Even when camping, we still need to keep all our cutlery and travel gear clean. Washing with water only doesn’t really do the job. We need to use dish soap. However, conventional dish soap can be harmful to the environment as it contains toxic chemicals. That’s why we need biodegradable dish soap for camping. Clean out all the dishes without leaving any dangerous trace to the environment. It’s a win-win solution!
How to Choose the Best Biodegradable Dish Soap for Camping
There are many biodegradable dish soap for camping to choose from. For practicality, you can buy some in a liquid form. And if you prefer to eliminate plastic bottle waste, opt for bars instead. Some products are fragrance-free, and some offer fresh or sweet scents. With so many options, here are things to consider before buying biodegradable dish soap.
Versatility
Some products can only be used to clean dishes. While some others can also be used to wash laundry and travel gear. Choosing a versatile product will be a better choice. You don’t need to bring extra soap, just all-in-one soap for many purposes. FYI, we also have compiled a list of best biodegradable soap for camping, which you can use to clean yourself.
Ingredients
Pay close attention to the ingredients. Just because the soap is biodegradable doesn’t mean it won’t cause irritation. Some products might still contain 1%-3% of chemicals. Since you don’t have access to a dishwasher and washing machine, you’ll use your hands all the time. Thus, make sure to check the label, especially if you have sensitive skin around the hands’ area.
Size
Sure, a pocket-size dish soap would be enough if you travel solo. However, you might need to bring a bigger bottle if you travel in a group or with a family. Bring one that’s enough to wash all the dishes, while small and lightweight enough to carry.
Consistency
The higher the concentration and the thicker the consistency, the more suds the soap will produce. We recommend getting this kind of dish soap. High-concentrated dish soap for camping tends to require less water to use. Thus, helping you to save more water. Better for the environment and more efficiency on you!
Direct 2 Boater Camp Soap (CU)
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Direct 2 Boater Camp Soap is designed to be safe for both fresh or saltwater. This product is an excellent biodegradable dish soap for camping because it contains no toxic dies or fragrances. Ideal for camping, backpacking, and also as a portable soap that you can carry anywhere. Direct 2 Boater Camp Soap isn’t only small and travel-friendly, but it’s also multipurpose. You can use this for dishwashing, laundry, hand soap, and even washing camping gear. Since it’s unscented, it won’t cause any irritation.
What We Love
Fragrance-free and works with any type of water.
Pros:
- Formulated for salt or freshwater
- Works great in cold or hot water
- Travel-friendly
Cons:
- The lid isn’t quick to open.
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Tangie Washing Soap Bar (CU)
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Looking for a different type of biodegradable dish soap for camping? Just pick Tangie Washing Soap Bar. By purchasing this zero-waste soap bar, you will help reduce plastic bottle waste. This soap is also 100% eco-friendly and vegan.
Just because it’s in the form of a soap bar doesn’t mean it’s not effective for cleaning dishes. Tangi Washing Soap is capable of cleaning grime and grease in just one wash. This is great for removing camping food stains, cooking utensils, and cooking oil. Made of all plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, this soap can easily brush off germs. Thanks to the intense grease-cutting action! All your utensils will be clean and germ-free.
What We Love
The soap bar is plant-based, vegan, and 100% organic.
Pros:
- Can remove bacteria
- Can also be used as a moisturizing hand soap
- No plastic bottle
Cons:
- Quite hard to store and carry because it can melt when the temperature is hot
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Bio-Home Dishwash Liquid
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Bio-Home Dishwash Liquid is a versatile biodegradable dish soap for camping. You can bring it on a family camping trip and also use it daily at home. This product is 5x more concentrated than other standard dishwashing soap. Just one pump, and it’s enough to clean an entire load of dishes.
Bio-Home Dishwash Liquid contains zero toxic chemicals and made of 100% plant-based active ingredients. With the low-foam formula, it’s easy to rinse without needing too much water!
What We Love
The fresh fragrance of lemongrass and green tea.
Pros:
- Gentle on hands
- Remove grease with one wash
- Easy to pump
Cons:
- The bottle is too bulky to be carried in a hiking backpack
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Outdoor RX Camp Soap
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Outdoor RX Camp Soap is a straightforward biodegradable dish soap for camping. It’s small, pocketable, and ready to be used whenever you need it. This liquid soap is also multipurpose. You can use it for cleaning dishes, hands, body, hair and even washing clothes. The fragrance-free formula makes it possible to be used even in saltwater. Outdoor RX Camp Soap also works in cold water. The best part is: it leaves no smell and residue.
What We Love
Small, pocketable, and always ready to use.
Pros:
- Dispenser cap bottles
- A huge amount of lather
- Easy to rinse
- Works in saltwater
Cons:
- 4oz is too little, it will only last for one trip.
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Cleancult Glass Dish Soap
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It’s a biodegradable dish soap for camping with shatterproof glass bottle design. Not only the bottle is shatterproof, but it also features a non-slip grip. With the pump, you can easily use the soap. Say goodbye to the mess!
Cleancult Glass Dish Soap is a natural liquid dish soap with a deep clean agent. Powerful enough to fight grease and grimes. However, the natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe juice, olive oil are gentle enough for your hands. The lemongrass scent makes it smell so fresh. You’ll feel good even when just washing the dishes!
What We Love
Beautiful glass bottle with a non-slip grip.
Pros:
- Reusable and recyclable bottle
- Infused with essential oils to keep your hands smooth
- Long-lasting pump
Cons:
- The bottle shape is too bulky to be stored in a bag
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Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap Almond
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Now we’re talking about a product that’s not only for dishwashing but offers 18-in-1 uses. Dr. Bronner’s is a legendary brand. Not only is this product a perfect biodegradable dish soap for camping, but it also works for many other things. Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap Almond can be used as shampoo, laundry, pet soap, face wash many more! Made of organic oils, it also uses certified fair trade ingredients. Meaning it guarantees ethical working conditions during its production and comes only at reasonable prices.
This product uses all-natural ingredients that pose no threat to the environment. Even better, It’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The almond scent makes it smell warm and sweet.
What We Love
Pure organic, the package is clean and minimalist.
Pros:
- No synthetic preservatives
- The bottle is made of recycled plastic
- No detergents
- 3x more concentrated than conventional soap
Cons:
- The lid may easily leak by accident
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Sierra Dawn Campsuds Nalgene
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With the original formula, just a few drops of water are sufficient to produce loads of suds. Sierra Dawn Campsuds Nalgene can be used for pretty much anything washable. You can use it to clean dishes, wash clothes, clean your face, hands, and hair. A highly effective all-purpose cleaner for campers, backpackers, and travelers. The Nalgene bottle makes it very durable and leak-proof. The bottle is also reusable, which is excellent for eliminating plastic waste.
What We Love
Nalgene bottle is guaranteed not to leak.
Pros:
- Lightweight bottle (159g)
- Refreshing scent with lemon and lime
- Tough on dirt, gentle on skin
Cons:
- The ingredient contains SLS, it may cause irritation
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De-Fishing Soap (CU)
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Just because the brand is called De-Fishing doesn’t mean it’s only for fishers. It’s a great biodegradable dish soap for camping. De-Fishing Soap is designed to be multipurpose. Ideal for fishing, camping, and many other outdoor activities.
100% natural with essential oil-based formula, this product is effective in removing bad smells on all your dishes and travel gear. You can also use this to remove odors after cutting garlic, onion, fish, or other smelly things. The tea tree scent is soft and calming.
What We Love
Made of essential oils. Gentle on hands and good for the environment.
Pros:
- Low pH value
- Paraben-free
- Uniquely-formulated with Star Anise
- Also removes odor
Cons:
- Has a strong licorice smell
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Ecover Lime Zest
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Ecover Lime Zest is packed with a mighty cleaning power that can easily cut through grease. It’s made with renewable plant-based ingredients with 100% natural fragrance. Not only it’s natural, but it’s also cruelty-free.
This product is also a sustainable, biodegradable dish soap for camping thanks to its renewable ingredients. The bottle is even made of recycled and plant plastic to support the zero-waste movement. On top of that, the lime zesty citrus scent will make your dishes smell super fresh!
What We Love
Get 6 bottles in 1 package.
Pros:
- Mineral ingredients
- Plant plastic bottle
- Improved sudsing action
Cons:
- There’s no seal on the lid
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Coghlan’s Camp Soap
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Coghlan’s Camp Soap is the simplest and smallest biodegradable dish soap for camping you can buy. This product is designed to be small enough so you can easily tuck it into your pocket. It’s always ready to keep your dishes fresh and clean!
The squeeze bottle makes it accessible anytime and anywhere. The bottle is also refillable to minimize trash. Coghlan’s Camp Soap is perfect for a weekend camping trip.
What We Love
Minimalist, simple and gets the job done.
Pros:
- Phosphate-free
- Can be used to wash pots
- Soft scent
Cons:
- It’s not concentrated
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Ecos Dishmate Lavender
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Ecos Dishmate Lavender is a safer choice of certified biodegradable dish soap for camping. Not all products can have this certification, it has to be 100% pure and safe. Not only this product is 100% pure, but it’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
This dish soap is powered by plants, so it’s gentle on your hands, yet powerful enough to clean grease. Just a small amount will go a long way to clean loads of dishes. Ecos Dishmate Lavender is ultra-concentrated, and it’s also free of perfumes and dyes. Proudly made in the USA, it’s shipped with certified frustration-free packaging.
What We Love
You get 2 bottles of 25oz liquid in one pack.
Pros:
- Platinum zero-waste certified
- Hypoallergenic
- Septic safe
Cons:
- Doesn’t produce enough suds
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Coleman Camp Soap Sheets
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Coleman is a world-renowned brand when it comes to camping. The brand has everything you need, from tents to camping tables. Now let’s see why their soap is one of the best biodegradable dish soap for camping.
If you prefer efficiency, maybe you don’t need to buy liquid dish soap. Coleman Camp Soap Sheets will be a better choice as it is easier to store. The soap sheet is simple, always dry, and very easy to use. Just add a little water, and it will dissolve instantly to produce loads of soapy lather.
A pack contains 50 soap sheets which will last for many trips. This pocketable soap sheet is suitable for campers or hikers. Coleman Camp Soap Sheets is so much better than carrying a liquid soap bottle that may leak everywhere.
What We Love
Very accessible, you can easily store it in your pocket.
Pros:
- TSA-approved
- Works with hot or cold water
- Minimal water usage
- Highly concentrated
Cons:
- Contains phenoxyethanol, not suitable for sensitive skin.
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Sierra Dawn Campsuds Outdoor Soap (404)
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Sierra Dawn Campsuds Outdoor Soap is the number 1 best-selling soap for campers, travelers, and backpackers for 50 years. This brand has been around since 1986, and the quality is no doubt the best on the market. With just a few drops, removing tough grease and dirt is very easy.
This soap is also a multipurpose cleaner. You can use it as a body and hand wash, shampoo, or even washing your clothes. The high-concentrated formula works effectively with just a few drops of water. It’s light and refreshing with the scent of lemon and lime.
What We Love
Tough to clean pots and pans, but gentle enough for hair and skin.
Pros:
- Works in saltwater
- Natural fragrance
- Safe for children
Cons:
- May cause itching if you don’t rinse your hands properly
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