Hygiene and the Highway

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A week before car living begins, December, 2022

Anyone who has ever taken the leap and given up the sticks and bricks life for a life on the road can tell you that during the planning phase – the before it actually happens phase - lots of scenarios, questions, and yes, anxieties arise. Indeed, it seems improbable that one can condense what had once been house-bound rituals and ways of being into a car, SUV, or van. In our minds, we seek a constant chain of answers and solutions to - What will I eat? Where will I poop? And…how do I stay clean? It appears to be instinctual that we want to have things mostly figured out and somewhat controlled.

For me, I was always a daily showerer, deodorant applier, and washer of hair. Most of the time, my hair looked greasy and limp, so I thought the solution was to wash it every day. Same for my body odor. Oh my, the products I swathed my body with, paying no attention to ingredients and definitely not paying attention to what my hair and body were telling me.

During my “before it actually happened” phase I did tons of research and connected with female road warrior facebook groups, such as SUV/Car Living & Camping Women Only. These connections were essential in giving me both confidence and guidance as I mapped out my houseless future. One very practical suggestion I took to heart was to get a Planet Fitness membership. There are over 2,700 PF locations worldwide and a membership gets you access to their fitness equipment, showers, and other amenities. I absolutely couldn’t live this life without a gym membership of some sort. At one point, I thought I could and gave up the membership – but long about New Mexico way I realized I absolutely needed it as you just never know where you will find yourself. And, a good hot shower, no matter how infrequent, is essential. Be assured, PF employees absolutely do not care if you are only there for the shower. (TIP: some states tax for gym memberships and some don’t.)

When I first started out, I knew I wouldn’t be showering every day – maybe every other day. Heck, maybe even every third day. Having found long term camping options here and there with the convenience of showers, every third day seemed to work. Eventually, by last summer, it became twice a week. My skin and hair began to change in ways I didn’t think possible.

Last October I finally left the east coast for my big adventure to New Mexico and Arizona, seeking out places of remote solitude. The primitive campgrounds and BLM land where I camped were often miles, if not more than an hour, away from a shower or Planet Fitness. And, even if I was just a couple of miles from a shower, I found that I didn’t relish breaking camp just to go take one. One of my car living rules is: everything goes with me wherever I go. Aspiring to stay in a somewhat meditative retreat, I wanted to sink into the land for extended periods. I found myself going a full week in between showers. Folks, it was a game changer in how I view hygiene.

Me making the video about how great my hair looks, January 2025

Not only didn’t I smell much (having given up deodorant for the most part), but my hair was magnificent! Full and rich, growing faster and stronger. My skin was less dry and I felt more in tune with the natural environment as I let go of the constant barrage of chemicals and the daily removal of the natural bacteria on my body.

Many car campers strive for some type of running water situation in their vehicle. For me, in terms of washing my face and hands, I just pour some water in a small collapsible plastic basin and then be sure to empty it into my “gray” water thermos if camping in nature (or I use a biodegradable soap). If I’m in an urban area, I try to find a bathroom to empty my gray water thermos, I or find an out of the way spot to empty it, such as a park or behind a gas station. Other special bodily places that require daily attention in the cleanliness department get wiped down with hypoallergenic, all natural wipes that, while pricey, serve to diminish the mystery smell that my car (and, yes, my body) occasionally collects.

There are myriad ways of addressing hygiene for car dwellers. In lieu of a monthly gym membership, one could indulge in a campground with showers a few times a month (and charge up your portable batteries, as well). Or, you could seek out YMCAs or other gyms that may have inexpensive daily passes. In addition, truck stops offer showers – but these can be costly. Using apps can be a great way to find resources. One new-to-me app is the Warmshowers app which helps connect you to hosts who offer showers. Finally, if you plan to camp, carrying a solar shower will give you an extra option that you may find useful from time to time.

Living life this way has given me such a different perspective on what we, as humans beings, really, truly need and what we have been led to believe we need. Certainly, a study in the history of showers and bath product marketing can provide a hint as to why Americans, and now so much of the rest of the world suds up on the daily. And those habits changed long before AI was around to tell us to do so!

So, if you see me, give a hug or wave from afar – I won’t be offended. Slightly offensive? Well…that’s probably already a given.

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For more information about carrying and finding water, check out Water Log or see my blog posts on Car Camping Basics.

A companion youtube video was made for this post: Car Camping and Hygiene. Be sure to check it out and hit subscribe if you like it.

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