One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your tent is to clean and store it correctly. Proper cleaning and storage protect the tent fabric, the seams and the waterproof coatings on the tent floor and rainfly.
Cleaning:
When washing your tent, keep the scrubbing to a minimum to protect the nylon, mesh panels and waterproof coatings. Spot clean when you can. If you have to wash the entire tent, follow this basic procedure:
Removing Mildew:
Storage:
General Tent Care Tips:
2. Protect your floor -- Use a ground sheet to protect your tent floor from punctures and abrasion from below. Remove your footwear before you climb inside to keep dirt and abrasive boot soles outside where they belong.
3. Take it easy on your poles -- If your tent poles are linked with shockcord, break them down by folding them near the middle first, then folding each half. This will lower the resulting tension on the shockcord inside.
4. Occasionally you will need to reseal the seams of the tent with a seam sealer. There are a number of different commercial kinds out there. Personally I have found "Kenyon Seam Sealer" to work the best.
Keep your tent as dry and clean as possible at all times. Brush it out completely after each trip or turn it inside out and shake it clean. If the tent is damp, set it up in a dry, shady place so it can dry out completely before you pack it away. Never store your tent wet.
1. Hand wash with cold water, using a mild, non-detergent soap (like Ivory liquid) and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid scouring pads and abrasive cleansers.
2. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Let the tent air-dry completely, preferably in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight (prolonged exposure will damage the nylon and your waterproof coatings).
4. Machine washing is not recommended. DO NOT machine dry.
Mildew can develop any time your tent is stored wet. In addition to
looking and smelling bad, mildew can damage your tent's waterproof coatings. To remove mildew, try a little light scrubbing with a sponge during regular cleaning. If the mildew and/or mildew odor remains, try the following procedure:
1. Mix 1/2 cup of Lysol(R) in 1 gallon of hot water.
2. Wash mildew areas thoroughly with this mixture, using a non-abrasive sponge.
3. Let tent air dry.
4. Once the tent is dry, mix 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of concentrated lemon juice and one gallon of hot water.
5. Wash affected areas with this mixture and a non-abrasive sponge.
6. Let tent air dry.
The best place to store your tent is in a cool, dry, shaded spot. Avoid damp basements, hot attics, dirty garages and any place in direct sunlight. Whenever possible, store your tent folded loosely rather than packed tight in a stuff sack.
1. Avoid excess sun exposure -- Over time, the sun's ultraviolet rays damage tent fabrics and coatings, so pitch your tent in a shady area whenever possible. Rainflies are cheaper to replace than tent bodies, so cover your tent with your rainfly as much as possible when in the sun.