Shower and hygiene in a campervan

Washing in a camper van, van, or motorhome is quite an art! Between clichés and reality, there’s a world of difference. Whether you’re traveling in a small converted van or a fully equipped motorhome, solutions exist: integrated shower, portable solar shower, outdoor cabin, or washcloth toilet, and even alternatives like campsites, gyms, or beach showers. Not to mention good products (solid soap, biodegradable wipes) and tips to save water. Ready for the complete guide? Let’s go!

Video on “Hygiene in Vanlife: Tips to Stay Fresh on the Road”

What are the clichés about hygiene in vanlife?

Ah, vanlife and its clichés! We hear some great ones, right? Between the fantasies of a bohemian life and the fears of a dirty existence, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Let’s start with the most persistent: “vanlifers are hippies who smell“. Seriously? That’s like saying all Parisians wear berets and carry baguettes under their arms! The reality is that most vanlifers are just as clean as you and me. They’ve just adopted different techniques to wash.

Next, we have the myth of the “daily river bath“. Sure, it happens, but not all the time! Vanlifers aren’t beavers; they have other options: solar showers, campsites, gas stations… (And yes, sometimes even river baths, when the weather allows!)

Finally, let’s not forget the famous “they don’t have real toilets”. But that will be for another article!

What is the difference between a van, a camper van, and a motorhome for showering?

Between the van, the van, and the motorhome, there’s quite a gap in terms of comfort. Each has its little peculiarities that will influence your nomadic shower experience.

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Van: minimal comfort, but solutions exist

Let’s talk about the van first, the little darling of minimalist adventurers. Here, my friend, don’t expect a 5-star spa! Most of the time, you’ll have to settle for a washcloth toilet or a portable solar shower. It’s a bit spartan, I admit, but it has its charm. To gain comfort, you can invest in a USB rechargeable pump shower: you dip the pump into a jerrycan, press the button, and you’re off for 45 minutes of autonomy. Compact, lightweight, and you can take it far from the vehicle. (Just remember to bring a good deodorant, okay?)

Camper van: variable comfort depending on the layout

Now, let’s move on to the van, the intermediate option that can hold some surprises. Some models are equipped with a modular indoor shower, others with an outdoor shower, and others… well, nothing at all! It’s a bit of a lottery. If you’re lucky, you’ll have an indoor cabin with a basin and a curtain. Otherwise, solutions like the collapsible camping shower cabin (those popup tents that unfold in two seconds) or a curtain fixed between the two rear doors work perfectly. Some vanlifers even set up a system with a foldable shower that lays flat when not in use.

Motorhome: optimal comfort

Finally, the motorhome is the ultimate luxury of the nomadic shower. There, my friend, you’re going to feel at home… or almost! Most motorhomes are equipped with a real bathroom with a shower, sink, and often even a toilet. You’ll even have a water heater to heat your water. The only constraint: the amount of water. With a standard 100L tank and a consumption of 5 to 8 liters per shower (if you’re careful), you can last 3 to 5 days for two people. Remember to ventilate well after each shower by opening the roof vent to avoid humidity and mold. If you have a big budget, there are shower water recovery and instant filtration systems like “infinity shower“, an American system, but you’ll need to pay a price as this kind of niche product costs a pretty penny.

How to prepare for hygiene before departure?

Limited space means you won’t be able to take your entire bathroom with you in vanlife, and you’ll need to be clever.

Choice of products

Let’s start with the basics: the products. Forget your XXL shower gels and salon-quality shampoos. Here, we play the card of versatility and compactness. Opt for multi-purpose solid soaps. They serve as shower gel, shampoo, and even laundry detergent! Plus, they’re eco-friendly and take up less space.

Don’t forget a good deodorant (trust me, your parking neighbors will thank you) and a bamboo toothbrush to fully embrace eco-vanlife. And why not tablet toothpaste? It’s fun and saves water!

Essential equipment

In terms of equipment, think practical and compact. A microfiber towel is a must: it dries quickly and takes up minimal space. Add to that a washcloth (or two, let’s be wild!) and a collapsible basin that will serve you for both washing up (if you’re in a van) and doing dishes.

Always if you’re in a van, invest in a portable solar shower. For a well-hidden shower, it will be very useful! And for days when even that is too much, always keep biodegradable wipes on hand.

What are the options for washing in a camper van?

There are several ways to wash in a converted vehicle depending on your comfort level: integrated shower, portable solar shower, outdoor shower cabin, or the good old washcloth method!

Integrated shower

Let’s start with the luxury option: the integrated shower. If your camper van is equipped with one, congratulations! You’ve hit the jackpot. It’s convenient, comfortable, and you can wash whenever you want. However, be careful with water consumption: expect about 5 to 8 liters per shower if you use the handheld shower technique (which only flows when you press). Without this trick, you can easily reach 20-30 liters and empty your tank in two days.

Portable solar shower

No integrated shower? No worries! The portable solar shower is here for you. The classic is the black 20L bag that you hang up high. You fill it in the morning, let it heat for 2 to 3 hours in the sun, and voilà, hot shower guaranteed! 20 liters is just enough for a full 5-minute shower. But forget about 30-minute showers; here we play the efficiency card, and above all, discretion!

Outdoor shower cabin

For the more adventurous, there’s the outdoor shower cabin. It’s a bit like showering in the great outdoors, but with a bit more privacy. You set up your popup cabin (those tents that unfold in two seconds), hang your portable shower, and you’re ready for a refreshing moment. For the shower curtain, choose a model that dries quickly to avoid bad odors. (Tip: a good swimsuit instead of showering completely naked is always useful in these moments!)

Washcloth and body wash

Finally, when all other options fail, there’s the good old washcloth method. It’s basic, sure, but incredibly effective for body washing. The complete technique: fill your collapsible basin with 1 to 2 liters of hot water, soak your washcloth, and wash yourself from top to bottom (face, armpits, chest, intimate areas, feet). Change the water in the washcloth regularly. It’s the perfect option for days when you’re parked in the city or when you just want to freshen up quickly. Consuming barely 1 to 2 liters, it’s unbeatable for autonomy.

Portable shower for van and camper: the comparison

If you don’t have a fixed cabin, there are three main types of portable showers. Here’s a comparison to help you choose.

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Solar shower (20L bag)

The classic for vanlifers: a black bag that you fill and let heat in the sun. Price: £10 to £25. Advantages: ultra-compact, zero energy needed, lightweight. Disadvantages: depends on the weather (2 to 3 hours of sun needed), needs to be hung high for pressure, and the 20L capacity limits you to one full shower.

Pump shower (electric or foot-operated)

The USB rechargeable pump shower has become the star of vanlifers. You dip the pump into a jerry can or bucket, press the button, and you have a constant stream for 45 minutes to 1 hour of autonomy. Price: £25 to £60. The major advantage: you can take it far from the vehicle, no cable lying around. There are also foot-operated versions, more economical but less practical.

Pressurized shower

Models like the Rinsekit or the Nemo Helio use a pressurized tank. You pump to pressurize, and you get a powerful stream without electricity. Price: £60 to £150. It’s the ideal option if you want a good flow without needing to hang anything. The Nemo Helio (11L) is pressed with the foot like an accordion, super clever!

Shower gel and hygiene products for camping

In vanlife, every centimeter and every gram counts. Here are the products that have proven themselves on the road.

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Multipurpose solid soap

The solid soap is your best ally. A good Marseille soap (the real one, with 72% oil) or Aleppo soap serves as shower gel, shampoo, and even laundry detergent. It’s biodegradable, compact, and a 300g bar lasts easily a month for two people. No leaking plastic bottle in your toiletry bag!

Compact shampoo and toothpaste

The solid shampoo works on the same principle and fits in a small aluminum box. For toothpaste, the chewable tablets are a revelation: you chew, you brush, it’s done. No leaking tube, no lost cap, and it takes up the space of a small Tic-Tac box.

Deodorant and essentials

A compact deodorant (solid or cream in a small jar) and a bamboo toothbrush complete your kit. The number one criterion for all these products? They should be biodegradable to respect the spots where you camp and the groundwater if you wash outside.

Shower wipes for camping

The shower wipes are your best allies for days without access to water. After a big hike or when you’re parked in the city without the possibility of showering, they get the job done.

How to choose them? Opt for large size models (like washcloths, not baby size) and definitely biodegradable. Outdoor brands like Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes are popular among vanlifers. Count 1 to 2 wipes for a quick body wash.

Beware of disposal: even if it says “compostable,” never throw them in nature. Keep a small dedicated trash bag in your vehicle. It’s the only responsible option.

Where to shower when traveling in a van or camper?

Even without an onboard shower, the options are more numerous than you might think! Here’s where to find a shower while traveling.

Campsites and camper van areas

Campsites often accept passing travelers for a shower only, for around £2 to £5. This is more common in the south of France and Spain. Just show up at the reception and ask. Some municipal campsites are even free! The camper van areas with services (waste disposal, water, electricity) often offer showers included in the parking fee (£5 to £15 per night).

Swimming pools, gyms, and beach showers

Municipal pools offer showers for a few euros with entry. For long-term nomads, the ultimate trick: a gym membership like Basic Fit for about £20/month guarantees you unlimited hot showers throughout France (and even Europe). Beach showers are free during the season, perfect for a quick rinse (keep your swimsuit on!).

Backup solutions

Some service stations and rest areas on the highway offer paid showers (£3 to £5). Lakes and rivers remain an option when allowed, but be careful: do not use any soap, even biodegradable, directly in the water to avoid polluting the ecosystem. Wash at least 50 meters from the water source and let the soapy water seep into the ground.

Tips for saving water in a camper van

Water is the lifeblood of vanlife. Here are tested and approved techniques to last longer between two refills.

The navy shower

The military technique adapted for camper vans: you wet yourself, turn off the water, lather up from head to toe, then rinse. Result: only 3 to 5 liters of water instead of 20-30 liters with a traditional shower. It’s radical and incredibly effective.

Shower head with stop button and water recovery

Install a shower head with an integrated stop button: the water only flows when you press it. It may seem trivial, but it changes everything. You can also collect rinse water from dishes for a pre-rinse before showering. By combining all these tips, a 100L tank can last 3 to 5 days for a couple, even with a daily shower.