9 Tips To Staying Clean At A Festival

Spending a weekend in a field is not the most hygienic of settings. No proper shower facilities, inevitable mud and less-than-perfect toilet facilities are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. But, that shouldn’t stop you from having the best fun with your friends. Follow these simple tips to stay fresh and clean at your chosen festival.

1. Prepare with care

You won’t be using a proper shower for at least a couple of days, so savour your last one before you go. Use an exfoliator to get rid of any dead skin and leave yourself squeaky clean. Make sure to give your hair a good wash and use lots of conditioner so that it is in prime condition before you set off. Lastly, moisturise so your skin is fresh and hydrated before you head off for some time in the great outdoors.

2. Wet wipes are your best friend

Cheap, disposable and good enough to freshen you up, always carry a pack of wet wipes at a festival. They are perfect for wiping mud splashes or spilt drinks while you’re out and about. You can also use them to have a ‘festival wash’ i.e. a baby wipe scour all over. You won’t be as clean as you would from the shower, but you’ll definitely feel better for it.

3. Dry shampoo

Use it in abundance. It will de-grease your roots and also add volume.

4. Rinse free cleansers

No, we’re not lying. There are actual shampoos and shower gels you can get that don’t require any water. If you’re too posh for baby wipes and dry shampoo (or just like the thought of feeling clean, we don’t blame you), get some of this stuff. They actually remove dirt and grease rather than masking them. Simply massage it into your skin or hair and towel dry afterwards.

5. Bring a towel

This won’t just be useful for our previous point. Towels are helpful in many situations. With the British weather, it’s easier just to expect rain, so a towel is vital for drying off your damp self when returning to your tent. Wearing damp clothing puts you at risk of getting a fungal skin infection according to Healthline.

6. Don’t forget to brush

Days of eating and drinking will soon take a toll on your oral hygiene if you don’t brush your teeth frequently. Just because you’re sleeping in a tent doesn’t mean your health should go out the window. You’d be surprised how much better the fresh taste will make you feel in the morning. The Oral Health Foundation say brushing daily is important because it removes plaque which, if not removed, can build up and lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

7. Be proactive at portaloos

The dreaded festival toilets are as bad as the horror stories say. Whether portaloo or long-drop, you need to be prepared. Take your own toilet roll or for extra cleanliness. Always wash your hands and use sanitiser afterwards. Unwashed hands can spread illnesses such as noroviruses, cold/flu and Hepatitis A. In fact, 80% of diseases are spread by touch, so get washing those hands!

8. Bag your dirties

If your clothes are full of mud, sweat and beer, the last thing you want to do is throw them in with your clean ones. Put them in plastic bags so you don’t risk cross-contaminating your stuff. It’s also a good idea to bring a few bin bags to keep your camp area clean and tidy, too.

9. Careful where you camp

Avoid camping at the bottom of a hill. We all know how gravity works, so the slightest chance of rain means your tent will end up in a shallow swamp. Regardless of how waterproof your tent claims to be, they are not built for being submerged in water, and the seams may let moisture in. Try and camp on a level surface or, if it’s hilly, near the top. Otherwise, you may find yourself waking up in a mud bath.