How to Handle Hygiene in Nature

A good route plan or properly assembled gear that you carry with you are very important things. Besides the basic items for sleeping or cooking, there is one chapter that is equally important and yet often pushed into the background. It is hygiene.

We take hygiene for granted at home. We get up in the morning, take a shower, brush our teeth, and after using the toilet we constantly have access to warm clean water and soap. It is the same with food, where we always have the chance to wash it well along with the dishes. Despite the fact that people have been gripped by a relative obsession with sterility, during hiking or any outdoor activities they behave completely differently. 

There's no need to overdo hygiene to the point of obsession, but at the same time it should not be neglected either. One thing is personal comfort or the smells that your fellow campers have to endure. The other thing, however, is skin fungus or other dermatological problems, or intestinal viral infections with fever caused by bacteria in food, often accompanied by chills and muscle pain.

Proper hygiene during time spent in nature is not just a matter of comfort, but directly affects your health and, if neglected, can in extreme cases lead to permanent health consequences or death. 

Let's take a closer look at how to deal with this problem, so you can always enjoy your activities in health and comfort. We'll start with items you can obtain in civilization and later look at alternative approaches from nature. 



You can find potassium permanganate at every pharmacy. It is a water-soluble solution that helps to remove fungal infections on the feet. It is also used to disinfect water. It stains purple.

The list may seem long, but for the most part it consists of small items that don't take up much space. You can also pack a sewing kit, in case you need to repair something on your clothing.

Natural alternatives to hygiene supplies

Toilet paper 

There's probably no need to elaborate on its importance in detail. Besides its primary purpose, it can be used as:

• emergency tinder
• the end of an ear cleaning stick 
• cleaning the surface of teeth
• removing grease from a mess kit
• mechanical filtering of water

Alternatives

As a substitute for toilet paper, you can use large leaves of plants such as burdock (Arctium), corn husks either green (which is softer) or dried, grass blades or broadleaf plantain (Plantago major). Many peoples of the world primarily use water to clean intimate areas. This is the best option only if you have time and enough running water.

Broadleaf plantain

Cotton swabs

Earwax forms constantly and clogs the ear canal. Blocked ears are not just a matter of mutual communication. Good hearing is very important in nature. It helps with finding resources and situational awareness, where clean ears can alert you to running water and also to the movement of animals in the nearby surroundings. Besides cleaning ears, they are also useful for cleaning minor wounds or removing dirt from hard-to-reach corners of gear and equipment.

Alternatives 

When you run out of cotton swabs, there are several substitutes available right away. The simplest one is a piece of tissue or toilet paper. Roll them into a thin cylinder and twist inside the ear to one side. 

It is more effective to make a swab stick with a small stick. Take a long piece of soft wood, such as willow, and shape it into a thin, smooth twig. Make sure the end you will insert into the ear is blunt and has no sharp edges. Wrap it in a piece of cloth or cotton wool.

When cleaning, always be careful. A ruptured eardrum is no joke and you can permanently damage your hearing. Also check that the cotton at the end of the stick holds well, so it doesn't slip off and block your ear canal. 

Feminine hygiene

For young women and ladies, this is a natural topic. Gentlemen, let's be gentlemen and acknowledge that this topic concerns us too. The comfort and safety of our other halves should be a priority for us. 

Most of us will certainly think first of pads and tampons. A few pieces packed in a backpack never hurt. They have various uses. They help slow down bleeding or cover skin abrasions, or serve as a layer in an improvised filter for mechanical water purification. I always carry tampons in a set for fire starting. The plastic wrapper resists water well, and once unwrapped, it turns into a large ball of first-class tinder that ignites after just a few sparks. 

In nature, however, tampons and pads may not be the best idea during menstruation. The problem is mainly with used ones. Blood with a strong odor and a mix of hormones, attracts nearby predators and harmful insects. It is a big problem to dispose of them. Burying them solves nothing and only creates more waste in nature. Burning them in a fire pit is also not a good solution. A fire pit is often not available. 

A menstrual cup best solves the problem. It is a silicone cup with a reservoir applied internally. It does not restrict movement, so it is ideal for hiking and more active movement. It also doesn't need to be replaced, only cleaned, so it does not create waste and you don't have to carry a replacement with you. It is sterilized by rinsing and boiling in clean water.

In general, keep intimate areas as clean as possible. When packing, don't skimp on spare underwear and wear looser pants, which better prevent chafing. It is ideal to wash intimate areas whenever possible. Beware of stagnant water, however, or rivers, otherwise you risk mold and yeast infections. Wiping with leaves or grass can have a similar effect.
 

Forgot your toothbrush or toothpaste? Here are alternatives

There are few things more unpleasant than an inflamed nerve or a broken tooth when the nearest dentist is kilometers away. But what to do if you run out of toothpaste or lose your toothbrush?

Alternatives

You don't necessarily need to stop to clean your teeth, it can be done comfortably even while walking. If you lose your toothbrush, natural alternatives exist. One of them is a chewed piece of a fresh twig, for example from a willow. Clean the bark off the end and crush it between two stones. Chew it thoroughly and you have a new brush at hand.

Don't forget the interdental space. Also pack dental floss. It is better than a toothpick and has many uses. In an emergency, it can also be used as fishing line for smaller fish or as thread to repair clothing and gear. 

If you run out of toothpaste, there are several options.

• Charcoal - crush it finely and mix it with a bit of water. Use the resulting paste to clean your teeth. Black teeth can be easily rinsed off with water. Charcoal removes plaque on the enamel and suppresses bacteria in the gums.

• Baking soda - similarly to charcoal, add a bit of water and clean your teeth with the paste. Don't forget to rinse them well afterwards. The result may be a bit foamy, but it cleans great. However, it is not suitable as a long-term alternative, as it can damage your enamel.

• Salt water - mix a larger amount of salt with water to create a thick solution. Rinse your teeth thoroughly with it. Salt kills microbes and bacteria. It is important not to gargle or swallow the solution. Salt water at that concentration can harm you and cause kidney problems or dehydration. 

• Salvadora Persica - known to us as Salvadora persica. It is a plant from the Middle East region, which is widespread throughout Africa. Its chewed roots have been used to clean teeth for thousands of years and were already known in ancient Babylon. It contains many minerals and vitamins and has whitening effects. It is ideal for cleaning teeth during a march and when water is scarce. 

Nail care

A torn nail with an open wound is not only painful but also can cause infections and attract unpleasant insects, especially in tropical environments. It is worst on the feet, where it complicates walking and the risk of infection is much higher. Dirt under the nails can contaminate food and clean water, which can lead to further illnesses. 

Always keep your nails clean and wash them after every need and before handling food. It is easier to keep nails short than to remove trapped dirt. Ideal are small scissors, which can also be used in first aid, or a nail file. If you don't have a file, you can sharpen your nails on a flat stone. Do not shorten them by biting. Bacteria will get into your mouth and you will cause small wounds on your fingers, through which infection can enter your bloodstream. 

Hair care

Pack a hairbrush in your backpack. It helps comb out fallen debris from trees and bushes. With it, you prevent the formation of tangles, get rid of loose dandruff, and prevent unwanted insect tenants from settling in. This applies not only to hair but also to beards.

Alternative: 

If you don't have a brush, you can make a comb. You need a flat, longer piece of wood. Take a charred piece of a stick with a black end and a piece of straight reed. The stick will serve as a pencil and the reed as a ruler. Divide the comb lengthwise into two equal parts, and on the lower part, mark out the teeth according to how dense a comb you would like. Cut out every second tooth and the comb is ready. Round off the comb as best as possible by rubbing it with a smaller stone or with sand poured onto a wet piece of cloth.

Wash your head every day, even if just with plain water. You will remove dust and some of the grease from your hair and skin. At the same time, you will reduce the smell of campfire smoke trapped in your hair.

If you don't have soap, make yourself a cleaning paste. It's the same recipe as for teeth, meaning crushed ash or baking soda. Apply the paste gently and massage it into the scalp. Rinse your head until you wash out the remaining cleaning paste from your hair.

If you have longer hair, wear it braided. It is the best way to keep your hair tidy while also keeping it out of your way. If you don't have a hair tie or clips, a long piece of thin cord will also work well. People have been braiding their hair with a piece of long leather cord for thousands of years. 

Repellents and deodorant

In case your repellent runs out, you can use one of the following alternatives. 

Crush onion or garlic and rub it on your body to help drive away mosquitoes. You probably won't find love at the campsite, but at least you won't have to worry about vampires, and mosquitoes will leave you alone too. 

It also helps to stay near smoke. It doesn't necessarily have to be a campfire. You can place smoking torches around the camp. Take a piece of straight wood, long enough to reach your shoulder when pushed into the ground. Split its end and place pieces of solid wood crosswise through the resulting prongs, so that a shape like a badminton basket is formed. Place a large piece of glowing charcoal in its center and put damp moss on top. The resulting smoke will repel the surrounding insects. Replace the charcoal and moss as needed. 

Relatively effective is a small pouch with fennel seeds and dried sage. Pour both ingredients into a thin cloth pouch about the size of a matchbox. Make several such pouches and place them in your pockets and around your backpack. You will quickly get used to the aroma; personally, I find it pleasant. It works on mosquitoes in close proximity, but it is less effective in marshy areas due to the higher concentration of insects. 

In case of the greatest emergency, you can rub exposed parts of your skin with mud. Clay is the most ideal. 

Instead of your favorite deodorant, wash regularly under your armpits with plain soap. Scented deodorants contain ingredients that are attractive to insects. Sweaty clothing that smells of deodorant even attracts bedbugs more than regular sweaty clothing. Nearby animals will also smell you more strongly. Looser, breathable clothing that allows better air circulation will help reduce sweating. 

As a substitute for deodorant, you can use salt paste (add a few drops of water to salt to create a granulated paste, which you rub under your armpits), baking soda (same procedure as with salt), or crushed charcoal. Charcoal will indeed stain the armpits and clothing black, but it will do its job perfectly well. 

Sponge bath

One of the best things you can pack for personal hygiene is a bath sponge. If you don't have the option of a regular bath, the second best option is to wash with a sponge. A smaller towel will also work well. If you have water from a natural source and it doesn't flow directly from a rock, always boil it for 10 minutes before use to make sure it doesn't contain bacteria. This method is quick, simple, uses less water, and you can wash yourself basically anywhere you're camping. A sponge bath is also great for washing more sensitive areas in skin folds and it removes grease from the skin well. 

A great natural alternative can be a loofah sponge. Loofah is a type of gourd, resembling a cucumber or zucchini. Once ripe, it turns into a natural sponge that you can use for washing dishes or personal hygiene. The advantage is that if you forget it somewhere in nature, you won't create any waste, since it's a purely natural material.

Disinfection

Pack a tube of gel disinfectant. It won't always be possible to wash your hands, and this will be especially important after relieving yourself. Dirty hands can contaminate food and drinking water, cause unpleasant digestive issues, or inflammation in skin wounds. Gel disinfectant kills 99% of bacteria. 

A great alternative is also pure alcohol. Besides your hands, you can also sterilize objects with it, which is especially useful in first aid for cleaning needles or a scalpel. If you have no other means, apply a few drops to a piece of cloth or cotton wool and treat the area around wounds and minor abrasions with it before bandaging them or applying a plaster. Alcohol wipes are a basic item in every good first aid kit. Make sure before you leave that you have enough of them in your first aid kit. 

Feet

Marches with a full pack or even light, but on rough terrain, are demanding on your feet. The risk isn't just slippery stones on trails but also the moisture itself. Start with the right choice of footwear. The boot must not be too tight, so as not to restrict blood flow in the foot, but at the same time not too loose, so that you have a secure step and don't risk an ankle injury. 

• take off your shoes and air out your feet whenever possible
• if you can't take off your shoes, at least loosen the laces during short stops
• don't skimp on spare socks and feel free to change them even 2x a day, so your feet stay as dry as possible
• wash your feet in clean water whenever there's an opportunity
• keep your nails trimmed

Clothing repair

Another thing that shouldn't be missing is a small sewing kit for clothing repairs. It may seem unrelated to hygiene, but there is a connection. Skin will be more easily exposed to rain, sun, and biting insects through holes in the fabric. There's a greater chance you'll get abrasions on your skin while moving over rocks or pushing through bushes, and moisture or cold will more easily get under your clothing. 

Repairing minor damage doesn't take long. So repair it before it gets bigger. This gives you a moment to stop and take a better look around, or to listen to the surrounding sounds while you repair. It's also a great activity by the evening fire. 

Cleaning dishes

Keeping your dishes always clean, without food residue or soot, may not be easy, especially if you don't have access to a large amount of water. So when packing, don't forget a dish sponge. You can great replace the sponge with a clump of moss or straw. 

Follow these principles:

Don't use dish detergent. You will contaminate drinking water and can seriously damage the local ecosystem. A great substitute is fine sand and crushed ash, which remove grease and burnt-on residue. Apply a bit to the container and clean until the dirt is removed. Replace the mixture as needed and rinse thoroughly with clean water at the end.

If you don't have enough water available, clean dry first. Ash and dry grass absorb grease well and mechanically remove the largest dirt. Use small amounts of water to remove the remaining impurities. 

You can also boil outthe inside of the container to kill bacteria. Let the water boil for at least 10 minutes from the moment bubbles appear.

Don't leave mess kits with food leftovers. They attract insects and animals nearby. Large predators can smell food from several kilometers away. If necessary, take the food at least 200 meters away from the camp, put it in a bag and hoist it high up a tree on a rope. Tie the rope to a piece of heavier wood and throw it over a high branch on the tree. This way you get a pulley and don't have to needlessly climb the tree. 

Basic tips to finish off

• Don't skimp on spare underwear and socks.
• Always thoroughly check your inventory before departure, especially the contents of your first-aid kit.
• Pack an extra piece of important items and keep it separate. For example, important medications, tweezers, soap. 
• Keep food separate from the camp. Especially uneaten leftovers. Hoist them in a bag up a tree about 200m from the camp. 
• Maintain a regular hygiene routine such as combing or brushing your teeth or a sponge bath.
• Wear looser clothing so air can flow better underneath it.
• Dress using a layering system. Wear several thin layers. This way you can dress and undress according to current needs and prevent unnecessary overheating of the body or, conversely, hypothermia. 
• Take a smaller shovel for digging a latrine. Dig the latrine several dozen meters from the campsite. Its size depends on the size of your group and how long you plan to stay at the location. Always clearly mark its edges and line them with straight wood so no one falls in, including animals. You can mark the spot for the night by hanging a chemical light and running a guide rope along the path to the campsite. After each use, always throw a bit of soil into the pit to cover it. Always fill in the latrine again before leaving. It is not only safe but also basic decency. 
• If you can't wash your dirty laundry and the clean ones have run out, wear it inside out. 
• Wash dirty items by hand whenever possible. Laundry can also dry during the journey hung on a backpack or on a long stick slung over your shoulder. 
• Always take off your shoes before entering the tent.
• Before you get into your sleeping bag, put on clean clothes. Don't wear your spare nighttime clothes during the day, so you have clothes to change into. 
• Take off your shoes or at least loosen the laces whenever you stop for a while. Your feet get a bit of rest and part of the sweat evaporates.
• Don't leave items stained with blood lying around the area. Not only does waste not belong in nature, but you also attract predators and unpleasant insects. Burn used plasters or bandages thoroughly in a fire.