With no bathroom in a Teardrop trailer, and the limited interior space, it takes a little more effort and a little more ingenuity to stay clean. But once you’ve figured out the method that works for you, Teardrop life will flow easily and you will smell great 😉 Here’s what works for me; perhaps some of it will suit your groove.

My first line of defence to stay clean is baby wipes. Yes, they’re disposable waste going in the trash but all-in-all a pretty small footprint if used sparingly. And think how much less environmental footprint you are having by travelling in the tiny trailer. I keep a dispenser in the galley and another in the sleeper cabin. I don’t use them on my face but I do for my hands when it is not possible to wash with soap and water, and before bed for the parts of my body that tend to benefit from some preventative attention so they don’t get stinky.

I have mentioned in another blog post about the small Rubbermaid-style storage tote I use for shoes when entering the trailer. I have another such tote that I use as a sink for washing my face or, with a facecloth, for a refreshing body wipe-down. Since it is the same size as the shoe box tote, they nestle together for efficient storage in the trailer box.

When it comes to taking a shower, sometimes I am at a Provincial/National park with facilities which is a treat for having a hot shower. But otherwise I have a clever portable shower that you hand-pump to create pressure. It’s no monumental amount of water that comes flowing out, but quite sufficient pressure and volume to get the job done, even washing hair. If there are camping neighbours in close proximity, I’ll shower inside my screen shelter which has optional flaps to cover most of the walls.

Hints & Hacks

• It is possible to purchase baby wipe refills in bulk without the plastic dispenser box.
• If your passive heat camp shower (black bag/jug/etc) hasn’t warmed the water enough for your liking, simply heat some with the kettle and carefully add it to the water container.
• Quick dry towels, which are made from some kind of felt-like material, can be found at camping/outdoor outfitters and dry far more quickly than the heavy cotton towels you use at home.
• Flip-flops are my least favourite (and most irritating) thing that people put on their feet… they barely even count as footwear… BUT a cheap pair from the dollar store are a wonderful buffer between you and the sometimes-yuck surface of public showers in campgrounds, etc.

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So, that’s how I do things with my Teardrop Trailer but by no means the full story or the best way. What about you? Add your own methods, ideas and experiences using the comment box below for the benefit of all readers.