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hygiene:bathing

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Staying clean

There are several ways to stay clean in the van.

showers

In-vehicle showers can be both power-, space- and water-intensive, putting them out of reach for most van dwellers. Class C and larger vehicles have the space and water tank capacity to make regular showers a reality.

images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com_images_i_411kqcahu1l._ac_us218_.jpgFolks in vans do have some shower options, although expectations may need to be adjusted.

  • Class B vans may have internal or outdoor showers.
  • A sink sprayer may be long enough to reach out a window or door.
  • A solar shower is warmed in the sun then hung up so the water is dispensed by gravity.
  • Submersible pump showers will pull water out of a bucket or other container and out a showerhead.
  • Tankless water heaters run on propane and can dispense more than a 1gpm of hot water.

Regardless of the type of shower, water conservation is key. With practice, a navy shower can take ⇐ 1 gallon of water.

  1. turn on water, wet body, turn off water.
  2. soap up, wash self
  3. turn on water, rinse, turn off water

Shower bags have valves to facilitate navy showers.

The easiest way to get long, hot showers is to have a gym membership. The most common amoung 'dwellers is the Planet Fitness “black card” membership, since it allows use of any PF nationwide.

sink/sponge baths

A sink bath is very simple. Put some water in a sink or large-ish container1) and use it to wet and rise a washrag, scrubber, or sponge. Wash a small area, wet and wring the rag, repeat.

Soap is not required for this process. If you do you soap, consider having a seperate bowl for rinse water.

The washwater can be used to rinse pee bottles, etc.

baby wipes

1)
big plastic dollar store bowls work great
hygiene/bathing.1545670143.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)