How to Stay Clean Without Running Water
Good personal hygiene is extremely important to our overall physical and mental health and can help prevent the spread of diseases. But how do we do this without running water? While the term hygiene covers a lot of ground, we'll focus on the washing of hands and body. A little preparation today will allow you to do both should the faucets stop delivering water to your home. The steps are pretty easy, and you probably have most of what you need at home anyway but having a plan ready to go will help ease some of the stress.
Finding and treating non-potable water sources
Water storage is a precious commodity. You can use it to wash up, but do you really want to? Make sure you find a reliable non-potable water source ahead of time - before you need it. Pre-planning will make riding out this type of emergency much easier.
Using untreated non-potable water for hygiene can introduce bacteria into the body through the eyes, nose, mouth, and small cuts on the skin. Bacteria can remain on our hands and transfer to our face, increasing the risk of infection. Always treat non-potable water before you use it for hygiene purposes.
Personal Hygiene Backup Systems
Cleaning Your Hands
If clean, running water is not accessible, you have a few choices for cleaning your hands. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands if soap and water are unavailable. Preferably, of course, is the use of soap and whatever water you have available. This can include a treated source of non-potable water. You can build a hand-washing station that makes this process a whole lot easier. Here is how to make a handwashing station when there is no city water available.
Items Needed
- Clean water jug with a spigot faucet
- Water - boiled/treated if non-potable
- Bleach
- Measuring cup
- Heating equipment - if desired
- Bar or liquid soap
- Paper towels with a dispenser
- Catch basin
- Trash can
Tip
Create a handwashing kit as part of your Family Kit System. It will be ready to go should you lose water or water quality. You can take it with you if you need to evacuate and staying at a hotel or with family & friends is not an option.
Setting Up Your Handwashing Station
- Set up the washing station where all family members have access.
- If the cleanliness of the water jug is in question:
- Use 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach per quart (4 cups) of water to sanitize the container.
- Shake it well, covering all surfaces including the lid.
- Let stand for 5 minutes and drain. Do not rinse. Let air dry.
- Meanwhile, heat the water until warm (100°F-120°F).
- If your electricity is out, use an alternative heating method (see: Using a Solar Shower - below).
- Wash your hands well but conserve enough water to ensure you have enough for full rinsing.
Items Needed
- Clean water jug with a spigot faucet
- Water - boiled/treated if non-potable
- Bleach
- Measuring cup
- Heating equipment - if desired
- Bar or liquid soap
- Paper towels with a dispenser
- Catch basin
- Trash can
Tip
Create a handwashing kit as part of your Family Kit System. It will be ready to go should you lose water or water quality. You can take it with you should you need to evacuate and staying at a hotel or with family & friends is not an option.
Tip
Create a handwashing kit as part of your Family Kit System. It will be ready to go should you lose water or water quality. You can take it with you should you need to evacuate and staying at a hotel or with family & friends is not an option.
Shower Kit
How can you possibly take a shower without running water? A solar camp shower is an excellent way to have warm water in an emergency. Solar showers come in different gallon size options, so the prices vary but overall are very affordable. They can be found online and at camping stores.
Not only can you use a solar shower for its intended purpose, but you can also use the solar shower to heat water for other purposes like washing hands. Here is how you can assemble and use a solar shower.
Items Needed
- Solar Shower
- Water
- Soap
- Shampoo & Conditioner*
- *Using a 2-in-1 brand of shampoo with conditioner will take less water.
Tip
Create a shower kit as part of your Family Kit System. It will be ready to go should you lose water or water quality. You can take it with you should you need to evacuate and staying at a hotel or with family & friends is not an option. Purchase a privacy tent for added privacy should you need to take a shower outside.
Using a Solar Shower for Heating and Water Delivery
- Fill a solar shower with water and lay in the sunlight until it reaches the preferred temperature.
- For shower use: Hang the solar shower from a sturdy support, such as a tree branch, shower rod, or mounted hook.
- For bathtub use: Hang the solar shower from a secure hanger or curtain rod above the bathtub.
- Use as you normally would, but conserve water to ensure you have enough for full rinsing.
Using a Solar Shower as a Water Delivery System
- Fill the solar shower with water that has been boiled and allowed to cool to a safe temperature.
- Test the water temperature before use to prevent burns.
- Use as you normally would, but conserve water to ensure you have enough for full rinsing.
Items Needed
- Solar Shower
- Water
- Soap
- Shampoo & Conditioner*
- *Using a 2-in-1 brand of shampoo with conditioner will take less water.
Tip
Create a shower kit as part of your Family Kit System. It will be ready to go should you lose water or water quality. You can take it with you should you need to evacuate and staying at a hotel or with family & friends is not an option. Purchase a privacy tent for added privacy should you need to take a shower outside.
Tip
Create a shower kit as part of your Family Kit System. It will be ready to go should you lose water or water quality. You can take it with you should you need to evacuate and staying at a hotel or with family & friends is not an option. Purchase a privacy tent for added privacy should you need to take a shower outside.