10:32 AM

Use soap to shave... so you wont need messy shaving cream

**MeTurk** · 02-03-2008, 01:40 PM

For shaving you can use a little Irish invention. Total shaving solutuion

I use it meself much better than any foam or gel.

**The Monsignor** · 02-03-2008, 02:33 PM

Baby wipes can't be emphasized enough - you can feet several weeks worth in a quart ziploc bag and you can do a quick-and-dirty in any public restroom without looking to get thrown out for being a vagrant!

They also make these all-in-one laundry sheets - detergent, softener and dryer sheets all in one - called Washeze http://www.washeze.com/index.php that I really like when traveling - they're not good for a huge load or super dirty (you have to use two for that), but they're easy to pack, weigh nearly nothing and take up very little space.

The good old fashioned bar of soap (or hair and body wash) is still the standby. Bar soap is still cheap, easy to come by and compact, and you can wash your hair with it in a pinch. (you can clean your hair with baby wipes, to some degree, as well)

For shaving on the road, I like my electric the best - takes two AA batteries, and I don't have to be near a sink to do it. Since I shave my head as well, it really does an easier job of it instead of trying to shave in a stream, cup or dry!

**joe7f** · 02-03-2008, 05:02 PM

I have done that and also done that with body wash

--Joey

**Elizabeth** · 02-03-2008, 08:44 PM

I am in the minority here. Nothing beats clean laundry from a washing machine. I have tried the sink and shampoo method...it just doesn't feel right or get the smell away to my satisfaction. I will do my whites with bleach and separate my darks. If you're that broke that you cannot afford the 3-5 Euro fee then buddy up with another person from the hostel. A lot of places in Eastern Europe will do it free for you (ie Nathan's).

I keep a stash of shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste at the bottom of my bag.

Wipes used on your hair? I guess that's only good for people with short hair/guys. I hope I never get that desperate but now that I've said it, it will probably happen to me lol =]