Use a  for Dish Drying: A Simple Space-Saving Camping Hack

When you’re out in the wild, space is limited and every bit of gear has to earn its keep. That’s why smart campers are always on the lookout for clever, multi-use tools. One of our favorite under-the-radar hacks? Using a mesh laundry bag as a dish drying rack.

It’s lightweight, packable, and surprisingly effective—making it a must-have item for anyone trying to simplify their camp kitchen setup.

Why It Works: Mesh = Airflow + Drip Drainage

Drying dishes at camp can be a hassle. Traditional dish racks are bulky, and laying everything on a towel takes up table space and slows the drying process. A mesh laundry bag, on the other hand, offers excellent airflow from all directions and allows water to drip off without pooling around your clean gear.

The result? Faster-drying dishes and less mess in your campsite.

How to Use a Mesh Laundry Bag for Dish Drying

1. Hang It Up
   After you’ve washed your dishes, hang the mesh bag from a clothesline, a tree branch, or even a bungee cord strung between two poles.

2. Load Carefully
   Place your clean plates, utensils, and cookware inside the bag. Try to space things out to maximize airflow. Avoid stacking items tightly together.

3. Let the Air Do the Work
   Thanks to gravity and good ventilation, your dishes will drip-dry quickly—no towel-drying necessary.

4. Bonus Use
   When not drying dishes, use the same mesh bag to carry your dirty laundry, collect beach gear, or store your camp shower items. It’s a multi-use MVP.

Why Campers Love This Trick

• ✅ Saves table space

• ✅ No need for bulky dish racks

• ✅ Weighs almost nothing

• ✅ Folds flat and dries quickly

• ✅ Doubles as storage for other gear

You can find mesh laundry bags at most big-box stores, dollar stores, or online for just a few dollars—making this one of the most affordable camp upgrades you’ll ever make.

Tips for Best Results

• Choose a bag with larger holes to improve airflow and speed up drying.

• Make sure to hang it where sun and wind can help out.

• Rinse dishes well so food particles don’t get trapped in the mesh.

• Give the bag a good rinse and dry it out at home between trips to prevent mildew.

Final Thoughts

Smart camping is all about doing more with less, and using a mesh laundry bag for drying your dishes is a perfect example. It’s affordable, efficient, and ultra-packable—a tiny tool that makes a big difference in your camp kitchen routine.

Do you use unconventional tools at your campsite? Share your favorite camp hacks with the xkamp.com community in the comments—we’re always looking to level up our outdoor game!