Another dumb worry! - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another dumb worry!

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think I've pretty much exhausted the RV /tow vehicle or MH research for now and therefore have to start worrying about the small stuff, like bugs (I previously posted about that, and your answers were great!).

So here's another silly concern -- how to wash the dishes? Besides having a dish washer (which I don't plan to have in the RV), I'm used to at least a residential sized deep single sink. Most RVs have double sinks which are maybe half the depth if that, or one semi deep and one not. Not to mention that the method of washing dishes is scrubbing and rinsing while the water is on. So, how does one wash the dishes in a very small kitchen with a very small sink, with limited water amounts (unless I have full hookup, which I don 't plan to 100% of the time). I'm really more concerned more about pots & pans than dishes and utensils.

I'm already predicting Lucky Mike's answer (buy paper!!!)

Workinrvers · RV-Dreams Family Member

pick up a small plastic tub that fits inside the RV sink and use it for washing the pots and pans when not hooked to water (assuming you are using plastic/paper plates while boondocking). When done carry the plastic tub to the bathroom and dump it down the commode. This helps 2 ways, it saves water washing dishes and saves room in the grey tank since the black are normally larger. We do this to wash them, then we place them in the other side of the sink and do a quick rinse on them all at once.
When hooked to facilities and have a lot of dishes we stack the dirties next to the sink, fill the sink 1/2 way with water/soap and do a few at a time starting with our plates, glasses and utensils before doing the greasy pots and pans.
This is the way my Mom taught me when we were little and dish washers had 2 legs and were not "built in".

Phil

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

We keep a spray bottle with diluted dish soap next to the sink. Everything gets sprayed with that as a presoak before stuff has time to dry and get sticky. Saves a lot on the water. And then we scrub, and rinse with the faucet turned to the absolute minimum flow needed to get the job done. Turn OFF the water in between scrubbing/rinsing each piece to save more water.

Works great for us.

If we're in extreme water conservation mode, we also wash into basins as described above - it saves grey water space, and really helps you keep in mind just how much water you are using.

We also removed the silly double bowl sink that came with our RV and replaced with with a single bowl that is deeper. Worthwhile improvement for us.

Other tips - learn to cook with a minimum number of tools, pots and pans. Most of our meals cooked at home are one-pot/pan creations. Stir-fries, soups, stews, etc. We also do a good bit of food prep with raw foods in the processor (salsa, guacamoles, hummus, etc.) or using a slow cooker or rice-cooker. Or things we can make without dirtying anything at all, like a sandwich.

- Cherie

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well I have been figured out...LOL

I use the exact methods above ......Ihave paper but I prefer plastic......I use tubs and deposit the water to the black tank ,or strain it and when nobody is looking throw it out the door!!!!

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

Not that I have ever done this, but Lowes and HD sell black plastic tubs that can be used for mixing concrete, they work great for evaporating all sorts of things beside water...