Handwashing with limited water, when to use sanitizer, how to do dishes and keep clean in an outage with official hygiene guidance.
- Wash with soap and a small pour of clean water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use alcohol based sanitizer (at least 60 percent) only when soap and water are unavailable.
- Follow local notices for boil water advisories.
When the power goes out, water can stop too. Well pumps need electricity, and in some places the municipal system loses pressure. Hygiene is easy to forget when you are focused on light and heat, but clean hands are one of the best ways to avoid stomach illness. This guide shows how to stay clean with very little water.
Plan your water supply first: see how much water to store and consider setting aside a separate supply for washing.
Handwashing with limited water
Public health agencies recommend washing hands with soap and clean running water when possible. Without running water, you can still do a good job with a "tippy tap" style method:
- Pour a small amount of clean water from a jug or bottle over your hands, using a helper or a container with a small spout.
- Turn the water off (or stop pouring) and lather with soap, scrubbing all surfaces for at least 20 seconds, including backs of hands, between fingers and under nails.
- Rinse with another small pour of clean water.
- Dry with a clean towel or let your hands air dry.
Use water from your stored supply, or treated water if you are using another source. Water used for washing hands does not have to be as pure as drinking water if it is reasonably clean, but if it is cloudy or comes from a questionable source, treat it first. Our guide to how to purify water in an emergency and how to treat water with bleach or tablets explains the official methods.
When to use hand sanitizer or wipes
Hand sanitizer is a backup, not a replacement for soap and water. Health agencies suggest an alcohol based sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water are not available. It works best on hands that are not visibly dirty, so wipe away dirt first. Sanitizer does not remove all germs and chemicals, and it is less effective on greasy or very dirty hands.
Keep sanitizer and baby wipes in your kit, but store them away from heat and flame, because sanitizer is flammable. Wipes can clean hands, faces and surfaces when water is short. Do not flush wipes down the toilet, even those labelled flushable. Bag them with other waste.
Moments when handwashing matters most
- After using the toilet or changing diapers.
- Before preparing or eating food.
- After touching garbage, pets or anything that may be dirty.
- After caring for someone who is sick.
- After handling raw meat or contaminated floodwater.
Dishes and kitchen hygiene
Save water by using disposable plates, cups and utensils for a few days, or keep dishes simple by eating from single containers. If you need to wash dishes, scrape food off first, wash in a basin with a small amount of warm soapy water, rinse in a second basin and air dry. You can heat water safely outdoors or on a stove designed for the purpose (see camp stove safety). Never use a camp stove or grill indoors.
To sanitize dishes, follow official guidance from your health authority. Check the EPA or your local health unit for current bleach dilution instructions rather than guessing, and always read the label on your bleach. Never mix bleach with other cleaners.
Body washing and the toilet
A basin wash is enough for a few days. Use a washcloth, a small amount of warm water and soap, and clean the face, underarms and groin first. Dry well and put on clean clothes. In cold weather, wash one area at a time to avoid chilling.
Toilets are the other big hygiene issue. If your water is off, see our guide on emergency toilet and sanitation for safe options. Wash hands after every use.
With a small stock of soap, wipes, sanitizer, paper towels and a spare jug of water, you can keep clean for days without a tap.
Quick answers
How much water do I need to wash my hands?
Just a small pour to wet, then another to rinse. A helper pouring from a jug makes it easy.
Is hand sanitizer enough?
It is a backup when soap and water are not available. It works best on hands that are not visibly dirty.
Can I flush wipes?
No. Even products labelled flushable can cause blockages. Bag them and put them with garbage.