How to Clean Camping Cookware Like a Pro (Eco-Friendly Guide)

Cooking a delicious meal over a campfire is one of the best parts of camping. Cleaning up the greasy mess afterwards? Not so much.

However, keeping your gear clean is essential to prevent attracting wildlife (bears and raccoons!) and to make your gear last longer. This guide will show you the easiest, most eco-friendly way to wash dishes in the wild.

Golden Rule: Always wash dishes at least 200 feet away from water sources (lakes, rivers) to protect the ecosystem.

Step 1: Scrape Off Food Waste

Before using any water, remove as much food residue as possible. Don't bury it! Pack it out in your trash bag.

Tool We Love: GSI Outdoors Compact Scraper

It has a soft edge for non-stick pans and a hard edge for stubborn food.

Check Price on Amazon

Step 2: The 3-Bucket Method

This is the classic Boy Scout method. You will need three separate bins or a collapsible sink (highly recommended for saving space).

1. Wash: Hot water + biodegradable soap.
2. Rinse: Clean hot water.
3. Sanitize: Cold water + a sanitizer tablet (optional) or just air dry.

Essential Gear: Collapsible Camping Sink (10L)

Folds flat, lightweight, and perfect for the 3-bucket method.

Check Price on Amazon

Step 3: Use Biodegradable Soap

Regular dish soap harms aquatic life. Always use a biodegradable option like Campsuds or Dr. Bronner’s. Remember: even biodegradable soap should not go directly into the lake.

Top Choice: Campsuds Citronella Soap

Works for dishes, hands, and even clothes. A little goes a long way.

Check Price on Amazon

Step 4: Drying and Disposal

Air drying is the most sanitary method. You can hang a mesh bag with your dishes from a tree branch. When finished, strain your dirty dishwater to catch food particles (put them in trash), and scatter the water broadly 200 feet from camp.

Conclusion

Keeping your camp kitchen clean doesn't have to be a chore. With the right tools like a scraper and a collapsible sink, you can finish cleaning in minutes and get back to enjoying the fire.