How to clean a tent

First - how often to clean the tent:

After each use, check the tent for necessary repairs and clean it thoroughly. Even if you don't clean your tent, it needs to dry completely before storing. Before you leave, if you are unsure about the condition of your tent, take the time to inspect it and clean it if necessary.

After spending a weekend outdoors, it's normal to bring a dirty, dusty tent home from your trip.

Here are the necessary steps when cleaning a tent:

• You will need water, soap, tent cleaner, a cloth, a sponge and a bathtub.
• Brush and shake: Remove any sand or dried dirt; you can also carefully sweep or vacuum the inside while the tent is set up.
• Spot clean first, then soak the tent in soapy water. To tackle really stubborn b, follow our deep cleaning tips.
• Rinse and dry: Before storing your tent, rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely.

Cleaning the tent step by step

Here's what you need to clean a dirty tent:

• Cold or lukewarm water
• Mild, unscented dishwashing liquid
• A cleaner specifically designed for outdoor clothing and equipment
• Non-abrasive sponge or cloth
• Bathtub or large bathtub

Now you can start:

1. Soap spot cleaning: Gently use a cloth or sponge and a small amount of mild dish soap to clean additional dirt.
2. Prepare the bathtub: Fill the bathtub with cool or lukewarm water and add tent cleaner. Follow the directions on the bottle to see how much cleanser to use.
3. Prepare your tent: separate the doors and turn the tent inside out.
4. Soak your tent: Submerge your tent in the bathtub. Again, follow the directions on the cleaning solution bottle to see how long you want your tent to soak.
5. Rinse thoroughly: Empty the bathtub and fill it with clean water. You may need to do this several times to remove all the soap from the tent and rainwater.
6. Dry completely: Set up the tent or hang it in a cool, shady place until it is completely dry.

Additional: thorough cleaning of the tent

Follow the directions for your enzyme cleaner, especially when it comes to soaking your tent. Leaving the tent soaked for longer than the recommended time may result in hydrolysis, as a result of which the water begins to destroy the waterproof polyurethane coatings.

If there is pine resin on your tent, clean the tent with mineral oil, but be careful not to scrub. You can also try alcohol-based products like hand sanitizer or wet wipes. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with water after removing the resin.

If zippers aren't working properly, take a toothbrush and scrub away any sand, dirt, mud or saltwater residue trapped in the zipper teeth. In case of heavier dirt, rinse the zipper with water and then brush it.

For dirty, dusty, sandy or salty poles, take a cloth and wipe them down.

Consider refreshing your waterproof coatings. If your tent doesn't protect you from the rain like it used to, you can renew the coatings.

Also remember that the tent must be completely dry before storing it, even if you do not clean it.