How To Clean A Tent

How to Clean a Tent

There have been 246 reviews, with an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5. An outdoor weekend in the wilderness will almost certainly result in your tent being covered in dust and filth when you return back to your house. It is possible, though, that your house in the great outdoors may become too dirty, and you will notice unsightly stains, weird scents, or a zipper that isn’t working as effectively as it once did. Cleaning a tent may alleviate the majority of these issues, and it is not a difficult task.

1. Obtain necessary equipment and supplies: The following items will be required: water, soap, tent/gear cleaner, a towel or sponge, and a tub. Shake it off and it will come out easier: Take care to get rid of any sand or dried-on debris
2. You may also thoroughly sweep or vacuum the inside as it’s being assembled. Clean a small area first, then immerse: You’ll start by spotting and cleaning unclean spots, then soaking the tent in sudsy water. Follow our deep-cleaning recommendations when dealing with really filthy projects. Rinse well and dry thoroughly: Before storing your tent, make sure to fully clean it and allow it to dry completely.

Video: How to Clean a Tent

Supplies: What you’ll need to clean a filthy tent is as follows:

• Supplies: When it comes to cleaning a soiled tent, the following supplies will be necessary.

Supplies: What you’ll need to clean a soiled tent is as follows:

1. Spot clean with mild dish soap: Gently clean any particularly unclean spots with a cloth or sponge and a tiny quantity of light dish soap. Preparing the tub includes the following steps: After filling the tub halfway with cool to lukewarm water, add your tent-cleaning product. Consult the bottle’s instructions to find out how much cleanser you should use. Prepare your tent as follows: Turn the tent inside out by unzipping the doors and turning it inside out. Prepare your tent by soaking it: Place the tent and rainfly in the tub and fill it with water. Again, follow the guidelines on the cleaning bottle to determine how long you should immerse your tent for. Thoroughly rinse the utensil: Drain the water from your tub and replace it with fresh water. It may be necessary to repeat this process multiple times to completely remove all of the soap from the tent and rainfly. Until everything is totally dry, set your tent up or hang it in a cool, shady location.

Deep Cleaning Your Tent

Using an enzyme cleanser, such as MiraZymeTM, can help remove mildew, mold, and unpleasant odors from your tent. Follow the instructions for the enzyme cleanser to the letter, especially when it comes to how long to soak the tent in it. If you leave the tent soaking for an extended period of time, you run the danger of hydrolysis, which occurs when water begins to break down waterproof polyurethane coatings. Spot cleaning your tent with mineral oil if there is pine sap on it is recommended; nevertheless, avoid over-scrubbing the tent.

Once the sap has been removed, make sure to thoroughly clean the area with water.

If the filth is very persistent, rinse the zipper with water and then brush it.

Consider re-coating the surfaces with waterproof coatings.

Related Articles

• What is the best way to store a tent? Tent care basics
• How to repair a tent
• And more.

Contributing Experts

Chris Pottinger works at REI Co-op in Kent, Washington, as a senior tent designer.

Tent Care Basics

There have been 351 reviews, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. In contrast to an urban abode, your home in the great outdoors requires only a minimal amount of love and attention on a regular basis. When properly cared for, a high-quality tent will give years of dependable service in the outdoors. This page provides a plethora of suggestions about how to properly care for your tent. Even if you don’t do anything else, make sure you follow these four crucial guidelines:

• Always read the instructions before doing anything. Use caution when working with zippers and poles. Maintain the cleanliness of your tent and fly on a regular basis. Never store a tent that has been damp

Perform a practice pitch before venturing out into the wild. You’ll learn how to put up your tent in a no-pressure environment. Check to see that you have all of the stakes, guylines, and other accessories that you will need. When you’re out in the field, follow these rules to ensure that your tent lasts as long as possible: Look for a well-established camping spot. You should choose setup locations that are smooth, flat, and largely devoid of foliage in accordance with the keyLeave No Trace concept.

1. Keep from disrupting your tent site any more than is absolutely necessary.
2. This ground fabric has been custom-cut to fit the floor plan of your tent and is made of high-quality materials.
3. Additionally, because a footprint does not extend beyond the edge of your tent floor, it will not gather precipitation in the same way that a conventional ground cloth or tarp will.
4. It is best not to leave your tent set up in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
5. The textiles in the canopy and rainfly fade as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light.
6. Polyester rainflys, which are common in tents, are more UV resistant than nylon rainflys, which are less common.
7. Take it easy with the poles.

You may chip a portion of the pole and make it weaker—or you can beat your trekking companion in the head with it.

Take care not to damage your zippers.

Holding the zipper track with one hand, slowly back the slider up, wriggling it from side to side, until the trapped fabric is released is a better alternative.

It may be necessary to use a pair of pliers to gently squeeze the zipper slider in order to give it a little stronger grasp on the zipper track if it continues to split.

Boots should be left outside or in the vestibule.

Keep food and scented personal goods in a safe container outside of the tent to avoid attracting attention.

Your tent is not a dog kennel, and you should never leave a dog unattended inside of it. When your trusty pet decides it’s time to join you outside, his or her teeth and claws can cause considerable damage to your tent materials.

Tent Care During Break Down

Make a ruckus in your tent. Before you pack up, make sure you clean up any dirt and debris and eliminate any rubbish. If your tent is freestanding, this will be less difficult since the poles will assist in keeping the tent open as you dump out the mud and debris. It is preferable to push rather than pull a shockcorded pole from your tent when removing it. Putting unnecessary strain on the elastic cable can occur if you tug on one pole end and the other pole end or a pole segment becomes tangled.

• The strain is distributed evenly down the cable as a result of this.
• Before stuffing the sacks, make sure they are completely dry.
• Water left on a tent can cause damage (see below), so make sure to dry your tent well before packing up and leaving the trail each day.
• If you have to pack up your tent in damp weather, make sure to dry it as soon as you get back to your car.
• Rather of packing your tent like a sleeping bag, roll it up and store it.
• After travels and cleanings, allow your tent to air dry completely.
• Set it up either indoors or in a shady outdoor location to enjoy.

Before storing your tent, be certain that it is completely dry from the inside out.

Mildew grows on damp textiles, giving tents an unpleasant odor and causing polyurethane waterproof coatings to fail.

Neglected tents that become flaky, sticky, or odoriferous are a prime candidate for severe intervention or removal and replacement.

Although it is a good choice for hiking, the stuff bag is not a good choice for storing items for an extended period of time.

An old pillowcase or a mesh bag of equal size would do just fine.

If you have no other choice than to store your dry tent in a moist location, keep it inside a tightly sealed plastic bin or other container.

For those who take many short journeys, a light cleaning once each season will suffice to keep your tent in good condition.

A washing machine, particularly a top-loader with an agitator, has the potential to stretch or rip fabric, mesh, or seams.

Make a minimal cleaning effort.

Gently clean filthy areas with a soft brush, paying particular attention to covered sections of the floor and flies.

The majority of home soaps are fragrant, which will eventually attract insects, rats, and larger species.

The majority of these soaps also have a negative impact on the tent’s durable water resistant (DWR) covering. See our article, How to Clean a Tent, for step-by-step instructions on how to properly clean your tent.

Waterproofing Tent Seams and Coatings

In order to extend the life of your tent or rainfly, re-waterproofing it is a simple procedure. As a rule, most tent sealing treatments require 24 hours to dry completely, so make sure you have a designated location free of clutter where you can stretch the tent out for a day to dry. Reseal any seams that are leaking. The majority of tents are marketed with the seams already sealed, generally using seam tape or a similar product. Seams are particularly susceptible, so check them for damage on a regular basis.

• Due to the residue left on the inside of the seam, it is necessary to reapply fresh seam sealer to the exterior of the cloth.
• If the waterproof coating on the fabric of the tent is deteriorating, you must determine whether to renew the coating or to replace the tent entirely.
• Begin by carefully wiping away any flakes, and then apply a thin coat of paint-on polyurethanesealant to seal the surface.
• If your tent’s floor is starting to break, it’s time to replace it.
• The majority of rainflies are made of polyester or nylon with a polyurethane covering.
• Each type of fabric necessitates the use of a coating and seam sealer that has been specially designed for that fabric.
• Fabric and Gear Care Products are available for purchase.

Contributing Experts

Jon Almquist works as a product manager for tents at the REI Co-op headquarters in Kent, Washington.

Chris Pottinger

Chris Pottinger works at REI Co-op in Kent, Washington, as a senior tent designer.

Scott F. Smith

Scott F. Smith is the Test Engineering Manager for the Product Research, Testing, and Quality team at REI Co-op. He has been with the company for over a decade. When he’s not in the lab, he likes outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, climbing, and mountain biking, as well as his newfound enthusiasm for surfing and ocean conservation.

Lindsey Stone

Currently based in Seattle, Lindsey Stone works as the operations director for Rainy Pass Repair Inc. Prior to that, she worked as a professional sewing technician for a total of 12 years. Her family, which includes her husband, kid, and dog, likes hiking, camping, and canoeing together.

Tent Care, Maintenance & Common Repairs

If you haven’t been able to get out camping yet, now could be a good time to start thinking about it and cleaning your camping gear ahead of time. When the time comes for your first vacation, you’ll not only be prepared for the season, but you’ll also be able to start thinking about where you’ll travel on your first trip. Continue reading to find out how you may prepare your tent for future camping excursions. Camping in a tent is a traditional activity. Bringing your shelter to your campground, pitching it in the exact position, and falling asleep to the calm music of nature is a really rewarding experience.

Additionally, as new technologies and materials are produced, tents are getting more advanced, and each year, new designs that are more durable, lightweight, and comfortable are introduced to the market.

A decent tent may survive for a long time if it is properly maintained, and understanding how to do so is essential to extending its useful life. This article will provide you some pointers on how to repair and maintain your tent so that it will last you for many camping excursions in the future.

Tent Care, Maintenance and Repair

A tent is constructed of synthetic fabrics, metal, polymers, and waterproof coatings, all of which require special attention to ensure that they operate as intended. A widespread assumption is that, because these materials are tough and designed to resist moisture, they can withstand harsh circumstances — including those that we ourselves periodically subject them to. This isn’t true. While tents are designed to provide protection from the elements when used outside, their long-term longevity is dependent on how well they are maintained and treated.

Keeping moisture out of the tent before storing it helps to keep the materials sturdy and water-resistant.

There are a variety of measures you may take to safeguard your tent.

1. During Setup at the Campsite

Preparing your campground is the first stage in this process. Choose a flat, level location and clear the area of twigs and stones that might damage the bottom of your tent. In order to protect your tent from ground dampness, first put out a footprint. This may be anything from a synthetic ground cover to a folded sheet of construction house-wrap folded in half. If you intend to leave your tent in the same location for a number of days, it is preferable to have it in the shade. Tent fabric does not fare well in the presence of UV radiation, and utilizing trees to shield it from the sun is an excellent approach to avoid this problem.

Polyester rain flys are more resistant to sunlight than nylon rain flys.

This can cause the metal to break or put stress on it, increasing the likelihood of it snapping in the future.

2. During the Course of Your Camping Trip

While using your tent, the zipper will be one of the sections that gets the most use because it is one of the most exposed to the elements. Pulling zippers with one hand might be a difficult experience if they don’t move easily as you would expect. However, forcing them might cause the fabric to weaken and break, so use your other hand to maintain the zipper track as you draw away from it. The majority of the time, if the zipper track splits, it can be repaired by just running the zipper back over it until it locks back together.

Keep all of your dirty boots, shoes, and other items outside of the tent until you’re done.

Keeping food inside the tent can attract rats, who would gladly eat through the tent to get to it.

One more point to mention: Dogs can make excellent sleeping companions in a tent, but their claws and teeth are not compatible with the walls and floor of the tent.

In order to keep your dog contained, it is not a good idea to place him in a tent. Additionally, when exposed to direct sunshine, tents may become quite hot, making it dangerous for your dog to remain inside.

3. Storing Your Tent After Camping

While utilizing your tent, the zipper will be one of the components that gets the most use because it is one of the most often used parts. When zippers do not glide smoothly when pulled with one hand, it may be quite annoying. Attempting to push them can weaken and rip the fabric, so use your other hand to stabilize the zipper track as you pull away from the zipper track. It is typically possible to repair a split zipper track by passing the zipper back over it until it locks together again. As a result, pliers may be required in some instances.

Bringing dust and debris inside the tent may deteriorate the material and may result in holes in the ground floor.

Keeping food outside the tent will keep rodents away.

In order to keep your dog contained, it is not a good idea to leave it inside a tent.

Tent Maintenance

Your tent will last longer if you take the precautions suggested in the preceding section before, during, and after usage. Read on for more information. It will take you the rest of the way if you know how to properly maintain it, though. Here are some pointers on how to maintain your tent properly:

1. How to Clean a Tent

When you follow the precautions recommended in the preceding section, your tent will last for a very long time and will be very well maintained. It will take you the rest of the way if you know how to properly maintain it. For good tent care, consider the following suggestions.

2. How to Avoid Getting Mold on Your Tent

Tents are made up of a number of materials that are strung together to provide a barrier between humans and the outside world; it is only natural that they absorb moisture. When you sleep in a tent, your body generates heat and your breath generates moisture, which both contribute to the overall temperature. This warm, wet air rises to the top of the tent, where it collides with the walls of the structure. Consequently, because this cloth is generally colder than the surrounding air, moisture condenses on its surface.

When this moisture becomes trapped within the tent, mold begins to grow.

If you want to avoid having mildew on your tent, take especially careful when drying it before storing it.

You may also use a fan to help it dry faster if you want to.

3. How to Clean a Tent With Mold and Mildew

As a sequence of materials strung together to provide a barrier between humans and the outside world, it is only natural that moisture will build in tents over time. You generate heat and moisture when sleeping in a tent, which is caused by your body’s metabolic activity. After rising to the top of the tent, this warm, wet air collides with the tent’s sides. Consequently, because this cloth is frequently colder than the surrounding air, moisture condenses on its surface. Exactly the same thing occurs under the rain fly and on the tent’s floor.

The most common reason for this is that the tent is packed up before it has had a chance to dry completely.

Bring the tent indoors and hang it in a cool, dry location until you’re ready to set it up again. You may even use a fan to help it dry faster if you choose. Once it is bone-dry to the touch, you may keep it in a cool, dry location without having to worry about mold growing on the surface.

4. How to Waterproof a Tent

There isn’t much else you could ask for in terms of a tent other than the fact that it is waterproof as long as it is not damaged or destroyed. Waterproof layers and coatings, on the other hand, wear away with time, necessitating the need to reapply them every couple of years. First and foremost, make certain that your tent is dry and situated in a location where it will not be contaminated by dirt. After that, begin with the seams. To complete this operation, you will need to acquire a tube of seam sealer, which, when applied, will waterproof this particularly susceptible area of the tent.

View the remainder of the tent for more information.

However, if the waterproofing of the tent floor has been compromised, it may be preferable to acquire a whole new tent.

5. How to Store a Tent

For the most part, people are surprised to learn that the best method to store sleeping bags is to shove them haphazardly into their respective sacks. Although meticulously wrapping it up might result in unequal fluff distribution, filling it allows the fluff to be dispersed more randomly because of the compression. A tent, on the other hand, does not profit from being filled into its sack in an uneven manner. The tent should be folded into thirds equally along its longitudinal axis when it has been thoroughly dried.

As a result of this rolling, the seams and textiles of the tent are subjected to about equal tension.

Some helpful clues are whether or not it feels wet or smells musty.

The fact that it is both roomy and breathable, as previously indicated, makes a pillowcase an excellent loose storage bag.

Camping Tent Repair

We rely on tents to protect us from the weather, and as a result, they are subjected to some harsh usage. Rain, wind, mud, twigs, stones, and human mistake are just a few of the trials and tribulations that a tent must face. It is possible that these difficulties will overcome them, and that they will require repair in order to return to functioning condition. One item that you should keep on hand at all times is some type of mending tape. Although there is some dispute over whether tent repair tape is the best, duct tape is a fantastic all-around alternative.

Tent repair tips that are easy to do on your own are included below.

1. How to Patch a Tent Floor

When it comes to tent floor repairs, it’s always a good idea to keep a small patch kit on hand. In the event that you have even a little hole in the bottom of your tent, water can seep in and get into your sleeping bag and living space. Always remember to use a footprint below your tent as a precautionary measure. If you have poked a hole in the floor of your tent, a patch may be the most effective method of fixing it. Patches may come with a built-in adhesive, or you may need to apply some glue to the patch before it will adhere to the tent’s floor properly.

After that, apply the patch and allow it to set for several minutes.

Silicone-based sealants are excellent for a wide range of applications.

Line up the edges of the tear as evenly as possible on the exterior surface of your tent and apply tape over the top of them to seal the tear. After that, apply the silicone sealer to the interior of the window and allow it to cure for 10 to 12 hours.

2. How to Repair a Ripped Tent Seam

Because of the tension placed on them and the inherent risk of leakage, tent seams are among the most meticulously built elements of the tent. Preserve a tube of seam sealer on hand for occasional use in waterproofing seams; preventing water from entering seams is one of the most effective methods to guarantee that they remain robust. Several choices are available if your tent seam falls apart: the right fix, the fast fix, and the expert fix.

• Proper repair: If you are skilled with a needle and thread, you may recreate the process used by tent makers to stitch the seam back together and secure it in place again. Make certain you choose a strong thread that can survive exposure to the elements. Also, make careful to secure the sections of sewing that came free as a result of the tear. When you are through stitching, apply a couple of coats of seam sealer to the seam to keep it protected. Quick fix: If you’re about to leave for your camping vacation, or if you notice the tear while you’re already on the road, it’s time to break out the duct tape. When camping, duct tape comes in handy for a variety of fast solutions, and it is particularly good for patching seams. Bring the edges of the seam as close together as you can, and then wrap the duct tape around the outside of the tent to protect it. In the event that you have a hairdryer on hand, you may slightly heat it to improve its hold on the fabric. In order to ensure the highest possible quality, you may want to consider hiring a professional to repair the tear. When it comes to tent repair, there are many of firms that provide inexpensive pricing.

3. How to Repair a Rip in the Wall of Your Tent

Another do-it-yourself project that every camper with the correct equipment can do is repairing rips in the wall of their tent. You will require the following supplies:

• A bottle of rubbing alcohol, a clean towel, a pair of scissors, and duct tape are all required. A patch kit for mesh screens is also available.

Cleaning the exterior of the rip with rubbing alcohol after soaking a portion of a cloth in it is recommended. Make certain that all debris and dust have been removed from the surface in order to ensure effective adherence. After that, cut a piece of mending tape to the right size to cover the hole. Repair tape’s corners should be rounded off to prevent it from peeling upwards when exposed to water or moisture. Make sure your tent is set up on a flat platform so that the rip is smooth and ready to accept a repair.

Attempt to determine if the rip is at a location that will be subjected to a lot of strain, such as near a pole or in a corner.

Allow a day for the patches to settle before removing the tent from the ground.

4. How to Repair a Broken Tent Pole in a Pinch

When tent poles break when camping, they must be repaired as soon as possible. Strong gusts or a mistaken step might cause these poles to collapse, split, or break, thus understanding how to put together a workable solution is essential for survival. The first option is to make use of the pole sleeve that was most likely included with your tent assembly kit. The same way that having extra duct tape and stakes is a good idea, having one of these on hand is a good idea. Alternatively, if the pole is bent, put the pole sleeve over the top of it and softly press down with a rock to straighten it out.

Having positioned the pole sleeve over the break, duct tape both ends of it to the pole so that it functions as a split.

If you don’t have a pole sleeve on hand, you may use a stake to function as a splint by duct-taping it over the broken section of the pole.

Take Care of Your Tent to Get the Most Usage out of It

Taking good care of your tent and understanding how to maintain and repair it will go a long way toward ensuring that it lasts for many years.

Keep in mind that the measures listed below will assist you in keeping your tent in excellent condition:

• Choosing an appropriate camping location
• Taking good care of the tent when you’re setting it up
• Never put it away when it’s damp
• It should be cleaned on a regular basis. Waterproof coatings are being reapplied.

Apart from that, tent repairs are typically simple and may be accomplished with a basic set of equipment. Don’t forget to bring along duct tape, a patch kit, a few additional stakes, and a multitool with scissors and pliers for emergencies. It is unlikely that you will encounter any problems that cannot be resolved with these simple tools. When we go on an expedition, we may use a tent to accompany us and give a comfortable, pleasant shelter in which to enjoy it. If you take proper care of your tent, it will provide you with many years of restful sleep, pure air, and enjoyable experiences.

How to Wash a Tent

Otherwise, tent repairs are typically simple and require just a limited collection of equipment to be completed. Don’t forget to bring along duct tape, a repair kit, some additional stakes, and a multitool with scissors and pliers to fix any holes. It is unlikely that you will encounter any problems that cannot be resolved using these fundamental tools. When we go on an expedition, we may use a tent to accompany us and give a safe, comfortable place to rest and relax. You will reap numerous benefits from caring for your tent, including excellent sleep, clean air, and entertaining moments for many years to come!

FIRST,WHENTO WASH YOUR TENT:

When you return from a trip, it’s easy to put your belongings away without giving them a second thought. However, the attention you provide it will pay returns in the form of increased longevity. Dirt, smoke, sand, and other natural factors may degrade a tent’s fabric and cause grating on its components, such as zippers, over time. Cleaning your tent helps to breathe new vitality into it. Given that a tent represents a significant investment in camping equipment, the longer it lasts, the better.

• It has a soiled appearance: Although a little dust does not need washing your tent after every trip, if your tent appears excessively caked, or if dirt has accumulated for an extended period of time, it is necessary to wash
• Water does not quickly bead up, and the cloth does not readily soak out: Durable water repellent and waterproof coatings are degraded by grime
• Thus, cleaning the dirt layer and rejuvenating them is essential. Following a camping trip on the ocean: Sand works on textiles in the same way as microabrasives do, according to Andy. Salinated air damages zipper sliders and metal tent poles, while sand can prevent poleferrules from entirely encircling the tent poles. In Andy’s opinion, “a good soak and rinseis OK, but ground–in sand need soap to break the surface tension of the filth.” After being exposed to campfire smoke for an extended period of time: As a result of the smoke, your tent is coated in a coating of microparticles
• Clean your tent well to remove them. Following continuous UV exposure, the following occurs: Sunlight acts like an oven, baking dirt into the cloth as it passes through. Although there is no way to avoid UV exposure, keeping your tent clean can help it last longer in the sun.

HOW TO WASH A TENT

It is not recommended to wash your tent in a washing machine. In order to provide a delicate cleaning, hand washing in a bathtub should be used instead. As a bonus, you may clean out dirt that has been stuck in stuff pockets and other crevices. Make use of the most neutral soap you can find, rather than Woolite®. Making the appropriate choice in soap is crucial; look for the most neutral option you can find. The residues left by many laundry detergents include plant oils, perfumes, softening ingredients, and other substances, according to Andy.

However, it also contains softening agents.” Pure soap flakes have the least amount of effect on textiles and coatings and may be rinsed clean.

As a consequence, Andy states, “I personally like Dr.

Technological synthetic textiles (techwashes) are designed to wash technological synthetic fabrics while leaving part of its DWR in tact. Some of these products include Atsko® Sport-Wash, Nathan® Sport Wash, Grangers®Tent + Gear Wash, and GearAid®Revivex, among others. HOW TO CLEAN YOUR TENTACLE

• Using a large tub, fill it with cold water until the tent body and rainfly are completely submerged. Add a tiny amount of dishwashing liquid. The amount of soil required will be determined by the size of the tent and the type of earth. Hand agitation of the water is required. Remove dirt from pockets, gear lofts, and corners by turning the canopy/mesh inside out. Knead the canvas for approximately 5 minutes, pressing it down and swishing it about to ensure that the water gets into all of the cracks and crevices. Continue agitating the tent for another 20 minutes before removing it. Lift the tent and fly out of the tub to get a better look at the water. The water should be drained, the water should be squeezed out of the tent (do not twist it out), and the tub should be filled and the procedure repeated. Following completion of cleaning, fill the tub halfway with clean water and rinse the tent, fly, and poles as before. Clean tents can be hung over a shower rod, draped over a clothes drying rack, or simply laid out on a clean surface to dry. Keep sharp corners and edges to a minimum. The tent should not be hung by its corners since this exerts undue tension on the fabric. Before putting the cloth away, make sure it is completely dry. In Andy’s opinion, “I personally leave my tent hanging and flip it inside out and over for at least five days.”

APPLY FOR DWR AGAIN (DURABLE WATER REPELLENT) Regardless of whether you’ve chosen to use a techwash, you’ll want to revive the DWR in your tent. Andy prefersRevivex® by GearAid® over the competition.

• DWR MUST BE REAPPLIED (DURABLE WATER REPELLENT) If you’ve chosen to use a techwash, you’ll want to make sure that yourtent’s DWR is fully functional. Reviex® by GearAid® is Andy’s favorite brand of bandage.

How to clean a tent with mold / how to clean a tent that smells

DWR APPLICATION REQUESTED (DURABLE WATER REPELLENT) Whether or whether you’ve chosen to use a techwash, you’ll want to reactivate the DWR in your tent. Andy prefers the productRevivex® from GearAid®.

Removing sap from a tent

Sap is a difficult subject to broach (ba dum tsss). It’s difficult to get rid of without resorting to drastic procedures that can harm your tent. The use of a ground blanket or footprint can assist to defend against sap. If you do manage to pick up a glob, begin by washing it off with dish soap before moving on to mild chemicals. Removal chemicals and alcohol will peel the DWR off the cloth and can cause the fabric to become weak. Picking and scratching in the same region over and over again will most certainly degrade the fabric, maybe more so than even mild chemicals.

Here are a few more pieces in which they offer their knowledge and experience:

• Succulents are a difficult topic to broach (ba dum tsss). In order to get rid of it, you must use severe methods that can harm your tent. It is beneficial to prevent against sap by using a ground cloth or footprint. If you do manage to pick up a glob, begin by washing it off with dish soap before moving on to mild chemicals. Removing chemicals and alcohol will take the DWR from the fabric, making it more vulnerable to fraying and stretching. Picking and scratching in the same region over and over again will most certainly degrade the fabric, maybe more so than even mild chemicals will do. Seattle Repair Shop specialists have a plethora of experience and understanding. More articles that demonstrate their skill may be found here:

How to Clean a Tent

Sap is a difficult topic to broach (ba dum tsss). It’s difficult to get rid of without resorting to drastic procedures that might harm your tent. A ground blanket or footprint can be used to assist defend against sap. If you do happen to pick up a glob, begin by washing it off with dish soap before going on to mild chemicals. Removal chemicals and alcohol will remove the DWR from the cloth and can cause the fabric to become weak. Picking and scratching in one location again and over again will most certainly degrade the fabric, maybe more so than even moderate chemicals.

Here are a few more articles in which they offer their knowledge:

Directions for Cleaning a Tent:

1. Prepare the tent by putting it up. Pitch your tent and clean any dirt and dust away with a brush or broom before setting up camp. Then carefully inspect each piece for signs of wear and tear. Preparing for cleaning should include making any required repairs. Rinse. Using a yard hose or a bucket of water, completely rinse out the outside of the tent, inside and out. First and foremost, sap. Apply a solution of 1 oz Simple Green to 1 cup water with a spray bottle, or use a sponge and a bowl to apply the solution to any sap patches on your tent. Before wiping away the sap, let the solution to sit for 1-2 minutes to allow it to permeate the tree’s sap
2. Clean the tent with a disinfectant. In a spray bottle, combine approximately 1 oz of Simple Green with 32 oz (1 quart) of water. Apply the cleaning solution to each region of the surface and wipe away with a moist cloth or sponge, working in stages. Make sure not to harm the tent material or remove the polyurethane waterproof coating that is found on the bottom of most tent fly when you scrub any difficult regions. Stakes and poles are used. Apply the Simple Green solution to any sections of the tent stakes and poles that appear to be noticeably unclean. Wipe them down completely with a towel or sponge, and then wipe them down with water
3. Then rinse them well again. Wash down the exterior of the tent with your garden hose or a pail of water until it is completely clean. Then unzip the tent flap and use a hose to thoroughly clean the interior. The tent’s interior has been thoroughly cleaned. Unless the inside of your tent is muddy or greasy, a simple sweep-out is typically all that’s required to get the inside of your tent looking like new. In contrast, if your children have been wiping their sticky s’mores hands inside the refrigerator, you’ll need to give it a more thorough cleaning. Continue to work in parts, just as you did with the tent’s outside, applying the Simple Green solution and wiping down each area before moving on to the next
4. Rinse. Ensure that you thoroughly rinse the whole tent, both inside and out
5. To dry the tent, follow these steps: Make a shaky motion with the tent to get rid of any extra water both inside and outside, then raise up the back corners to drain as much water from the tent’s inside as you can. Leave the tent up in a shady outside location for a few hours to dry before using it again. Avoid keeping the tent in direct sunlight to avoid UV damage to the tent fabric, which may be costly. UV radiation may deteriorate nylon and polyester, making it more brittle and prone to tearing. Tent for storing items. In order to guarantee that no debris gets into your totally dry tent when it is folded for storage, make another pass over the underside of the tent floor before storing it. If you don’t use your tent right away, wrap it in a breathable pillowcase or mesh bag and store it somewhere cool and dry.

How to Clean Your Tent and Get Rid of Mold or Bad Odors

When you are camping in the great outdoors, there is something immensely satisfying about pitching a tent. Tents are extremely adaptable and lightweight, but they still provide us with adequate protection from the elements. They, too, have the potential to last a long time, but only with proper care and cleaning. Follow this guide on how to clean a tent to ensure that you can use it for as many years—and outdoor adventures—as you possibly can.

General Tent Cleaning Tips

After a camping vacation that lasts several days or more, you should thoroughly clean your tent. However, if you just use your tent for brief camping excursions every few months, it will only need to be cleaned once every few months. Moisture, filth, and grime are the most difficult obstacles to overcome in order to maintain your tent in the best possible condition, therefore it’s critical to address these issues while caring for and cleaning your tent. First, bear in mind the following basic suggestions for keeping your tent clean before moving on to more specific tent cleaning circumstances.

• Remove any dirt that has found its way inside your tent by shaking it out or vacuuming it up. You should do this each and every time you use your tent, but at the absolute least, make sure you do it prior to putting your tent away for the winter. It is not recommended to pack and store a tent that is wet or moist. Set up the tent when you return home to enable it to dry entirely if it is not possible to let it air dry completely at your camping spot. Tents are typically easier to clean when they are taut and properly erected. Outer textiles should be washed by hand. Wipe the tent down with a mix of lukewarm water and mild soap, such as liquid hand soap, to remove any remaining dirt (avoid detergents or soaps with fragrances, which may attract insects). After that, thoroughly rinse
• Soft, dry cloths should be used to clean the tent poles. When returning from oceanside camping vacations, this is a necessary step to take in order to remove salt spray and prevent against corrosion. It is not necessary to brush the underside of the tent fly. In some cases, the polyurethane waterproof coating put to the bottom of most tent fly might be damaged or removed as a result. You may clean zippers by briefly submerging them in water and drying them off if you’ve been camping in sandy or muddy conditions. If the zipper sliders are not cleaned regularly, they will wear out and eventually become inoperable. Tents should not be washed or dried in the machine. Both the agitator and dryer temperatures can cause damage to the fabric, as well as special coatings and seam tape, in the washing machine.

How to Clean a Tent with Mold

As mold and mildew thrive in moist or damp conditions, you should expect to find these unpleasant guests setting up camp in your tent at some time during your stay. Despite the fact that mold and mildew develop fast on damp textiles, this does not always imply that your tent is a complete loss. The best way to clean a tent that has mold or mildew depends on the amount of mold or mildew present.

Sometimes all that is required is hot, soapy water; at other times, more harsh procedures may be necessary. A specialist cleanser such as Revivex Pro Cleaner or an enzyme cleaner such as MiraZyme takes the guesswork out of cleaning and yet maintains the fabric of your tent frame.

1. Removing the mold and mildew from the tent material with a gentle brush is recommended. Wash the damaged area using a specialist cleaner, being sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A solution of 1/2 cup Lysol to a gallon of hot water, or one quart vinegar and 12 teaspoon soap to five gallons of hot water, can be used as a DIY mold cleaning
2. Rinse
3. Allow for thorough drying of the tent.

If the mold or mildew has discolored your tent, you can remove the stain by following these steps:

• The majority of fabrics may be cleaned using a non-chlorine bleach
• Using 1 cup lemon juice and 1 cup salt in a gallon of hot water, you can wash colorful garments
• However, this is not recommended. Utilize a solution of two teaspoons bleach to one gallon of water for cleaning colored materials.

How to Clean a Tent that Smells

Even after the tent has been thoroughly cleaned, mold and mildew odors may still be present. When it comes to how to clean a smelly tent, an odor remover such as Revivex or Mirazyme is your best choice. Follow the directions carefully to prevent harming the tent’s waterproof covering and other components. Allow plenty of time for the tent to dry completely, as it may take some time for the odor eliminators to fully activate. Another cause of foul tent odors will require a bit more effort. The underside of the tent flap and the tent floor are often sprayed with a polyurethane coating to make them waterproof, which is common on many tents.

This odour will have to be dealt with by stripping the polyurethane coating and applying a new one, which will take some time.

How to Clean a Canvas Tent

Mold and mildew scents may persist even after the tent has been thoroughly cleaned. How to clean a smelly tent is best accomplished with the help of an odor remover such as Revivex or Mirazyme. Keep to the guidelines in order to prevent damage to the tent’s waterproof covering. Remember to give the tent plenty of time to dry as the odor eliminators may take some time to completely activate. There’s one more thing that has to be done to eliminate nasty tent odors: The underside of the tent fly and the tent floor are often sprayed with a polyurethane coating to make them waterproof, which is common on camping tents.

In order to deal with the odor, you will need to remove the polyurethane coating and then apply a fresh one.

1. Mold and mildew scents may persist even after the tent has been cleaned. When it comes to how to clean a stinky tent, an odor remover such as Revivex or Mirazyme is your best choice. Follow the directions carefully to prevent ruining the tent’s waterproof covering and other features. Allow plenty of time for the tent to dry, as it may take some time for the odor eliminators to fully activate. Another cause of foul tent odors requires a bit more effort. The underside of the tent flap and the tent floor are often coated with a polyurethane coating to make them waterproof. When polyurethane coatings fail, a nasty stench like vomit or urine might be released. To get rid of the odor, you’ll need to remove the polyurethane coating and then reapply a new one. Keeping your tent clean, dry, and correctly kept will help keep unwanted odors at bay.

Keep Your Tent Clean with Proper Storage

Don’t let all of your hard work keeping your tent clean go to waste by storing it in a way that allows dirt or moisture to seep back into the tent. Tents that have been improperly stored may need you to clean them from the ground up before they can be used again, and their lifespan may be reduced as a result. In the garage, you can store your tent safely and securely because it is dry and out of the weather. Tents and other camping equipment, on the other hand, can be cumbersome and difficult to store.

Adjustable straps allow you to customize your tent to your exact specifications, after which you can simply lift it out of the way with the touch of a smartphone.

You shouldn’t have to give up convenience in order to properly store your equipment, according to Garage Smart. Learn more about how our whole line of goods may make your life simpler right now. Previous Previous postNext Next post

How to Clean a Tent (And Other Tent Care Tips!)

Carefully maintaining your tent will significantly extend its useful life. Although this entails a variety of factors, such as appropriate storage and frequent maintenance, the single most critical component is maintaining the cleanliness of your tent. The good news is that cleaning a tent (both in the field and at home) isn’t particularly difficult. Today, we’ll go through the specifics of how to clean your tent, as well as a few other important aspects of tent maintenance.

Tent Care in the Field

Maintaining your tent’s cleanliness and condition while it’s out in the field is the most effective method of keeping it in excellent shape.

Setting Up Camp

When setting up camp, keep the following recommendations in mind to extend the life of your tent:

• Clean Up Large Debris — Once you’ve found a flat, level site to pitch your tent, take away any large debris such as trees or pine cones that may have accumulated beneath the area where the tent is to be erected.

• A ground cloth may be used to protect your tent from the elements. An extra layer under your tent can help maintain it in good condition. Use a ground fabric, such as a tent footprint or a tarp, to protect the ground beneath your tent.

• Look for Shade – UV radiation, especially during the hottest part of the day and over extended periods of time, can cause major damage to the fabric of your tent. Consequently, set your tent in the shade if at all feasible (this will also assist to keep your tent cool)
• And

Following these very simple tent setup guidelines can go a long way toward keeping your tent tidy.

Using Your Tent

Correct usage of your tent while camping is just as important as proper tent setup when it comes to maintaining tent cleanliness:

• Broom and dustpan are particularly useful if you’re vehicle camping since they’ll help you keep your tent clean, which is especially important if you’re camping with children or your dog.

• Food and drinks (other than water) are not permitted inside your tent. Not only does this help to minimize spills and keep your tent clean, but it’s also important for avoiding interactions with wildlife when camping.

• Bring no food or drinks (other than water) inside your tent! The ability to minimize spills and keep your tent clean is not only important for keeping wildlife at bay, but it is also necessary for avoiding interactions with them.

Each morning, I prefer to complete a one-minute tent cleanup to get the day started right. I’ll shake out the sleeping bags, conduct a fast sweep, and clean up any spills (despite the fact that I’ve previously stated that there would be no food!). Cleaning your tent after a fast trip to the campsite truly does make cleaning your tent at home easier.

Packing Up Your Tent

It’s critical to take a few minutes to properly put away your tent when it comes to in-field tent upkeep. Here’s how:

• Lastly, when it comes to in-field tent care, it’s critical to take a few minutes to carefully put away your tent. This includes:

• Attempt to Dry If At All Possible — If your tent is wet, it is preferable to allow it to dry completely before loading it back into your vehicle. However, if it’s still raining or you have a pressing need to drive somewhere, try to spread the wet clothes out in your car to at least allow for a little drying time before you reach home.

• Roll Your Tent Instead of Folding –You’ll probably be OK folding up a tent, but rolling your tent is a simple technique to avoid damage and extend the life of your tent.

As soon as you arrive at your destination, remove your tent from its stuff sack or storage sack. I go into further detail on appropriate tent storage further down the page.

How to Clean Your Tent

You should take your tent out of its packing sack or storage bag as soon as you arrive at your destination. The next section contains further information about appropriate tent storage.

How to Clean a Dirty Tent

First and foremost, let your tent to air dry fully until it is entirely dry. After that, open all of the doors and windows in the house and shake out any remaining debris. Generally speaking, even if your tent is muddy from a wet camping trip, the majority of the dirt and grime will shake out once it has dried. At this stage, I prefer to use a non-abrasive sponge to spot clean the inside of my tent. Use cold water and a non-detergent soap to wash your hands. Hand-clean your tent by carefully cleaning any filthy spots until they are completely clean.

However, a decent mineral oil or anything as simple as hand sanitizer should suffice in this situation.

If your tent is very filthy, you may use a large bucket, bathtub, or sink to wash the entire thing using the same manner as described above (hand scrub with gentle sponge, cool water, and non-detergent soap).

My hose has even been used to wash my tent, and it appears to perform satisfactorily there as well. Use the gentlest setting possible if you’re applying the product with a sprayer or an applicator. Remember to allow your tent to dry fully after washing it, no matter which technique you use!

How to Clean a Tent That Smells

As has been said several times before, proper tent storage (i.e., allowing the tent to dry entirely) is the most effective method of combating smells. However, if your tent does begin to smell, it is very feasible to thoroughly clean it so that the stench is no longer there. The most essential thing to remember is to avoid using a washing machine whenever possible. Never wash a tent in the washing machine since there is a considerable risk of damaging the delicate textiles within the tent. When cleaning a soiled tent, follow the same procedure as described previously.

• Fill a bucket, bathtub, or sink halfway with cold water and soak the tent fully.
• Using your hand, gently clean and agitate the tent’s surface.
• Soap can occasionally leave a residue on the skin.
• After washing, be certain that the tent is properly rinsed.
• Both the rainfly and the tent body should be cleaned because both can harbor odors.
• Scrubbing your tent’s waterproofing covering too forcefully will cause it to get damaged.

How to Clean Mold or Mildew from a Tent

Correct tent storage (i.e. allowing it to dry completely) is the most effective method of combating smells, as has been said previously. However, if your tent does begin to smell, it is very feasible to thoroughly clean it and eliminate the stink. However, it is always preferable not to wash your clothes in a washing machine. Never wash a tent in the washing machine since there is a considerable risk of damaging the delicate textiles used in its construction. To clean a soiled tent, follow the same procedure as described above.

1. To avoid this, proceed right to the hand washing step and do not spot clean your tent.
2. Replace the detergent soap with an alternative (make sure it also has no fragrance).
3. In addition to using vinegar and lemon juice, you may make your own DIY remedy.
4. This is not the case with vinegar and lemon juice.
5. A number of extra baths in clean water are frequently required to finish this process.

Even if you’re using a non-abrasive sponge, you should clean carefully to avoid scratching the surface of the sponge. The waterproofing covering on your tent may become damaged if you scrub too hard. The following website provides much more information on how to clean a stinky tent.

How to Store Your Tent

Proper tent storage, rather than simply washing your tent, is, in my opinion, significantly more crucial. In fact, keeping your tent properly helps to keep smells, mold, and mildew at bay, which minimizes the likelihood that you’ll ever have to give your tent a complete cleaning in the future. Listed below is all you need to know about keeping a camping tent properly:

• Allow Your Tent to Air Dry – Always, always, always allow your tent to air dry fully before storing it.

• Before storing your tent, always, always, always allow it to completely air dry before putting it away.

• A cool, dry area is the ideal way to keep your tent when it is not in use. Avoid keeping your tent in a wet environment.

I just want to emphasize that you should always allow your tent to thoroughly dry out before storing it. The most important thing you can do to extend the life of a tent is to store it properly.

Other Tent Care and Repair Tips

After a trip, I spend a few minutes to examine my tent for any damage and then put it away until the next time I use it. Listed below are some important tent care, maintenance, and repair recommendations:

• Inspect the tent for tears and fix them as quickly as possible with a tent repair kit. Both repair tape and mesh patch kits are available
• However, repair tape is preferred.

• Seams should be resealed using a liquid seam sealant if there are any leaking tent seams. Seams can also be retaped, however this is a more complicated procedure. Always use the proper sort of seam sealer for your tent fabric (silicone-treated fabric sealers as well as polyurethane-treated fabric sealers are available)

• Tent Pole Repair – Using a pole repair sleeve (which is comparable to a splint) is the most effective method of repairing a tent pole. Simply slip the sleeve over the tent pole and secure it with a piece of duct tape to keep it in place. It’s not particularly attractive, but it serves its purpose.

• Reapply Waterproofing – Take a minute to go over your tent’s waterproof covering and make any necessary repairs. If it is beginning to fail (i.e., it is visibly peeling), it is time to either reapply a thin layer of paint-on polyurethane sealer or replace it completely. Some tent manufacturers also give replacement rainflies (which is probably a preferable alternative if it is available)
• Some tent manufacturers also provide replacement tarps.

• Repaint Your Tent With Waterproofing – Take a time to examine the waterproof coating on your tent. As soon as you see that it is failing (visible peeling), it is necessary to either reapply a light layer of paint-on polyurethane sealer or replace it completely. A few tent manufacturers also give replacement rainflies (which is likely to be a better choice if one is available)
• Some tent manufacturers also provide replacement rainflies

Professional tent repair services are available, and although I’ve never used them (I usually do my own tent repairs), they are accessible. Many outdoor merchants, both large chains and small family-owned businesses, provide repair services. For instance, REI Repair Services may assist you in repairing a tent. If you can’t fix the damage yourself, it’s typically best to simply buy a new tent, unless your tent is really costly or specialized in some way, in which case it’s usually better to just get a new tent.

Why Taking Care of Your Tent Is Important

The option of hiring professional tent repair services is accessible, however I have never used one (I usually do my own tent repairs). Repair services are provided by a large number of outdoor merchants, including both national chains and independent businesses. In the case of a tent, for example, REI Repair Services can assist you. If you can’t fix the damage yourself, it’s typically preferable to simply get a new tent, unless your tent is really costly or specialized in some way, in which case it’s usually best to just buy a new tent.

• Increase Tent Lifespan – Even the most basic of tent care and cleaning will significantly increase the lifespan of your tent.

• Increased Enjoyment — A filthy, dingy, and odorous tent may make tent camping a dreadful experience.

• Discourage Animals from Entering — Food spills and other tent scents might attract wild animals. When camping in bear territory, this is something you definitely don’t want to happen.

• Discourage Animals from Entering — Food spills and other tent scents might draw wild animals inside your tent. When camping in bear territory, you don’t want to be in this situation.

The good news is that, as we’ve demonstrated throughout this article, basic tent maintenance is really quick and simple.

Learn More About Cleaning Camping Gear

A tent is simply one item on your camping or hiking checklist; there are plenty more. However, not only your tent, but also every item of camping equipment must be cleaned and maintained. Keep an eye out for other camping gear cleaning recommendations, including instructions on how to clean your sleeping bag. And, as usual, please let us know if you have any further questions in the comments section below! Camping is a blast!