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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 a non-potable water source

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.

Treating non-potable water sources

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.

No City Water
Washing Hands

Alternatives to Running Water

If clean, running water is not accessible, you have two choices:

  • If soap and water are unavailable, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.
  • Use 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.

Source: University of Vermont

Create a hand washing station

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
  • 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.
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.

No City Water
Taking a Shower or Bath

How to shower or bathe without running water

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.

A solar shower can be used in different ways.

  • Let the sun heat up the water for your shower/bath.
  • Boil the water for purification and allow it to cool to a safe temperature before using in a solar shower or container.
  • Use the solar shower to heat water for other purposes like washing hands.

Using 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.
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.
Tip #1

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.

Tip #2

Take your Shower Kit one step further by purchasing a privacy tent should you need to take a shower outside.