I use the same cleanup method and same amount of water. Recently, I've been "making" my own meals, rather than using freeze-dried: some instant brown rice, a foil packet of salmon, tuna, or chicken, some lemon-pepper seasoning, and some parmesan cheese is typical. I do carry this in a Ziploc bag, rather than the bags from the outfitter store, since I won't be pouring hot water into it. I've never noticed any plastic taste to the food.