We're always looking for more convenient ways to improve our camping and outdoor recreational experiences. We all like tools and appliances that are lighter weight , take up less space, sturdier, and/or easier to use. We like tents that are easy to set up. Of course, camping in an RV is all about convenience. Boats with comfortable cabins too. Tent campers enjoy bigger, better equipment too. But there are little things that can boost convenience too. They don't have to be grandiose or expensive. Wet wipes are one of those things. They are small, light, inexpensive, and can conveniently handle a myriad of tasks around camp and on the trail.
Wet wipes have long provided added convenience for the messy task of changing baby diapers. They can also be very useful when camping and other outdoor recreational activities. There are many different types of specialty wipes on the market today, ranging from hand sanitizers to tire shine. There are general purpose cleaning wipes that find many uses at home and around camp. But to get the most out of wet wipes, check out the ones designed for specific needs you may have in your RV or while camping. Wet wipes often take up less space and are more convenient to use than liquid or aerosol cleaners -- and they don't spill. Sometimes you can even tuck them in your pocket or pack for use out on the trail. If they come in individual sealed packages like the ones at restaurants, keep them sealed until you need to use them. If not in individual packages you might be able to seal them in a Ziploc type plastic bag so they stay moist --at least for a while. Wet wipes in Ziploc style bags WILL dry out eventually so be sure to check them before each outing to make sure they are still viable.
Here are some of the types of wet wipes I've seen that may be helpful:
* General purpose wipes
* Heavy duty wipes
* Antiseptic wipes
* Disinfectant wipes
* Baby wipes
* Glass wipes
* Furniture wipes
* Leather wipes
* Tire wipes
* Stainless steel wipes
* Counter top wipes
* Hand sanitizer wipes
* Mechanic's degreaser wipes
* Car wash wipes
While general purpose wipes can handle a myriad
of tasks around camp, there are some places special purpose versions will definitely shine. Baby wipes are especially gentle for cleaning sensitive body parts on baby's of all ages. Glass cleaners won't leave residue and streaks on mirrors and windows. I don't find the little towelettes very good for cleaning big vehicle windshields but they're perfect for touching up rear view and shaving mirrors. You will want to use leather wipes on your leather upholstery and to clean your shoes, belts, and saddles. They are formulated so they don't dry out the leather but do have additives to help keep leather supple and add to the shine. Tires wipes are quick and easy way to add shine and protection to clean tires and rubber trim. Stainless steel wipes are perfect for the comparatively small sinks and stoves in RVs and take up a lot less room than a big can of aerosol stainless steel cleaner. Hand sanitizing wipes are a convenient way to protect yourself from dirt and germs at picnics and when you stop for meals on the trail. You might even tuck a couple of mechanic's degreaser wipes into your tool kit or fanny pack on OHV trips. The whole packet will probably be too big but for each trip you could put a couple in a Zip-loc type plastic snack bag. They might not be as a effective as Goop cleaner and warm soap and water but they will get off a lot of the gunk that would otherwise remain on your fingers and end up inside your expensive riding gloves. Don't count on them staying wet for more than about one ride, even in a plastic bag. If you tuck them in your tool kit and forget about them for several weeks they'll most likely be all dried and nearly useless when you need them. Restock for each outing. Antiseptic wipes are perfect for cleaning around small wounds before applying a Bandaid and cleaning your hands before eating out on the trail. Bandaids stick better to clean skin and clean wounds heal faster and better. Disinfectant wipes have become more readily available because of the COVID-19 crisis. We even use them to disinfect equipment after a fire department call.
As an added benefit of wipes over aerosol cans, wet wipes won't explode in a fire. Aerosol cans can explode if they get tossed into the campfire or if, God forbid!, your RV or tent catches fire! And, of course, they don't dump chemicals or cleaning agents all over the place like liquids do if they get tipped over, a definite advantage when negotiating rough roads.
One word of caution: don't put wet wipes, even so-called flushable wipes, in you RV toilet or Porta-potty. For that matter, don't put them in pit toilets either. They won't break down fast enough or well enough for complete flushing of the tanks when dumping and can grab and hold onto other unpleasant solids you'd rather have flushed out. They are likely to stick to the sensors in holding tanks and screw up the readings. Over time they could even clog the plumbing. Avoid putting them in pit toilets. They don't disintegrate very well and cause problems with pumping. Put them in your regular trash or incinerate them in your campfire. Hang on to some of those nasty plastic grocery bags to wrap your used wet wipes in before putting them in the trash to avoid contamination and unpleasant odors.
Most wet wipes come in some kind of resealable container. Be sure to close all plastic lids completely. The pop-up feature is handy, but it often leaves enough of the next towelette sticking out to get in the way of proper sealing or to allow the moisture to wick out. When that happens, they will dry out and become about as useful as a dry napkin. Flat packets often have a resealable flap. I've found that if I store them with the flap down so the packet is resting on the flap it helps prevent the contents from drying out as quickly. The weight of the remaining product helps keep the flap closed tightly and gravity brings moisture to the bottom so the next wipe is plenty moist. If you store them with the flap up you'll probably find them pretty dried out in just a day or two, even with the flap closed. For those with Ziploc type seals on the end of the package about all you can do is make sure it is completely sealed. Some have supposedly reusable self-sealing flaps. Yeah, right! They may keep the flap closed but they are not air tight and things dry out pretty quickly once they have been opened. Storing all wipes after they a been opened in a sealed plastic container or an additional Ziploc style bag my help extend their usable lifetime.
Antiseptic wipes usually come in individual packets for single use applications. The nurse in your doctor's office probably uses one to clean your skin before giving you a shot or taking a blood sample. It would be a good idea to have a supply of these in your camp first aid kit and carry a few in your personal pocket first aid kit whenever you are out and about. You should be able to purchase them at any pharmacy. They are usually alcohol wipes so be prepared for it to sting a little if you use them on or near an open wound.
You may also encounter single use wet wipes at restaurants who serve "finger food". They are helpful both for pre-cleaning your hands before eating and getting rid of the sticky residue afterwards. If you have some left over don't toss them, tuck them in your pack or pocket for use on the trail.
Degreaser wipes can be really helpful when you have to do maintenance on an OHV out on the trail. However, even general purpose or heavy duty wipes will help a lot if you don't have any degreaser wipes to take along. Wet wipes take up very little room in your tool kit, pack, or pocket and can be a real blessing when you get your hands dirty out on the trail or just want clean hands for that mid-ride snack. Tuck them in a ziplock bag to keep them from drying out before you need to use them.
Unless they have been contaminated by biological or infection waste, wet wipes can usually be disposed of as any other common trash: put it your trash receptacle or burn in your camp fire. DO NOT put them in RV or marine toilets or porta-pottis! If they have been contaminated they should be isolated from other trash and properly disposed of. Soiled baby wipes are probably OK to put in the trash although you might want to seal them in separate plastic bags to prevent odor problems, especially in camp or on your boat. Wet wipes contaminated with infections waste should be isolated and properly disposed of as medical waste.
Don't wipe out; wipe up!
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