Garbage & Dirt Throw out all the garbage and dirt by shaking them off your tent. Brush off loose dirt, and where necessary scrape off dirt using a flat bladed knife. Even if you used the gentlest cycle, a washing machine will stretch and damage the tent. Of course, you can’t just toss a tent into a washing machine and a dryer. The same also applies to grime and dirt, both of which can weaken materials. Consider refreshing the waterproof coatings. Be sure to avoid underneath your tent on the outside as you don’t want to wear away the waterproof coating. Once the tent is bone-dry you can store it in a dry area and not have to worry about mold growth. "name": "The Camping Geek", It’s also important to note that a rain fly is the most UV resistant part of a tent, so it’s also a good idea to use it on sunny days. If you’re dealing with a stubborn patch of mold, you can use a soft bristled brush to scrub it out. Over time, a tent’s waterproof coatings and layers will come off, which is why they must be reapplied every three years. In some cases, you may need to use some pliers. The next step is brushing the coating on and allowing it to soak in. Fill the tub with enough cool water to completely submerge the tent body and rainfly. If you know any other tips, don’t forget to share it with us. How to Clean a Tent - my tent was all dirty and stained up from camping in the mud. "@type": "ImageObject", Agitate the water by hand. by gently cleaning to remove flakes; then apply a thin coat of paint-on polyurethane sealant. We recommend using lukewarm water when you are cleaning your tent. Use a cloth or a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the tent out gently. Proper cleaning and storing of a tent is not difficult when you know what needs to be done. If your tent is starting to smell, is growing mildew or it’s just plain dirty, it’s time to give it a good cleaning. Naturally, they tend to accumulate moisture. When people sleep in the tent, their body produces heat, while their breath produces moisture. Continue to divide them into segments. If necessary, … "publisher": { With these tips, cleaning up after a camping trip couldn’t be easier. Wash the tent rods with a soft and dry cloth to avoid destroying the tent waterproofing. Removing moisture from a tent before storing it will help to keep the materials waterproof and strong. For the tent poles, store them fully assembled. When it’s time to unpack the tent for a good cleaning, you’ll probably come across some mold patches. After a thorough cleaning, allow the tent to dry in order to remove the smell before storing it. Mold can grow in tents, especially if they are not properly taken care of. Rinse off the tent. It’s important that you clean your tent immediately following a long camping trip, or a short camping trip in which you deal with challenging weather conditions. Storing a tent wet will only promote mildew growth. Moisture will condense on it since the fabric is colder from the outside air. "headline": "HOW TO CLEAN A TENT BEFORE AND AFTER A CAMPING TRIP", When you get home, you can bring the tent indoors and hang it up to dry in a cool area. } Story. Wet Place Before pack-up, you must ensure that there is no wet place in your camp because if there is any it may harm... 3. Don’t scrub the tent. As you might imagine, cleaning your camping tent doesn’t start after your trip has ended. The whole point of using a tent is to protect you and your fellow campers from the elements. Click a star to rate. I recommend storing the tent in a pillowcase, since it’s breathable and spacious and can help to prevent mold growth, while also protecting the tent from dust, dirt, and grime. If all of the above techniques are ineffective, it’s time to take more serious … "text": "Large rips or tears" For dirty, dusty, sandy or salty poles, take a rag and wipe them down. It will damage the fabric of your tent and make it fragile instead of cleaning your tent. Here is what not to do when cleaning your canvas tent. For this job, you’ll need to use seam sealer, which will waterproof all of the vulnerable parts of the tent where it’s applied. If necessary, use a mild, biodegradable soap and lukewarm water to wipe any tough spots off. Your tent is set up on a bluff overlooking the seashore. Next, you need to lay down a footprint to protect the tent from the moisture in the ground. The tent should be folded along its longer axis. Identify all the corners where dirt... 2. Once you get home you may need to dry it out again. Make sure you rinse the tent thoroughly to remove all of the soap … Returning home from a getaway with a dusty, dirty tent is to be expected after a weekend spent in nature. One hand should be used to stabilize the track of the zipper as you pull the zipper up or down. Camping gear can easily become a victim of mold and mildew. "text": "Foul odor that does not come out with repeat cleanings" },{ },{ This moist warm air will float upward, colliding with the sides of the tent. "@type": "Person", "image": "https://thecampinggeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/canstockphoto42769993.jpg", Deep Cleaning Method. Else, you can turn to water with vinegar equation. }, "name": "Signs you need a new tent", These outdoor ventures are thrilling but your tent can pick up all sort of dirt, mud, grime, or mildew. It should then be rolled tightly, in order to get rid of any pockets of air. Your Tent. When you’re removing these, you should push them all the way through instead of pulling them out. The steps include: • Taking down the tent, • Cleaning of tent once home, and • Storage of tent. "logo": { Most of the fungus that accumulates is due to the tent fabric getting moist. However, forcing a zipper can tear the fabric and can weaken the zipper itself. Rolling the tent will place an equal amount of stress on all of the seams. After you’ve given the tent a good cleaning, once it has completely dried out, fold it evenly into thirds. It can also cause the poles to snap in the future. Learn more and join us, Earn a $100 REI Gift Card when you apply, get approved and make any purchase within 60 days of card approval.Details, Mon–Fri, 5am–10pm PT Sat–Sun, 6am–9pm PT.