Ok, so everyone knows that to wash your dishes you need three obvious things, soap water and a sponge. But when you are in the back country, you may not have all or any of these items on you. So here are a few handy tips on how to clean your dishes without using soap when you are in the back woods.

When your only resource is dirt, find some that is course. Make sure the dirt has no bugs or any type of organic matter in it. Take a handful of the dirt and scrub your dishes in a forceful matter as if you were using a Brilo pad. After scrubbing your plates with the dirt wipe them clean with a towel or what you may have on hand. By using the dirt to clean your dishes, you should have scrapped away most of the food particles; leaving nothing for bacteria to grow on. If a lake or stream is available for your use, take advantage of rinsing your dishes. Remember not to use any standing water because parasites may be present. Then next time you cook, heat up your dishes to sterilize them either before or during your cooking session.

If you are cooking with greasy pans first heat up some water; if it’s a natural supply of water try to boil it first. Remove almost all the leftover food particles from the pan, but leave a small amount of grease in the pan. Throw in a handful of clean wood ashes into your pans and then pour the hot water in. Stir the water a bit then let it sit for a few minutes. Then scrub your pot; the ashes act as an abrasive to scrub any food crumbs away. You may add some dirt to your pot if you do not have a coarse enough material to scrub with. Rinse the pot, and your hands in clean water. You don't want to leave soap or alkali water on your pots or hands.

Make sure to put aside special dishes to only be used when you go camping. Wash them carefully when you get home, and be sure to sanitize them very well. Repeat these steps for any utensils or cups you may have used while on your trip.

Using these methods of washing your dishes can be rough on your hands; if you have gloves bring and use them, to prevent any burns or dryness to your skin. If you do not have gloves, thoroughly wash your hands when you are through scrubbing your pots.