Vanlife Hygiene Tips: How to Stay Fresh on the Road

Vanlife is all about freedom and adventure, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on hygiene. After nine years on the road, we’ve learned the best ways to stay fresh while traveling.

From morning and evening routines to off-grid hygiene solutions, this guide will help you maintain good hygiene—no matter where the road takes you.

Establishing a hygiene routine in vanlife

Having a routine while traveling can be reassuring, but sometimes life on the road is unpredictable. You never know when you’ll come across a facility to freshen up, so stay flexible and take advantage of every opportunity. No matter the time of day, if you find a shower or restroom, use it while you can!

Here are our essential steps for hygiene rituals:

Apply Sunscreen: Essential for protecting your skin during outdoor adventures.
Brush Your Teeth: Use minimal water to conserve resources.
Quick Refresh: Apply deodorant and dry shampoo instead of showering.
Body Wipes: Use biodegradable wipes or small humid towels for a quick refresh after a long day. For an extra refreshing touch before bed, pair a cleansing wipe with a mist from a water spray bottle.
Skin Care: Rinse with water and apply moisturizer to remove dirt and sweat.
Clean Sleepwear: Wearing fresh clothes to bed helps keep your bedding clean longer.

How to stay fresh without a shower

Biodegradable wipes and dry shampoo are essential for freshening up after outdoor adventures. However, after a few days on the road, nothing beats a proper shower. We recommend a portable shower for its simple use and efficiency. It ensures you can stay clean no matter where camp. Learn more about different ways to take a shower while on the road in our blog article.

Vanlife toilet solutions

When restrooms aren’t available, nature can be a solution. Make sure to leave no trace by using biodegradable toilet paper and digging a hole. While on the road, apps like Google Maps, Flush or Bathroom Scout make it easy to locate nearby facilities. However, if you’re camping off-grid, having a portable toilet in your setup adds comfort, convenience, and security. Learn more about the key benefits of a camper van with a toilet in our blog article.

Pro tip

National gym chains like Planet Fitness offer convenient access to showers and restrooms at their numerous locations across the U.S. and select areas of Canada.

Vanlife laundry tips: Keeping clothes fresh

Long-term travel means you’ll need to wash your clothes efficiently. Here’s how:

Deep Cleaning: For a proper wash, we always rely on laundromats or campground facilities. Choose clothes that are dryer-friendly to speed up the process. For smaller loads or quick drying, hang clothes inside your van using a bungee cord. Just make sure to crack a window and pick a sunny day for better airflow and faster drying.
Quick Wash: Handwash your clothes using a portable washing machine or a bucket with detergent and water.
Fast Drying: Pack merino wool and fabrics that dry quickly and resist odors.

keeping your van clean & odor-free

A clean van makes for a more comfortable journey. Here’s how to keep your camper fresh:

Ventilation and airflow

Good airflow is key to avoiding moisture and odors in your camper. Cracking a window and using a roof vent or fan can make a big difference. Also, choosing a conversion kit designed with breathable materials and ventilated mattress support is just as important. Our minivan kit, pickup truck kit and SUV / Hatchback kit feature ventilated panels that promote air circulation and help eliminate moisture buildup.

Clean and smell-free space

Store your shoes under the conductor and front passenger seats to avoid odors. Lay down a carpet and sweep the floor daily to prevent dust. To maintain a fresh-smelling space, use natural deodorizers like charcoal bags, baking soda, or a few drops of essential oils.

stay fresh and enjoy the journey

Vanlife hygiene doesn’t have to be complicated. As long as you stay flexible and open to opportunities, you can stay fresh and comfortable no matter where the road takes you. Embrace the freedom of vanlife and make the most of every chance to freshen up!