123RF (Phirakon Jaisangat)
Portable hand washing stations can help prevent the spread of disease.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends washing your hands frequently. But if you’re spending time outdoors (or don’t have indoor plumbing), that can be challenging.
Read on to discover the best portable hand washing station for your situation.
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1. Portable Camping Hand Sink
Pros:- Does not require power
- Easy to fill 24 liter water tank (for plenty of hand washing between refills)
- Easy to assemble (no tools required)
- Includes integrated liquid soap dispensary
- Hose directs waste water away from handwashing station
- Lightweight and easy to carry by yourself
Cons:- No hot water heater
- Must push with foot to dispense water
- Probably not advisable to add hot water heater of your own (because parts made of plastic)
This Portable Camping Hand Sink stands out because it’s an easy, affordable way to comply with the CDC’s handwashing guidelines. It does not require power, so you can use it anywhere.
Need to wash your hands in the desert? Hiding out in the hills? This is a perfect way for you to avoid spreading germs, even in the wilderness. (Or anywhere without power.)
It does not contain a hot water heater, but some resourceful customers have added hot water to the water tank, and they say people were able to wash their hands in warm water for the next couple hours or so.
The best thing about this camping sink may be the price. If you compare it to other portable sinks on this list, you’ll see that you can save big by choosing this one.
(It’s also a much better option for anyone hoping to wash hands frequently — without a power source.)
Find more Portable Camping Hand Sink information and reviews here.
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2. Coldcreek Outfitters Outdoor Washing Table and Sink (Foldable, Dual-Sink Design)
Pros:- Two deep sinks
- Easily portable
- Includes waste basket built into table
- Waste basket ideal for paper towels after drying hands
Cons:- No heated water
- Older version had incorrect hose attachment (but this is the updated version)
- Large
This outdoor sink is perfect if you want a double-sink foldable table design. It’s very easy to move, so if you’re looking for a sink you can transport easily, this is perfect for you.
Find more Coldcreek Outfitters Outdoor Washing Table & Sink information and reviews here.
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3. Univedis Portable Handwash Sink
Pros:- No assembly required
- Fresh water tank holds 6 gallons
- Auto shut-off feature will let you know when fresh water tank is empty
- Electronic pressure control with tank that automatically shuts on and off
Cons:- No hot water heater
- No soap dispenser
- May be heavy (made from heavy duty metal)
The Univedis Portable Handwash Sink stands out because it features water pressure and an auto shut-off function.
It also stands out because it comes already assembled. You just plug it into your 110 volt outlet, fill the freshwater tank, and you’re good to go.
The tank accommodates six gallons of fresh water, so you can have many handwashing sessions before you need to refill it. (And it will let you know when the tank is empty, by shutting itself off.)
The gray water tank accommodates seven and a half gallons, so you know it will never overflow. This unit also has backflow protection.
If you want a portable handwashing station with the conveniences and assurances of modern indoor plumbing, this is your best bet. (Except it does NOT have hot water.) But it will definitely deliver more water pressure than other camping sinks included here.
Of course, unlike the camping sinks, you’ll need a power source. (And, while it’s still a portable handwashing station, it’s not quite as easy to transport as the camping sinks.)
One drawback: If you bump into this machine, you may jostle the tank.
Find more Univedis Portable Handwash Sink information and reviews here.
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4. ConcessionSinks Electric Handwashing Cabinet Sink With Two Faucets
Pros:- Contains 2.5 gallon water heater
- Includes two faucets (including compartment sinks)
- Commercial grade cabinet with metal top
Cons:- Weighs 75 pounds without water
- Caulking may be prone to damage over time
- You may need a friend to help you move it
The ConcessionSinks Handwashing Sink With Two Faucets stands out because it includes a compartment sink on the right, for washing dishes and other items, as well as a handwashing sink on the left.
If your main concern is washing hands to prevent the spread of disease, this could, of course, be used as TWO handwashing stations in one unit.
This handwashing station heats water well. Plus, if you have hot water, it’s a lot easier to convince everyone to wash their hands frequently, and thoroughly. (The CDC recommends at least twenty seconds of consecutive scrubbing. And don’t forget to wash the backs of your hands, too!)
If you’re looking to wash as many hands as possible in the shortest amount of time, this is your best bet.
So while large gatherings are currently frowned upon in most parts of the world, nobody knows what the future holds. If you’re involved in holding a gathering or event of any kind, this seems like the perfect portable handwashing station for you.
Find more ConcessionSinks Handwashing Sink With Two Faucets information and reviews here.
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5. Portable Toilet and Handwashing Station
Pros:- Does not require power
- Includes a camping toilet as well as a handwashing sink
- 19 gallon fresh water tank for washing your hands
- Odor-proof tank
- Can go anywhere
Cons:- No heated water for handwashing
- Includes a toilet, which may be more than you're looking for
- May be too large for a very small space
This Portable Toilet and Handwashing Station stands out because it includes a portable toilet, as well as a portable sink.
The entire unit is portable. This would be perfect for anyone who’s isolating by camping out.
The fresh water tank accommodates 19 gallons of water for washing your hands. (This is separate from the flush water tank or waste tank.)
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6. Best Portable Camp Sink on Wheels: SereneLife Portable Camping Sink with Wheels
Pros:- Affordable
- Includes soap dispenser and foot pump to dispense water
- Does not require power (works anywhere!)
- Includes rolling wheels to make it easy to move
Cons:- Requires some assembly
- Cheaply made
- Does not have hot water
The SereneLife Portable Camping Sink with Wheels stands out because you can easily roll it around on wheels.
If you’re trying to encourage diligent handwashing among folks who aren’t very mobile, this could be huge. You bring the handwashing to them.
It also features a towel holder and soap dispenser.
This is very affordable, compared to other portable sinks. Like other cheaply made items, it may not be as reliable as other units, which cost more.
The foot dispenser makes it easy to use. Plus, it means nobody has to touch the faucet knob, which further prevents the spread of germs.
The freshwater tank holds five gallons (a pretty standard amount for portable sinks).
Find more SereneLife Portable Camping Sink with Wheels information and reviews here.
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7. Portable Hand Wash Station with Soap Dispenser
Pros:- Easy to refill soap dispenser -- you don't need to remove the whole top
- Very affordable
- Easy to use
Cons:- No heated water
- Essentially a five gallon bucket with water and soap dispenser
- Only comes in two colors (pink and blue)
This portable handwashing solution stands out because it’s super affordable.
Of course, it’s also the most basic option you can use to safely wash your hands when you don’t have access to plumbing or power.
But if you’re just looking to keep yourself and your family healthy while you’re on the road (or in the woods!), and you’re on a budget, this will do the trick.
It even has a soap dispenser.
Find more Portable Hand Wash Station with Soap Dispenser information and reviews here.
Why do I need a portable hand washing station?
Washing your hands regularly can significantly cut down on the transmission of disease.
Even if you don't feel personally vulnerable to disease (because you're young and healthy), you can protect others by washing your hands.
The CDC recommends washing your hands before, during, and after eating food, along with several other guidelines for when to wash your hands.
In the midst of the current pandemic, authorities across the globe recommend social distancing, banning large gatherings, and washing your hands frequently.
Even if you aren't showing symptoms, you can still be contagious. Let's help protect the elderly and immunosuppressed populations in our communities by washing our hands as much as possible.
Will a portable handwashing machine help me stay healthy while I'm camping?
Yes! When you're camping with others, it's especially important to keep your hands clean. You're probably coming into contact with lots of germs, and sharing close quarters with your fellow campers.
You'll see we've included a couple camp sinks. But if you're camping with an RV, or have access to a generator, you could also consider the fancier portable sinks.
What's the best portable hand washing station catering companies would use -- and how do those differ from cheaper models?
Because catering companies usually have access to power, they'd probably pick one of the fancier (and more expensive) portable handwashing sinks listed above.
These would also help anyone involved in food preparation to meet health department guidelines.
If you're simply looking to stay safe and help prevent the spread of disease, you could probably choose one of the cheaper models.
Of course, the most expensive portable sinks are more aesthetically pleasing. The metal cabinet-style portable sinks also hide the water tanks and hoses.