After doing all the fun and rugged activities, the tent you used might be all dirty and need some cleaning up. It may sound like much work; therefore, it is important to wash your tent quite often as this would help prolong your tent’s lifespan and its efficiency as well.
A messy tent is not only bad for the eyes but also affects the tent’s Waterproofing and the quality of its materials. Either dust from the hot deserts or residue from wet and dirty camps, your tent will surely need a proper wash before you use it on your next trip.
In this article, we will discuss How to Wash a Tent , Can you wash the tents in the washing machine, and what are the recommended methods for tent washing?
How To Avoid Dirt Getting To Your Tent
To avoid getting your tent dirty inside:
Take off Shoes: Start by removing your shoes before going in. If you cannot leave the shoes out, keep them in a zip container.
Dust Sneakers + Tent Dust Pan: take a dustpan and self-dust, if necessary, every few days.
Damp Clothes: While drying youthful clothes, do not wear them in a tent. Allow these to dry either outside or on a tent’s porch.
Do Not Keep Gear In Contact With The Inner Surface: Unless there’s a dry panel between the waterproof outer layer and the gear, do not rest the gear against the inner sheet walls.
Tent cleaning is a basic form of inconvenience but will be beneficial in the long run. If you need guidance on tent sizes check these articles
Instructions For A Tent Cleaning
Use the Tent Instruction: You should always bear in mind that cleaning instructions for every tent have been provided. And don’t forget, tents are supposed to be hand washed, not machine washed.
Get the Water Ready:
- Pour warm Water into a bathtub.
- Use a tent wash like Nikwax Tech Wash.
- Use garment cleaner.
Turn And Open:
- Turn to the inner side of the tent and zip all zips open.
- Deposit both hands wearing protective gloves underneath the Water with the tent in it.
- Leave in boiling Water for approximately 20 minutes.
After cleaning, the tent was rinsed. Pour Water off it. In this way, empty the bathtub and place your tent, allowing Water to escape out of the tent, but do not ring it. Empty, fill the bowl again with fresh Water, and pour out the tent, repeating this interval until no more dirt is found on the tent and no more deodorants remain.
Dry The Tent: Alternatively, you can erect your tent or hang it indoors or without the sun on top to let all the Water out. It may take most of the week.
Repof roof: After that, allow your tent a last time and employ some water repellent on the tent & equipment proofer to reglue the waterproof status of your tent. Be careful to dry up all the Waterproofing you pour before you toss it back into the chest.
Please note that cleaning does not eliminate the existing mold. To avoid this, be sure to dry your tent thoroughly before you put it away. If there is no hope for your tent anymore, then consider buying a new one from the range offered.
Can You Put a Tent in the Washing Machine?
After approximately a week of camping, your tent may start looking like it’s in dire need of some cleanup. Some people would want to stick it in the laundry, and that is very tempting. However, there are better ideas than that. Here’s why and how to do it the right way:
Why Not to Use a Washing Machine
Fabric Damage: The conventional top-load washing machines, which have an agitator, may cause the tent fabric to rip and destroy the waterproof coating of the tent.
Coating Wear: Dryers and washing machines can wear out the protective coatings of the tent, which reduces its efficiency.
If You Must Use a Washing Machine
Choose Front-Loader: If you must use a washing machine, make sure you always use a big front-loading washer on a gentle cycle. In this case, no spinning of the tent should be done.
Hang Dry: The dryer is a no-go. The tent must air dry by being hung in the shade away from direct sunlight.
Reapply Treatments: Once the cleaning is done, retreat the tent with waterproofing UV proofing and weatherproofing sprays.
Recommended Cleaning Method
Keep It Clean on the Go: Appearances matter, so make sure needless dirt does not hang around. Prevent the conditions for excessive illegitimate dirt by having shoes, dirty clothes, and food outside. On the last day of camping, wash down the tent using a water source and allow it to dry off.
Prevent Mold: Applying mold and mildew preventive sprays and making sure that the tent is dry before storing will ensure no fungi grow in the tent.
Tent Maintenance Instruction for the Oiliest Tent Ever
Setup and Wipe: Set up the tent and wash it a bit with some warm water and soap. A sponge or a piece of soft cloth is recommended.
Rinse: Wash with abundant fresh Water to eliminate any remnants of soap.
Dry: Let the tent dry up in the shade or indoors until it is absolutely dry.
Following these steps, you will be able to store your tent in good condition for a longer period, avoiding machine washing.
What Cleansing Agents Should I Use to Wash My Tent?
Different tents will require other materials for tent cleaning, depending on how filthy the tent is. Here are the recommendations for selecting the right cleaning supplies:
For Light Cleaning
Hose: Best suited for quick dusting and rinsing off light dirt.
Microfiber Cloth: Softly burs the area that needs removing dirt from the surface without incurring any scratches.
For Deeper Cleaning
Specialized Cleaners: Make use of cleaners that are specifically meant for tents, like Nikwax Tech Wash. They will remove dirt but not compromise the waterproof inner surface.
Mild Soap:
If, for some reason, you don’t have any specialized cleaners, then you would need some very simple hand or baby soap. This is considered safer than the heavy detergents that can remove the waterproof covering from the fabric.
General Recommendations
Interiors should not be contaminated with overly severe substances: Avoid bleach and other strong detergents because they may damage the waterproof coatings and fabrics of your tent.
Soft Brutens:
Smudged areas may be cleaned with gentle brush pads; however, excessive scrubbing should be avoided to prevent thinning fabric.
If you are using justified elements, you are able to take a hand in cleaning stuff without sacrificing its duty and duration.
Cleaning Procedure for Tent – Washing and Drying
Canvas Tents
Cleaning:
Clean the tent by shaking and vacuuming: The first step will be to shake the tent and extract all loose dust. Clean the outer side and the airtight seal after and during changing the Interiors with a vacuum and an appropriate brush.
Immerse and Mop:
More Water can be collected by submering the tent in a bathtub or big basin. For dirty spots, wring out a sponge or microfiber cloth that you have moistened with soapy Water using baby soap or Nikwax. You may have to do this more than once if the tent is dirty.
Conceal/ Remove/ Mask:
Take one part of vinegar and mix it with four parts of Water. When applying this remedy for any outer remedy, treat each moldy area, leave it to work for a few minutes, and then delicately cleanse it. Avoid vigorous scrubbing. Just rinse off with warm Water and let it dry.
Nylon and Polyester Tents
Cleaning:
Hose down:
For moderate cleaning, a hosing down is a normal operation.
Spot Clean:
In case of extreme soiling, put up the tent and get those heavily dirty spots with a washcloth, bucket, and gentle soap.
Submerge if Needed:
If the particular tent is really filthy, soak it decoratively in a huge basin and scrub it nicely.
Drying:
Outdoors:
Pitch-Dry Method:
The alternative yet most effective approach is to pitch the tent outdoors in the open air on the twisted soughs. This applies well to tents made of nylon and polyester fabrics, more so on days with breezes. Canvas tents may also be dried up in this manner, but the period will be longer due to the nature of the fabric, which retains more Water.
Hang Dry:
Dry the tent outside in sunlight and wind. This method works well for canvas as well as synthetic tents.
Bonus Tip: Place the tent fabric on a warm, porous surface like a stone under direct sunlight to Make the drying process faster.
Indoors:
Choose a Location:
When doing the drying indoors, it is best to pick out a broad area like a basement or garage. Alternatively, it can be hung over a shower curtain or a dining table.
Create Good Conditions:
Use a heater and fans to warm the tent and move the air. Flip or reposition the tent now and then in order to avoid localized dampness.
It would help if you purify your tent so you can wear it once more for the day’s adventure. By following these cleaning and drying tips, you’ll keep your tent in great shape.
How Often Should I Wash My Tent?
In general, you should not wash your tent when it is worn out. Washing, unlike repair, may also damage its materials and Waterproofing, so it is better avoided whenever possible. You may follow the guidelines below for this:
Routine Maintenance
After Each Trip:
Routine maintenance work should be done after every camping trip. This is usually done in the following order:
Shaking Out:
This is the act of getting rid of loose dirt and debris that ordinarily does not adhere to the tent.
Spot Cleaning:
Treat any specific dirt or spillage with a soluble clean product.
Periodic Cleaning: Examine the tent and Group tent as needed. A full wash is only done if there is much dirt on the tent.
When to Wash
Heavy Dirt: If the tent is in a huge amount of dirt or has been pulled in the dirt, dragging through mud may require a bit of a drag, so the slump is cleanliness.
Mold or Mildew: Don’t waste time dealing with mold or mildew because if you wait too long, it will destroy the backpack.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Inquire about any specific recline or rest on instructions, always using a manual for cleaning purposes. A sponge or towel may need the necessary care because each peculiar tent has a different fabric and construction.
For more information on camping tents visit these guides.
How To Clean A Tent-Final Words
By sticking to these practices, you will be able to maintain your tent to a certain level without going overboard. However, risk management is not less important; regularly conducted maintenance can extend the entire lifespan and the operating capabilities of the tent.
FAQ: How to Wash a Tent
Can detergent be applied to the tent?
Normal detergent should be avoided on the tent; no general detergent has to be applied to the tent. Detergents can ruin the tent’s waterproof treatment. Therefore, it is better to apply a special tent cleaner or some mild soap without detergent. In addition, remember that any cloth or towel that is used for drying off the tent should not have been washed in detergent and dried since remnant detergent may affect the fabric of the tent adversely.
Is it possible to wash a tent?
Yes, but protections have to be taken. Do not ever place a tent into the washing or tumble dryer except for the gentlest cycles for this same purpose. Fabrics may be stretched and destroyed due to agitation and heat. The most careful way is to wash it firsthand, using lukewarm Water and a small quantity of tent cleaner.
Can I put a tent in vinegar and Water for cleaning purposes?
Yes, vinegar can be used to tackle the mold. Vinegar: Use 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of Water in a spray bottle. The new mixture, which was prepared, is then sprayed on the surface and left for some minutes. Before long, warm Water and non-detergent soap have to be applied to the particular areas, and a sponge must be used multiple times. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
What is the process of washing a fabric tent?
To begin, treat and clean the tent and the poles with lukewarm Water and a soft brush or cloth. For more effective cleaning, clean the fabric with the special tent cleaner for the fabric, which will also protect it. Do not use dish soap or common house cleaners, as these are very strong and can destroy the tent.
How do you disinfect a tent?
In order to disinfect a tent, first remove the minimal amount of dirt. Next, take a hot cup of Water and dilute it with approximately 5% bleach. Wearing gloves and goggles, take this bleach and wipe the insides of the tent with it. Then rinse and scrub with clean Water till all the bleach is gone, and the tent should be allowed to dry.
You may coordinate your actions with the following tips to manage the tent properly and prepare it for the new trip.
For more camping tents maintenance advice visit these guides.
