How To Clean Tents

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Mosabbir

Camping is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature, but it’s important to remember to leave your campsite the way you found it.

This means packing up all your trash, cleaning up any messes you made, and properly cleaning your tent before you leave. Not sure how to clean tents? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

Moldy Tent Washing Instructions

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of dealing with a mouldy tent, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of the musty smell and unsightly stains.

But don’t despair with a little elbow grease and the right cleaning supplies, you can have your tent looking like new again in no time.

Learn more: Solar Panels vs Solar Blankets- Which is Better For Camping?

What You’ll Need

1 cup of white vinegar
1 cup of warm water
1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap
A clean, empty spray bottle
A soft-bristled brush (toothbrushes work well for this)
A clean towel or clothes for drying

Washing Instructions

Mix the vinegar, water, and dish soap together in the spray bottle. Give it a good shake to make sure everything is mixed together well. If you have a large tent, you may need to double or triple the recipe.
Set your mouldy tent up in an area where you can easily work on it—preferably outdoors so you don’t have to worry about making a mess.
Begin by spraying down the entire tent with the vinegar solution, paying special attention to any areas that seem especially mouldy or stained.
Using the brush, gently scrub away any stubborn stains or patches of mould.
Once you’re satisfied that all the mould and dirt are gone, give the tent another good once-over with the vinegar spray.
Allow the tent to air dry completely in sunlight before packing it away.
Enjoy your clean, fresh-smelling tent!

How To Clean Tents

Let us thoroughly go through the steps of how to clean tents;

Step One: Take Your Tent Down & Give It A Shake

The first step in cleaning your tent is to take it down and give it a good shake. This will help get rid of any dirt, dust, or debris that may be clinging to the fabric.

If your tent is particularly dirty, you can also vacuum it at this stage. Just be sure to use a soft brush attachment so you don’t damage the fabric.

Step Two: Spot Clean Any Stains With Soap & Water

Once you’ve given your tent a good shake, it’s time to tackle any stains. The best way to do this is with a mixture of soap and water. Apply the mixture to the stain with a soft cloth and then blot it away.

You may need to repeat this process a few times for tough stains. Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with clean water and blot dry.

Step Three: Wash The Tent With Mild Dish Soap & Water

The next step is to wash the entirety of your tent with mild dish soap and water. Using a sponge or soft cloth, lightly scrub the entire surface of the tent.

Be sure to pay special attention to areas that seem especially dirty or grimy. Once you’ve given the whole thing a good wash, rinse it off with clean water.

Step Four: Let The Tent Air Dry Completely Before Packing It Up

After you’ve washed and rinsed your tent, it’s important that you let it air dry completely before packing it up.

If you pack up a wet or even damp tent, there’s a good chance mildew will start to grow—and nobody wants that! If possible, set up your tent in a sunny spot so it can dry even faster.

Step Five: Inspect The Tent For Any Damage & Make Repairs If necessary

Before you pack up your cleaned tent and head out for your next camping trip, take a moment to inspect it for any damage that might have occurred during your last trip.

Look for holes, tears, or other signs of wear and tear. If you find any damage, now is the time to make repairs so your tent will be in good condition for future use.

Step Six: Store Your Tent In A Cool & Dry Place Until Your Next Trip

Once your tent is all cleaned and repaired, it’s time to store it until your next trip! The best place to store your tent is in a cool and dry place like a closet or garage.

If possible, try to keep it in its original storage bag as well this will help protect it from dirt, dust, and other elements that could damage the fabric over time.

The Dos And Don’ts Of Storing Your Tent

How to clean tents is not the only concern, but storing them safely counts too. As the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change colour, you know that it’s time to start thinking about putting your tent away for the winter.

But how should you go about storing your tent so that it’s in good condition when you take it out again next spring? Here are a few tips to help you get started.

The first thing you need to do is make sure that your tent is clean before you put it away. All of the dirt, mud, and debris from your last camping trip needs to be removed so that it doesn’t just sit there and get ground into the fabric over time.

The best way to do this is to set up your tent in your backyard and spray it down with a hose. Then, use a sponge or brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt or stains. Once you’re finished, leave the tent door open so that it can air out and dry completely.

Once your tent is clean, it’s time to start thinking about where you’re going to store it. If you have the room, keeping your tent in a storage bin or bag in your garage or basement is a great option. Just make sure that the area is clean and dry so that your tent doesn’t get mouldy or mil-dewy over time.

If you don’t have the space to store your tent inside, consider putting it in a shed or under a tarp outside. Just be sure to bring it inside if there are any major storms expected so that it doesn’t get damaged by wind or rain.

Conclusion

Clean tents mean happy campers! Now that you know how easy it is clean a tent correctly, there’s no excuse not to put this task on your post camping checklist.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your tent stays clean and usable for years to come!