Initial’s Guide to Festival Hygiene
With the UK’s summer festival season in full swing, thousands of music lovers will be preparing to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of live performances. From muddy fields to crowded campsites, festivals are a thrilling experience, but they also pose unique challenges when maintaining hygiene.
Whether festivalgoers are braced for rain-soaked grounds or basking in the blazing sun, being prepared is vital to help ensure a safe and enjoyable time.
Maintaining good hygiene at festivals is not just about comfort; it’s about staying healthy and preventing the spread of germs in an environment where personal space is limited. To help you navigate these challenges, our experts at Initial have compiled a comprehensive guide packed with hygiene tips and advice on what to include in your festival hygiene kit. From hand sanitiser to period essentials, our guide will ensure you’re well-equipped to handle whatever comes your way.
Let’s dive into the essential strategies and products that will help keep you clean, comfortable, and carefree during your festival adventure this year.
How to Stay Clean at Festivals?
Carry Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitiser
Having wet wipes and hand sanitiser within reach is indispensable. Choose foam-based, alcohol-free hand sanitisers to avoid drying out your skin. Use these essentials after toilet visits and before eating to maintain cleanliness when it matters most. Additionally, they are perfect for a quick refresh whenever you start to feel grimy or when proper handwashing facilities aren’t nearby.
Minimise Contact with Festival Toilets
Temporary toilets and portaloos can be breeding grounds for germs, due to high footfall by users whose hygiene standards may vary widely, so reducing direct contact with key touchpoints is crucial. Use a piece of tissue, your sleeves, or your elbow to open and close toilet doors to minimise direct contact with a potential germ hotspot.
Prep the Toilet Seat
Before using the toilet, wipe the seat with sanitiser and toilet paper or a wet wipe (but remember to dispose of wet wipes responsibly in a waste bin instead of flushing them away).
Carry Spare Tissues or Toilet Paper
Always be prepared for the possibility of toilet paper running out. Carry spare tissues or toilet paper to ensure you’re never caught off guard. You’ll be thankful you did if the queue ahead depletes the stock of toilet paper before your toilet visit.
Handwashing
Proper handwashing is critical after using the toilet. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, making sure not to miss your thumbs and wrists. If soap and water aren’t available, use the hand disinfection stations commonly found at festivals.
Food Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene when eating or preparing food is essential. Pop-up food stalls at festivals will need to comply with strict safety regulations on the preparation and cooking of the food they are serving, but you still need to do your bit.
Be sure to clean your hands with soap and water or if that is not possible use hand sanitiser before eating, particularly food you need to handle like burgers, tacos, or pizza. Don’t forget to dry your hands after washing them, as bacteria can be spread more easily on damp hands than on dry ones.
Use Festival Showers Wisely
Depending on the weather, you may need to use festival showers. Always wear flip-flops, sliders, or Crocs to protect your feet from the grime and potential fungal infections that could be spread in communal or temporary showers.
Festival Packing Checklist
To help ensure a hygienic and enjoyable festival experience, we advise packing the following festival hygiene essentials:
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
- Spare tissues or toilet paper
- Flip-flops, Crocs or sliders to wear in the shower and protect your feet from the spread of foot fungi
- Plenty of clean water to keep in your tent for washing your hands and eating utensils
- Gentle facial wipes and a facial cleanser
- Portable travel soap
- Lightweight towels (microfibre ones are very absorbent and quick drying)
- Period products (if you menstruate it is always advisable to take plenty of supplies with you to avoid being caught short)
Remembering these practical tips will help keep your festival adventures safe and enjoyable.
For more information, please feel free to contact us – we are happy to assist.
Upcoming popular music festivals in the UK include – Boardmasters (7th—11th August), Reading and Leeds (21st—25th August), Creamfields (22nd—25th August), and Radio 2 in the Park (7th—8th September).
Leave a Reply