Van Life 101: How to Shower and Stay Clean While Living in a Van

[@BSGSV]

I'm not a van dweller, but these videos contain a lot of great info for how to survive comfortably in an emergency.

[@pristinabread]

I like that you speak to the "real" issues and not mess around with trying to make it sound "nice"

[@sherryfingerlin7595]

I think if you decide to use a hula hoop, which come in different diameters, to hold the shower curtain you might want to make a cut in the hula hoop. Hang the shower curtain upside down. Run the hoop through the hem on the bottom of the shower curtain and you don't have to worry about hooks, sewing or other means of attaching the curtain to the hoop. Use a small dowel to plug the cut ends of the hula hoop together. Makes it easy to disassemble and prepare for storage. The grommets in the top of the shower curtain would act as small weights to help the curtain hang straight. Just a thought.

[@alleeoop4834]

That hangs the curtain on the hula hoop. But what attaches the hula hoop to the ceiling since the curtain covers the entire hoop? How about dropping the hula hoop and using clips hanging down from the ceiling on monofilament?

[@susangrimm6771]

When I was a nurse manager in an ICU quite a few years ago a new product came out. No rinse bath solution We used a gallon bag five washcloths added enough water to saturate the washcloths and a squirt or a tablespoon of the no rinse bath solution. The water was added as warm as our faucet would get it or it could be done ahead and warmed in the microwave being extremely careful of hot spots of course. When bathing a bed bound patient we sat the gallon bag in a wash basin opened it and took one cloth out at a time using the first one for the face and neck the second one for the arms chest and upper back and so on so that each area of the body was cleaned with a fresh washcloth. The solution is gentle and emollient to the skin and antimicrobial and as the title says does not need to be rinsed from the skin. It can be but leaving some on the skin is good and drying by patting with a clean towel is nice. Later when I was in Iraq my husband sent me bottles of the no rinse bath solution. I poured a little water out of drinking water bottle and added a squirt of the solution. Then I would pour it from the bottle onto a washcloth using one or two to bathe when I had no access to a shower. Now that I camp as often as possible I follow a similar procedure carrying a small amount of the no rinse bath solution in a small bottle a Ziploc bag with several washcloths and I just use a fresh washcloth each day. As you can tell I really believe in this stuff and have had extremely good experiences with it over more than 20 years. Perhaps this would be useful to someone else :-)

[@sunshinechaser]

I've used the no rinse shampoo with a cap, when I was in the hospital, but it absolutely would not penatrate my think coarse hair. So I couldn't get my hair clean.

[@Mary-had-a-lil-farm]

I was an ICU nurse also and remembered these when you mentioned them. Glad you did. This concept could be useful in several different instances. Especially with my grandchild lol. Thanks! Did you find a favorite no rinse soap you would like to share the name/

[@tinchina85]

basin of water+soap+washcloth = airplane bath! :) You clean the wings, the tail, and the cockpit! :)

[@tinchina85]

ha! :) Love your videos! :)

[@SuperWatson63]

tinchina85 and those two pilots hanging about

[@tinchina85]

ha ha Of course!

[@valgiannotti2942]

tinchina85 op90

[@katieshealinggarden]

Lol!

[@b.savage8953]

This guy's great . You can tell that this isn't just content for a video he's making but a labor of Love 😊💯💯💯

[@PidasianHippie]

You have convinced me that staying clean on the road is the least of my worries. Heck, I remember my grandmother had a pitcher of water and a bowl next to her bed that she bathed with daily.

[@pday2722]

That was old hat. It was normal in those days. A lot of habits have lost their meaning.

[@yahuahschild5851]

we lived on the back 40 of my uncles property for awhile and my hubby and I use to run out in the rain to take a shower there! That was actually fun and kinda romantic too!

[@EbonyEnigma13]

I'm not a nomad but your vids are so cool to watch!!!

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks so much, but I'm going to keep trying to convert you!!!! I'm glad you are enjoying the ride!

[@kimkrebs451]

I agree

[@ApothecaryGrant]

Me neither but I am building a bike camper and so I am interested in how the nomad washes and poops .... well....that sounded better in my head

[@chrizmerk756]

With the bad rent to wage ratio I'd say nomad living is looking more appealing by the day. My rent is $2,300 a month for a one bedroom and that's not including utilities. Plus my neighbors have dogs that bark for no reason.

[@rj11wacat]

I don't even really "like" many videos, not only because they're not worth it, but also not to clog up my "like" playlist, so I rarely "like" videos anytime of the day. But how can my entire high school class worth of people dislike this video, as if it was so bad that you "had to" dislike it? I find this shocking. This guy is probably one of the most down-to-earth, humble people I have ever listened to. Shame on haters. Detailed information, practicality, and a humble presenter. What more do you people want? lol

[@Amber-xe5ti]

so was Jesus, are you saved/

[@arthurplottier9783]

Bob, that black bucket with sealed lid is also good to use as a "washing machine" when the vehicle is moving. Works very well. The garden spray works even better if it is painted black. in winter just add a hot water form the kettle and the water will be warm.

[@gfw3tech]

I stayed up on federal land while I was in winter park, I worked concrete I had to shower. The best way is to buy two gallons of water or reuse two gallons jugs. Heat them next to the fire, they be near boiling be careful. Use the half of one gallon get wet. Then soap up scrub everywhere. Then use the remainder of water to rinse you'll find as you become more efficient you'll have water to spare.

[@Birdzy100]

I am 5'3. When the electricity goes off, I can shower and wash my hair with one gallon. Poked holes in the cap for a showerhead.

[@sjtv6565]

You're absolutely right! I moved into a house that didn't have a water heater, but the landlord gave me a hot plate, a small 1 quart pot and a few gallon jugs of water. After only 3 or 4 days I had my method down so that I never even finished the second gallon jug, and if i had poked holes in the cap I'd have saved even more water. It wasn't a quick and dirty bird bath either, I always felt clean and comfortable afterwards

[@mssburr]

Boil water, and mix it with cool water pour it in into a big blue flower pot from walmart... Use a soapy towel to wash.. and then used the flower pot of water to rise off.. lol.. it worked just fine..

[@myrthasmascary4086]

Cool yup wash up method don't like antibacteria wipes though. Yes I thing its good to wash up when using rest room and dry.

[@Javaman92]

The creativity of people who live outside the box is amazing. I feel its a lot more like the life we were intended to live. Great job and I hope wherever you are today you are well.

[@kalawherry2379]

I believe this is the way we were meant to live as well! Unfortunately most people today wouldn't be able to survive and that's a very sad thought.

[@lohst1672]

I’m almost 26, after trying this life, it’s the only life. Life itself isn’t even hard lol being depressed, stressed & working for some dumbass boss is lol

[@chrizmerk756]

​@@kalawherry2379It'll get worse. In the near future society is gonna be completely reliant on robots to survive.

[@maiingan07]

It must’ve been more than 20 years ago when my buddy set up the hula hoop deal for me for outside. However, he used two hula hoops, one for the top and one for the bottom. He also used two shower curtains, so there would be a bit of an overlap. I was shy back then and we did have neighbors up at the lake. I thought the hula hoop shower was the bomb. It worked great back then, as I’m sure it would now. I also thought my buddy was the smartest guy ever. He made it possible for me to stay more than a couple of days and I thought that was extra kind of him. Heck, he even jumped in and used it too. I can’t wait to tell him about your set ups. Yes, we’re still friends 25+ years later. I used to call him my McGyver. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us; it means a lot to me as a newbie. Be well and stay smiling, Ma’iingankwe Oh! Loved your Alaskan tee-shirt. Who knows, maybe I will see you around our neck of the woods. 😁

[@chainsawcabinetshop492]

Thank you for compiling such a comprehensive video on the various ways to keep clean. Thank you for going to the trouble and expense of acquiring so many options for our benefit, but now you will have to return them to the stores. Bob, I hope the rest of your viewers appreciate how much time and effort that you put into providing information to those that are considering a nomadic life style and new ideas for those that are already living the free life.

[@campfire52]

You took the words right out of my mouth.The efforts put in to making these kinds of videos is enormous, I am sure. Thank you Bob Wells for doing this.

[@expressivepets1]

campfire52 agreed. excrement vids...very detailed.🌵⭐🐕 you have a dog🐾🍄?

[@chainsawcabinetshop492]

I just went to her channel. Now trust me on this, there is no point in attempting a "a rational discussion" with this person. Save you time

[@MariaVargas-ih8tl]

Algodones

[@cherylcampos1117]

Here, here!😊

[@jjjones7949]

I’ve used most of these methods. You make an extremely important point about the weight of water. The thing that makes a bath or shower successful is being able to feel rinsed AND that you can dispose of the water after it is used. I’ve tried having something big enough to stand in but it sloshes and is hard to dump/drain. Also when you do dump it there is a much bigger, probably muddy, spot to deal with. Maybe not so bad if you can carry your water farther from your home but can be very inconvenient if you are staying in some group setting. And frankly, right after I’m my freshest is not when I want to be slogging around dirty water to dispose of it! My current method is to use a big ice cream bucket and a smaller bowl. The ice cream bucket has a handle & lid so I can use it for other things like laundry and storage. I try to keep the water in here “clean” throughout the bath. The bowl I use for rinsing my razor or getting my washcloth, scrubber, & soap wet and rinsing. Basically it just makes my water go farther and I feel cleaner. Two wash clothes, one soapy, one rinsing water, are also helpful. I have somewhat sensitive skin and can’t leave much residue or soap on my skin. This bucket bowl system is both easy to dump and keep clean without a lot of splashing or spraying. If washing hair keep a jug of fresh water nearby for the additional rinsing. The most interesting thing to me after using various methods is how little water it actually requires to stay VERY clean on a daily basis. But seriously, you are right in sometimes a nice warm shower is the most comforting thing!

[@lindayoung6515]

O o opk

[@BrokerBarbara119]

I love the hoola hoop idea. Also the dollar stores do sell shower curtains and shower curtain rings. They'd work great with the hoop!

[@mssburr]

Dollar store shower curtain popped to mind for me as well.. with their cheap shower hangers..lol

[@joycep1036]

Love how you actually demo things for those of us who may not have used an item before. 👍

[@lindablackwell318]

I like the fact you are just no nonsense no dramatics just sensible need to know information. And no cutting corners on being clean and tidy for yourself and those around you. Thank you for the good advice. Wish we had known about your site when we had to live in an older camper for four and a half years.

[@thetranspanzer3692]

Its like Bob is my grandpa giving no-nonsense advice. Love it

[@DebraCloudLeight]

During a bad storm a couple years ago, we were left without electric for a couple weeks. This park has it's own well with purty little pump house. BUT... no electric... no water. Anyway, it left us without water and we had to get creative. I had just purchased a new garden sprayer, it's either 2 or 2 1/2 gallons. After our first showers, we took the wand off and cut it down to about half. Works much better than that long wand!!!

[@daveepperson885]

Debra Cloud-Leight you can also change wand to kitchen type sprayhead. Cheers

[@billybobwombat2231]

A stainless bucket is handy too...sit it in the fire to warm the water...won't rust over time...cheers Bob

[@billybobwombat2231]

Now Bob...you need to think outside the square that is one's van....hang it off the back of your van next to your chicken coupe..(coop...coup????).....cage...just near the copper still...embrace your inner hillbilly...its very liberating and makes for some weird looks from those boring $100 thousand winniebago types...

[@graydonwright9098]

@@billybobwombat2231 You gave yourself away lol

[@coffeetime777]

Great ideas. Most truck stops and camp grounds have showers. Some rest stops do too. Do not flush wipes or paper towels. Also they have pop up shower/potty tents.

[@curriesis3]

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your videos. They are so informative. Thanks again.

[@k.pacificnw02134]

You can get a Gamma bucket lid, but you can also ask restaurants for old pickle (etc) buckets. They are sealable. Really cool idea using a pump sprayer (the kind they use for spraying weed killer, etc.) for a shower! You could also visit a friend to use their shower, or a family member, or the YMCA, or a community swimming pool for like $3.50 admission. While you're there, swim some laps, use the jacuzzi, and use their dressing room showers.

[@troybeasley5920]

Thank you for the content. Now I can have a mobile toilet 🚽 and shower and sink. And do it in a van. And don't have to stress about building one. Now I don't need an RV . I can do it all in a VAN. Thank you sir.

[@dandoyle9881]

Unscented handiwipes are the camper's best friend. You can do quite well with spot washing and also several rubbed on the head will get your hair to feel clean. Clean hair, clean ears, it all adds to your comfort.

[@nancyfahey7518]

I've been searching for a way to secure my Chihuahua to the seat belt. His bed will fit right in that mixing tub. Thank you Bob. This was an OMG video for newbies.

[@Cynthia-fs4vi]

Female RVer here: I needed to take showers in my SUV when I traveled a few times and this is how I did it: You will need: small baby pool cheap stackable-type lawn chair gallon jug flip top disposable drinking bottle I used the kiddie pool to collect water and a cheap plastic patio chair to sit in my SUV. (Dry the chair off and use it outdoors during day). For "water pressure" I used a gallon jug of water (that I heated during the day under the windshield) and one of those flimsy plastic liter water bottles with the flip top lid; don't know exactly what they're called but you buy them at the convenience store for about a dollar, drink the water, then save it for later. Pour some of the warm water to fill up the bottle. Use that to wet hair and shampoo, and then another to rinse. (Used shampoo water is in a pool at your feet). Then repeat that process washing important spots and rinsing as necessary. The squirt bottle will work as water pressure to get up in those spots that you need to cover. When you're done you can use the water in the baby pool to wash your feet and ankles. Dry off, dress, and open the door so you can tilt the baby pool and pour out the water.

[@Cynthia-fs4vi]

You're very welcome. Thank you so much for all of the hundreds of things you've taught all the rest of us travelers. I often travel alone so I avoid going into showers and I just prefer it this way. I don't mind the tight quarters and have never felt the need to run gallons of water for each shower.

[@TruthsetsYoufree]

Cynthia z

[@mariasosa2805]

thank you for the very great ideas" i also am going to start traveling alone and i need all the advise i can collect.. Blesings

[@thebattlesandthewar]

Cynthia please upload a demonstration! I cannot picture baby pool inside SUV

[@blessedtruthdragon9145]

most gas stations have emergency water pumps for people with over heated cars -- fill a few up when you can ;) you can warm the water on the dash in the summer, in winter I hope you find somewhere else to wash up -- I was smart and filled gallon jugs in the bathrooms that had hot water, but some stations have cut the hot water off to keep people from bathing

[@angelatbluehairedsudios8106]

Im in the saving for the van stage But i have added it to my list of Mr. Bob says i need: Thank you for inspiring me!

[@KE4VVF]

I use Yardley soap. Get it from dollar tree. Its a beautiful lavender soap that has the same basic ingredients as Dr. Bonner's. Yardley and Bonner's are both old fashioned lye soap, which is the best kind of soap to use.

[@shanash1]

Doc Bronner's liquid soap is pure castile, not lye-based.

[@Debrajoy]

I'll have to try that! 🐙

[@bobfulton6201]

Also there is a soap called "Pear" from England its all natural and inexpensive wonderful fragrance....at Dollar Tree. Non alergenic.

[@neeneec5394]

KE4VVF nice to hear alternatives. Dr. b use to be sold at dollar stores in huge bottles before the rave of it became. now its unaffordable for myself.... tiny bottles over 10 bucks. sometimes I'm really poor.

[@Debrajoy]

KE4VVF I will have to pick some of that up!🐙

[@mikehoward8201]

I greatly enjoyed you video..covering an almost taboo topic with honesty and humor! I am setting up my Tacoma for some dispersed winter camping in Arkansas. For $26, I put together a pump sprayer with the kitchen sprayer head. It should work multipurpose, from cleaning dishes to washing those "hot spots" and taking a shower! Thanks for all your efforts for us campers! I got a sudsy soap bottle and it works well, too! If everyone was as direct in their vids with their tips and hard learned ideas as you, I would not have to waste so much time in learning!

[@NAVYWhistleblowerAssassin]

"If you can keep your crotch & armpits clean you'll be in good shape..." 😂😂😂 Truer words were never spoken. I'm an autistic savant like Rain Man. I just blurt things out too! I love this channel.

[@renwickpam8060]

Dollar tree has plant hangers , use one to establish balance of the hoolahoop I use zip locks to secure them, then you can hang easily 👍thanks for all you share you're great❤️

[@Braedenfish]

So funny that people think you cannot stay clean without running water meanwhile it has only been around for about the last 200 years and only for the lasr hundred common to the general population. Ask your great gramps or anyone over 80 about their parents and possibly their.... tales of "getting washed up" when they were a kid. In 1970's there were homes in rural America with no indoor plumbing. We used outhouses and water had to be primed and pumped daily in the front yard from well for washing up from a basin with a pitcher when visiting Gramma. My dad built her a house in 1981 and gram had her first owned shower and bubble bath!!! Very informative. Thank you.

[@bpurly7775]

Bob, you are awesome. You have really inspired me to rethink my apartment organization. If someone can live in a car or van. I should be better able to organize my one bedroom apartment. I have been purging and looking at what I have to see what could have a dual purpose. I have gotten so many ideas just from watching you and some other people. I have always wanted to do this for about 20 years. I was homeless at one point and so depressed. If I would have known about how to live out of a car I would have done it then. I have an idea for saving for a van and selling off some items that are not essential. It is just getting so expensive to keep an apartment even with section 8 and disability. I got rid of my car I just could not afford both apt and car. Thanks for your videos. Maybe someday my Bella and I will be snowbirds. Right now we are saving. I also have been watching Carolyn's rv life.

[@MsPearlbell]

00k0*jhlnnph4jyhrhrmg

[@gilrandall5802]

If I can keep clean to sleep at night, I'm in heaven. Your video is super supurb as it is so easy to follow. Thank you. 🌺

[@vinnyjamea96]

Wow I thought I was alone in this whole survival... good to see videos like this up to see that a lot of people are living this way ....gives you hope

[@ghettocracker5005]

For my shower, the one gallon lawn and garden spray pump bottle works best. A friend of mine heated the nozzle spray tip with a propane torch. He then used water to keep it from heating up to much as he gave it a bend. This helped to reach my upper back and those hidden areas much better than the straight tip.

[@anitavaughn1968]

When I served in the Marine Corps, out in the field, I used my helmet as a water basin.

[@chitza3270]

Thank you, Bob, for such great info. In reference to the wet wipes being toxic, you can make your own. Salvage one of the plastic flip lid containers after you have used all your wipes ( I used an old Clorox disinfectant wipe container). Be sure to clean it well and remove all the chemicals. At an auto parts store, the auto section of a big box or home improvement store, but a roll of mechanics paper towels. They are usually blue and very soft but sturdy. Remove the cardboard roll and cut the paper roll to about an inch shorter than the container. Slip the cut roll into the container and add your soap mixture(like Dr. Bonners). Experiment with how much soap to add as different soaps will soak in to the towels differently. If you add too much it's okay. When you pull out a towel, just wring the excess back in to the container.

[@CheapRVliving]

Great information Karla!

[@flowersafeheart]

Love this!!! Especially for say if someone is extra messy such as say period or diarrhea so dont want to do washcloths but just something to throw out. Would need a trash bag and place to empty the trash sooner rather than later I guess. (Or a diaper pail for reusable stuff like washcloths and cloth menstrual pads.) 🌿ANYWAY, would one or two of these diy baby wipes be flushable I wonder for when by a flushing toilet?

[@CharlieM-l2h]

Bob I like how you explain things , straight and easy as possible and With Honesty !! Heer it is method !! Great job !! Thanks .

[@2legit64]

When I was deployed in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield, I was one of few civilians there. Military people were used to not bathing for days at a time, however, I wasn't. People would send care packages with all kinds of things for us and someone sent baby wipes. That was the BEST thing that I received while there. Wait, the cheese popcorn was pretty amazing as well. LOL! Twenty-eight years later, I do not go anywhere without baby wipes and always prepare no-shower situations. That experience certainly made me not take bathing for granted ever again. For real!

[@roybrookton7938]

We bought a 12 v instant gas powered hot water system which is portable, runs on your normal gas bottle, with a 12v pump,its draws in cold water and produces instant hot water, it also has a adjustable temperature setting, costs around $360 australian, comes with a quality shower hose and head,water pump,gas lines takes 5mins to set up hook it on the side of a vehicle or tree,plus a portable shower tent are cheap which you can add to your set up😊

[@feleciab7062]

How could you have known. I was just researching my option for a shower system. Thanks for all the great tips Bob.

[@mamawanderlust6000]

Dr Bronner's is a great idea, so many chemicals in other soaps can't be good for the environment.

[@banjojoeanddanielle]

Thanks Bob! Your videos help many, me included! We use vinegar and water in a hand sprayer bottle for dishes. I made a shower from a one gallon weed sprayer and sink sprayer hose, also. I got the idea from Adventure Van Man.

[@willdrivesu7914]

Just stumbled onto your videos today as I'm looking at doing this after my vehicle is out of the shop. I know one good way to take real showers is to have a planet fitness membership, but the things you list are great ways to keep clean and fresh on the road. Thanks for your videos, love your format!

[@GM-ul1el]

Bob, I also use Dr Bronners soap, you stated Dr Bonners. Good informative video, as usual. Doctors recommend not using antibacterial soap, just plain soap or Bronners. Using antibacterial soap or wipes etc will create a resistance to antibiotics when we really need them.

[@karenwhite5751]

Walmart has a pump up bug sprayer 6.95. great for washing hair, etc

[@AlchementorLAB]

"We all have crotches and they all stink!" lol Great video!

[@paulhunter546]

Yep..still chuckling over those comments ! lol

[@juliebridge7590]

The Amazing Odyssey I know right LOL that was super funny but oh so true!! Gotta love how frank Bob is, makes me chuckle, good video!!

[@DannyScanlon911]

A reply to "We all have crotches and they all stink"...there's a girl I dated in Red Rock, Texas who I should have called the coroner and reported hers...smelled like death. haha No, I didn't go there.

[@michaelpockat1]

Unfitproduct Airborne that's not true.....it dont get cleaned it will smell...hair or no hair...

[@elainemiller5018]

lol

[@cathyjohnson9643]

I used to make all my own wet wipes from Dr Bonner's and paper towels. Now they have pick a size paper towels. That would have worked great. Also, just plain water cleans. I enjoyed and learned a lot, as usual, from your channel. Thanks for all you say and do.

[@nomadicconquistador7-5-39]

I was brain-farting with different ideas and none of them were as cost effective and or simple as the variety you presented in your video. (two thumbs up)...... I'm an urban van dweller in Los Angeles and work full time. I plan to take vacation in December perhaps I can join the community and attend one of your gatherings where you share ideas..

[@R.L.U.]

The green bottle on Dr. Bronners is my favorite. Hemp Almond.

[@naomispantry8590]

You are my online mentor xox your ideas and videos give me hope and inspiration for my future plans of being a full time nomad in Australia , thank you Bob 😘

[@APar-yx1wl]

Cody barking is so cute..he always does find someway to be in the vids. One way or another.. Cody is adorable..and I like that portable shower with the twist knob on/off feature.. Thanks for sharing.

[@2beJT]

Witch hazel in a spray bottle would work well if you wanted something antibacterial.

[@maryhornbostel6959]

So does isopropyl alcohol mixed with equal part of water in a spray bottel, also widens teeth and lightens hair if that's what you need.

[@cherylmcelveen2817]

@@maryhornbostel6959 Alcohol is very harsh. Witch hazel is a good, mild astringent.

[@thefix2573]

White vinegar, diluted to your choice

[@catemitten5857]

Vinegar & water TOO!

[@coyotegraysr]

I love the splash 💦 at the end.

[@malakiscorner]

As a over the road trucker, i kept a big rubbermaid box i could sit in or kneel in, use a cup, gallon jug id left in front of truck floor heater all day. I could use cup to use minimal water to wash and rinse my hair, then wash the rest of me with remaining water. I found i only needed a gallon of water. Plus after dumping used water out, i could dry container and stack stuff in it for easy storage. I did this for 11 years of driving, mostly when i couldnt get to a truckstop to shower. Peace

[@MichelelovesJesus]

I've been taking 'bird baths' as my mom used to call them for the past 5 days due to having stiches that I can't get wet. ..figured it was a good time to practice what I'll be doing on the road...yes, it's a bit more involved but I'm still getting clean...I'm also finding I don't need to shampoo my hair daily as I've done my entire life! these sacrifices i think are worth the payoff

[@lani1833]

The shampoo ad agencies are what made people feel their hair needed to be washed daily! Not true unless you have very oily hair.

[@lynnvs6372]

When I broke my foot.. I filled the shower w water ( on the bottom) and sat w my leg hanging over the side . Everyday til my stitches healed. I cant stand to go w out a shower daily

[@johnedwards6419]

I have been a serious camper, explorer, adventurer and have spent more time outdoors than in. The reason I say this is I have always believed in being clean. This is (By Far) the best video regarding this subject. Just down to earth and real, Absolutely awesome!

[@nancyfahey7518]

Here is some very good advice. I hope you see it. If there's a problem living in the desert with this I hope you tell me. First of all, don't eat onions. Purple onions are ok but white and yellow onions do something ... Coconut oil applied to the armpits and then wiped off will kill the bad bacteria (which smells) and leave the good bacteria alone. Antibacterial soaps will give you warts and skin problems. You need to protect your good bacteria. I make my own germx with aloe and alcohol and only use it after leaving a store or crowded place. I am changing to white vinegar but just started that. White vinegar is an acid and will kill germs and remove soap residues. A vinegar watered down will remove soap and shampoo and you'll be squeaky clean. There is more but I'll spare you.

[@Atlee.]

more tips are awesome though!!

[@lauralove9163]

I never thought about using a pump up sprayer!!!! I'm going to buy one and spread the word with the other vagabonds in my area word of mouth travels very far!!! Most nomads don't have internet so word of mouth is very important! This portable hand pump is going to change the way nomads live!!! Your channel is a life saver!!! You my friend are changing people's lives for the very best!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@KRoseB]

Great info & demonstration Bob, thanks as always for sharing your knowledge & experience. You're a wealth of wisdom! May I share some insights on this topic? We're full time for 8 months nowbut vetted many tips & tricks while preparing to leave our S& B 1) The basin method is effective. We use baking soda & water which nuetralizes odors & balaces Ph.....soft clean skin! Sometimes I add a few drops of lavender or frankincense.It makes me feel fancy and adds antibacterial/antimicrobial benefits. When water or time is of the essence we use alcohol on under arms, wipes(see further down on that) for private area. Ladies be careful using alcohol there! Ouch! :-) 2) I have long, thick hair. For years Ive used baking soda & water to cleanse it. Apple Cider vinegar & water to rinse and when needed a bit of coconut oil as a leave in conditioner. My hair is clean, heathly and shiny. Easy to achieve with the shower set ups you've presented because it is effective and rinses away easily. 3) Dr Bonners for the score! Great product cleans well and rinses away easily. Re:Tea tree. Its a great multi use oil but is toxic to dogs. We have ttea tree safely tucked away in the first aid kit. We don't want Toby getting sick! :-) 4) Wipes....we found a brand called Water Wipes, just water and a bit of grapefruit essential oil. Found them at Target. Comparable price to all the other wipes on the shelf. 5) Hand sanitizer, etc...I make my own. Using those small TSA approved travel spray bottles. 1/2 Alcohol, 1/2 water 10-15 drops our favorite essential oil. Ive made these up in several different E.O. mixtures for their properties. ....for example Thieves for hands but also to spritz around the RV it kills airbourne viruses and smells lovely clove & cinnamon. Bugs dont like clove but they also dont like peppermint...so we spritz peppermint to deter spiders...peppermint is also an effective and lovely room freshener after using the loo, lol! Havent used the shower with a baby pool....brilliant idea! We recently saw a small plastic and tube steel folding tripod seat. Compact, strong and comfy. Perhaps this would be a good fit for those using this method but who cannot or dont want to kneel. Loving the channel Bob! Keep 'em coming!

[@KRoseB]

oh p.s. with the sprayer bottle Id seen....I think Wander Dano or Adventure Van Man (?) cut off the wand and attached a kitchen sprayer nozzle.....easy on and off of the water

[@KRoseB]

+Bob Wells how fabulous! That would be great fun! I just sent you an email.

[@KRoseB]

+Bob Wells sure thing. I was wondering if it was ASKrvbob@gmail. com or just [e-mail]?

[@KRoseB]

+Bob Wells o.k. just resent it :-)

[@jamesfogg3391]

K. Rose B www

[@rickhiggins6521]

Bob is so down to earth and straight forward. You gotta love him. lol

[@susanpidgeon9683]

Loved your shower idea with the hula hoop, water reservoir tub or pool and the electric pump shower head! I was concerned about no tub but now I see it can be easily simulated! Thx!

[@topdawg9480]

Yes, Br. Bonner's is expensive to pay for but it is cheap to use -- like you said , it lasts forever, is best for humans, animals and the Earth !!!!! August 8, 2018

[@tracyhoward8228]

yeah but hes using wet wipes that take hundreds of years to biodegrade

[@stringbender57]

Great ideas! I feel cleaner just watching. I love Dr. Bonners organic soaps. Safe for the environment and uses no animal fats. Both a big plus!!!

[@MichaelMarko]

The think I like about your videos is that you’re reality based. Real things. Real talk. Facing the facts and meeting practical. Thanks.

[@PeaceOutWorld]

I have a strange reply for you. I'm not homeless, nor live on the road. I have a permanent residence and am happy with that. But these ideas have appealed to me for a long time, and now that my own son is homeless (long story), videos like this make me feel relieved. Why? Because I know if I'd be willing to live like this, anyone could do it and manage quite well. I hope he does some searches for this kind of information. I'll send it along to him. Thanks for making these and being quite frank about it.

[@staecyvandeyar9162]

Peace Out Invite your son to stay with you.

[@janinewetzler5037]

Thank you for all your videos. I know in the last decade, your videos has helped average Americans just survive every day. I know you probably meant to just give this as an option for people for vacationing or retirement living, but as a working adult. I am 25 years away from retirement, and I am making plans to live this way soon. So thank you for the info videos and all the personal interviews of people who are doing it and are happy, this is not destitute living !!!

[@NomadicDave2032]

Bonners soap is excellent stuff, lol first time I heard some one other than me mention it by name...extremely economical and dosn't mess with your skin...I have dry skin alot due to town water so it's a life saver.

[@CheapRVliving]

I totally agree, it's amazing stuff!

[@jeannieelliott9703]

I went through 4 1/2 years in a foward infantry support unit as an Army medic. I coulda made mad cash with my sun shower. In the winter, it was luke warm after a few hours. I have pictures of it steaming on my frozen body. lol People who wanted to use it had to bring their own water, so they'd just leave the water can out in the sun. Luke warm to hot is like heaven when you're filthy.

[@reece1929]

Thank you so much Bob. You're funny. One more thing...you have nice hair.

[@roadrunner17lee66]

I really appreciate the way he. Explains things where you never have to guess what he's talking about. Doesn't beat around e bush in telling it is. As well as his recommendations.

[@shanash1]

One head's up re: Dr. Bronner's liquid soap for women--if you haven't used it, the peppermint is quite invigorating, but can cause some irritation/burning sensation on sensitive parts--lavender, almond, or the one made for babies is better all around.

[@lottietunes3541]

Shanna Trenholm>>>Thanks for the "head's up" . I have sensitive skin, too.

[@margaretmodrovsky1350]

Shanna Trenholm Where can I buy this Dr Bonners soap ?

[@shanash1]

+Margaret Modrovsky Dr. Bronner's soap can be purchased at most health food or natural foods stores, Amazon.com, and even stores like Target, Fred Meyer (I don't know your location), and the like. They've been around for a long time. Pure and simple--can be used for laundry--even brushing your teeth (but it's still soap--so don't swallow it)! Easy on people, easy on the environment.

[@nicoledachille3709]

I have extremely sensitive skin and the baby Dr Bronners is the only cleanser that I can use

[@deborahelaine6701]

Thank you all for the tips and thank you, Nicole Dachille, for that additional important piece of information

[@bellesparks4374]

Love this for all the ladies that might not want to shower outside or be in a questionable area for safety reasons. Great information as always!!!

[@NorthernKitty]

Great recommendation for soap and for the pressure sprayer! There are some nice collapsible bowls/tubs, which I recommend when living out of a vehicle as they store easier. You didn't mention shaving, but a nice alternative to shaving cream is to use water-based or silicone-based personal lubricant. It's cheap, healthier than all the chemicals in shaving cream, you don't need much on your skin and it washes away/cleans up easier than shaving cream. Honestly, you'll probably get a closer shave as well.

[@debbieadair4920]

I have watched this before. It’s still great. Honest and just needs to be talked about.

[@arroyobaby38]

I found your channel a few days ago. I’m catching up and watching all of your videos. I’m really enjoying them!!! EXCELLENT VIDEOS!!!!

[@earlmarshall6543]

I was first introduced to Doc Bonner's soaps back in 1990, and their products are AMAZING!

[@TheMusachioedBrony]

Excellent video! Those raindrops on the camera lense at the end freaked me out-it wasn't until the third raindrop that I realized what was happening-lol!

[@tensiperez7555]

Very good information. I also read from someone (can't remember who) on KZbin that in almost all YMCAs you can go in and tell them you are traveling in your RV and would love to take a hot shower. They will register you and it's FREE! Personally, I love this idea. My daughters take take two showers a day with very hot water and use way too much water. I'm into conservation so even though I love the feel of lots of nice hot water in my shower, I resist and use just enough to do the job. Thanks, Bob for your wonderful videos. At the rate things are going, rather than "prepping", I am learning from you and others because we may all end up living this life style.

[@ChiefinGuam]

Great video, Bob! Lots of great ideas for showering on the road.

[@lydialangfordjoiner765]

You Sir don’t need my pointer, your pointers are terrific! I’m very grateful!

[@chrisdiamondtravels7209]

another great video from the king of van dwellers.

[@trustinJesus_only-_]

Showers are not the only way to be clean. You are spot on Bob! Some people are too used to creature comforts. 😁

[@livilou6165]

I love your videos, have you ever shown your van or have I just missed it, you seem like a very nice helpful person! Look out for the ladies that are traveling alone.

[@greywolfoutdoorshomestead9962]

My family and I just moved in to a new to us house and our well is slow to recover.i just wanna thank you for the many ideas for showing brother

[@kentakalel1801]

I believe you mean Dr Bronners not Bonners.....I use it for everything...Great soap!

[@PaulaDoingHair]

Was scrolling to see if someone would clarify that.

[@PaulaDoingHair]

MrKayaker69 I’m not a bit picker. Im new to these videos and products. I’m also new to looking into the lifestyle. I wasn’t sure if it was two different products and didn’t want to get it wrong. That’s the difference it makes.

[@kristymccormick9223]

This fella has thought of everything. I've been watching his videos lately. He has all kinds of knowledge 😁

[@ATreeWithRootsMusic]

"Welcome back fellow Nomads, today we are going to talk about taking showers" haha great opening line.

[@suziequeue6510]

I grew up taking sponge baths at the kitchen sink until about 9 years of age. Then I was allowed to use my mother's bath water after she and my older sister used it. One or two inches on water in the tub. We had to pay a water bill and mother was supporting herself, my two sisters, and a live-in babysitter while she worked as a secretary (worst wage group). So, when I started tent camping for two weeks at a time, it was no problem adapting to sponge baths for me. I bathed every day and when it rained, rain poured off my dining fly attached to the tent and I had a shower, lol.

[@Sillybabyalive]

you are so real and true and I adore watching you.. you crack me up. the baby pool, hula hoop, makeshift shower :-0 brilliant!

[@lifeinmyemptynest]

We used a plastic kiddy pool in our cargo trailer to bath in, worked great. Great tips Bob !

[@veliagarcia3606]

I'm installing a shower in my van conversion, after watching a few van dwellers. Thanks bob.

[@24thpresident46]

You should post a video on it. I don't think you are shy because we can see your face Velia. Unless that's an avatar. ☕

[@daisy8284]

24th President creeper

[@michiemca]

my husband and I are looking forward to going on the road as soon as we can.. a couple years I assume.. when he retires. thank you for all you do and show. our retirement wont be great, but because of you and the people you interview... we know we can do it. thank you very much.

[@cynthiapitts3795]

I thought this was most useful! I have in addition to the products is Medicated Body Powder by Walmart or a dollar tree. It really is good for feeling dry.

[@wolfheartoutdoors2056]

I plan on going nomad with my wife and running water was a big concern of ours. We were planning on doing a whole electric pump system but this just made my life a whole lot easier when i saw the pressurized pesticide idea here lol. Buy 2 of those. Place 1 in a desk by a basin that drains into a gray water tank and then one to take showers with.

[@WendyWilliamsLiving]

As always, you cover every aspect of your subject - excellent information, thank you! I can't wait to see lots more interviews of women nomads :-)

[@clarastrom9787]

Thank you for answering all the questions no one else wants to! I’m getting ready to retire and head out on the road. I’m doin my research and you are an excellent resource. I’m a librarian so I know good resources 😀

[@elaineehlinger8636]

My great grandmother used to tell me "Wash as far down as possible, wash as far up as possible, then wash possible!"

[@bridgetrescuedyorkster4540]

Elaine Ehlinger lol!

[@teceyS3]

my mom used to call our private parts our "possible" and then one of my friends found an Old English reading book for schools in England and they used to say that same thing- wash your face then down as far as possible; wash your feet and wash up as far as possible- then wash your possible! :)

[@Craziejane69]

I've heard that one! HAHA!

[@danarezarch9917]

My mom and grandmother said the same thing!

[@vivianevans1228]

I had to chuckle with the "possible " comment. I remember my Mother use to say that..GOD rest her Soul...