i really don't like contaminating an area with chemicals or scents, but there are times when water alone doesn't get me or my clothes clean. would like to hear what your approach is to this situation, and how you keep your impact as low as possible.
to wash socks (or other clothes) i pack a litre or two of untreated water out away from camp and the water source, wet my clothes, add a few drops of soap, scrub, then rinse, possibly twice if i have enough water. i use camp suds or dr. bronners, which — for soaps — seem as close to zero-impact as possible.
when washing myself, it's mostly just a swim, or a cloth soaked in hot water, but when soap becomes necessary, it's much the same situation as when washing clothes. i might heat the water up ahead of time, if i'm cleaning with treated water.
does anyone use soap in camp, or at the water source? when washing your face and hands, do you use untreated water?
any clever techniques or tips appreciated!
