[pct-l] Soap?

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

On Apr 23, 2008, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>
>
> Another thought from a desert hiker: to clean dishes after a meal,  
> lick them
> clean first.  Saliva has an enzyme in it that breaks down  
> starches.  Saliva
> also contains varying amounts of fluoride, with its antiseptic  
> properties.
> After all food debris has been removed in this fashion, I usually  
> find that
> it takes no more than a 1/2 cup of hot water to finish sanitizing the
> dishes.  The 1/2 cup of water will look pretty clean (drink it if  
> you want).
> The last thing to do is let the dishes dry completely (there are few
> organisms that can survive on a dry surface).  No soap will be needed.
> I know this sounds kind of gross, but I've been doing this for a  
> few years
> now, and neither my husband nor myself have gotten sick.
> I personally like wet wipes better than hand sanitizer (less weight).
> They're great for a mini-bath (also known in medical circles as a  
> PTA bath).

I don't think drinking the water is gross, but it's pretty  
flavorless. Needs tea or something.

I plan to bring a tiny bit of liquid soap in a small bottle I got  
from the vet for oral meds for my bird. The primary need for it I can  
see is once in a while washing my undies and my rear end. I don't  
plan to drink the water afterwards, however.

Sorry for that. Couldn't resist.

Diane