Must-Have Hygiene Products for Van Life in 2024!
Maintaining personal hygiene is essential for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for van dwellers who often face unique challenges in staying clean on the road. We’ve curated a list of the top 10 must-have hygiene products specifically tailored for van dwellers, ensuring you stay fresh and comfortable during your travels. Let’s dive in!
Personal Hygiene Essentials
Biodegradable wet wipes
Whether you need a quick refresh after a hike or don’t have access to a shower, biodegradable wet wipes are a van life essential. Unlike regular wet wipes, biodegradable ones decompose naturally, making them an eco-friendly choice. Brands like Surviveware and Natracare offer high-quality biodegradable wet wipes that are gentle on your skin and the environment.
Dry shampoo
Sometimes, a full shower just isn’t possible in van life. That’s where dry shampoo comes to the rescue! By absorbing excess oils and adding volume to your hair, dry shampoo helps you maintain clean-looking hair between showers. Batiste and Klorane are popular dry shampoo brands that come highly recommended by van dwellers.
Hand sanitizer
Keeping your hands clean is a must in van life, especially when water isn’t readily available. Hand sanitizer is a convenient solution for eliminating germs and maintaining hand hygiene. Opt for hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content, like those from Purell or Dr. Bronner’s, for effective sanitization that’s also gentle on your skin.
Dental Care
Compact toothbrush and toothpaste
A compact toothbrush and toothpaste set can save precious space in your van while ensuring your dental hygiene doesn’t suffer. Particularlly if you only have small draws allocated for personal hygiene items where full size brushes may not always fit. Look for collapsible or travel-sized toothbrushes, such as those from GUM, and pair them with eco-friendly toothpaste options like Davids or Bite Toothpaste Bits.
Showering and Bathing
Biodegradable soap
Using biodegradable soap is not only gentle on your skin but also kinder to the environment. Brands like Campsuds offer versatile and biodegradable soaps that can be used for showering, handwashing, and even doing dishes, making them perfect companions for van life.
Microfiber towel
A microfiber towel is a game-changer for van dwellers. These towels are lightweight, quick-drying, and highly absorbent, making them ideal for showers, swims, and sweaty workouts, they can also be used for cleaning spills and other messes without having to rely on throw away alternatives. The PackTowl and Rainleaf microfiber towels are top-rated options that come in various sizes and colors.
Toilet and Sanitation
Portable toilet
A portable toilet is a must-have for any van dweller. From simple bucket-style toilets like the Luggable Loo to more advanced options like the Thetford Porta Potti or Nature’s Head composting toilet, there’s a portable toilet to fit every budget and preference. If you are interested in other alternatives, makes sure to read our guide on Toilet Options For Car Camping which can also be used for van living.
Toilet paper alternatives
Toilet paper alternatives, such as a portable bidet or reusable wipes, can help reduce waste and improve hygiene in van life. The TUSHY Travel portable bidet is a popular choice, while brands like Cheeky Wipes offer reusable cloth wipes that can be washed and reused multiple times.
Laundry and Clothing Care
Laundry detergent sheets
Laundry detergent sheets are a space-saving and eco-friendly alternative to traditional liquid or powder detergents. Brands like Tru Earth and Sheets Laundry Club offer biodegradable detergent sheets that dissolve in water, making laundry day hassle-free and environmentally friendly.
Portable clothesline
A portable clothesline is a practical solution for drying clothes when you don’t have access to a dryer. Options like the Sea to Summit Lite Line are durable, easy to set up, and take up minimal space when not in use. Plus, they allow you to dry your clothes using natural sunlight and fresh air, which can help eliminate odors and save energy.
Conclusion
Investing in these must-have hygiene products for van dwellers will make your life on the road more comfortable and enjoyable. By staying clean and fresh during your travels, you’ll not only feel better physically but also improve your overall van life experience.
Remember, maintaining good hygiene is an essential part of self-care, and with these products in your van, you’ll be well-equipped to stay fresh and clean, no matter where the road takes you.
