Complete Guide on How to Clean a Tent After Camping (2024)

Camping

• Nevisport Team
• June 17, 2024

When you return from a trekking holiday, the last thing you want to do is set up the tent and clean it, but it’s one of the best ways to prevent health issues and ensure everything is in working order for your next adventure. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about how to clean a tent. We provide you with handy cleaning tips, and show you the best ways to wash and store your tent.

Top Tips for Tent Care

• It’s important to shake the tent to remove dirt before washing as it can damage the waterproofing.
• Spot clean your tent after use to target key areas, always use a soft cloth to protect the tent fabric.
• Ensure you hand wash the tent in the bath tub and hang it outside. Never machine wash your tent.
• Making your tent a shoe-free zone is a great way to protect it from dirt and grime after you return.

When to Clean a Tent After Camping

It’s best to clean your tent as soon as you return from your camping holiday. Even if you don’t think your tent needs cleaning, chances are dirt and grime have accumulated. Inspect the inner tent and exterior paying close attention to areas near to the ground including all seams, folds, zippers, and the tent poles.

Before Camping: It’s always best to clean your tent immediately after camping trips, but there’s no harm in checking and cleaning your gear so that it’s fresh for your adventure. Try pitching your tent in the garden to check everything is in working order and ready for a comfortable time in the wilderness.
During the Off Season: Another sign your tent might need cleaning, along with a little TLC, is the condition of the zippers. When tents are packed away too early, or they have been badly weathered, you start to see signs of corrosion on the small metal parts. Check your tent from time to time.
After Camping: At the end of a camping trip, dirt, grime, and sand might be visible in the tent. Grime can wear down the water repellent properties of the tent causing it to degrade faster, but don’t worry, it’s the best time to clean a tent. Set it up in the garden, dust out the interior and test the waterproofing.

How to Clean a Tent

Washing and drying your tent properly after camping is the difference between a stress-free set-up and the task of buying a new tent at short notice. When we fail to store a tent correctly it can deteriorate over the winter and become unusable in some cases. The good news is that washing and storing a tent correctly is a breeze. Below you can find the perfect process for extending the life of your camping tent.

How to Wash Your Tent

1. Brush out the Tent: Start by brushing and wiping the interior and exterior before you apply any water. Remember, the water will liquify the dirt and affect the waterproof coating on the tent. It’s best to brush and wipe the tent in your garden before transferring it to the bathtub.
2. Rinse the Tent: There are several ways to rinse your tent; you could use a hose, spot clean it, or scrub it gently. It’s important to watch out for dirt and grime in gaps, and the type of soap used.
3. Wash the Tent: Submerge the tent in water and add your tent cleaning solution (its amount depends on the size of the tent), then agitate the water and solution until there is a balanced mixture. Knead the tent in the mixture and swish it for 5-10 minutes, ensure you turn out pockets.
4. Soak the Tent: When you have finished swishing leave the tent to soak there for around 20 minutes. After this period, lift the tent from the water and drain it, especially if it is brown. Avoid twisting the tent and repeat the process until the water is crystal clear.
5. Dry the Tent: When you are satisfied the tent is clean it’s time to dry it. The best way to dry out a soaking tent is to drape it over a drying rack, ideally outside on a sunny day. Avoid hanging the tent by its corners, which can create stress on the seams and encourage the water to pool.

Important Note: When it comes to soap, it’s best to use pure flakes if possible (these are flakes without any detergent or perfumes); however, pure soap flakes can be difficult to obtain. At Nevisport we stock a range of suitable tent cleaning products that will help you prolong the life of your tent and other camping gear.

Buy a Wash Kit from Nevisport

Re-apply DWR (Durable Water Repellent)

It’s easy to reapply the water repellent on your tent, especially when you use a dedicated liquid or concentrate from Nevisport. The best combination of products is a quality tech wash for cleaning coupled with a quality DWR. When the tent is drying, set it up in your garden and apply the DWR.

It’s important to apply the DWR to the fabric while it is still damp, this ensures the fabric can absorb it.
Apply the DWR spray to one panel at a time and use a sponge to spread the solution over the fabric. Ensure the solution is spread evenly and mop up any drips you find. Access the floor of the tent by lifting it onto its side and applying the solution in the same manner. Allow the tent to dry and store it.

How to Store Your Tent to Prevent Mould

There’s another important thing to consider when washing and storing your tent, that is the development of mould. Mould is a form of fungus that grows in damp conditions, it creates toxins, respiratory conditions, and allergic reactions. Remember, storing a wet tent can lead to health issues.

The best way to prevent mould from developing is to ensure your tent is completely dry before storing it. Make sure you check the corners and pockets for lingering moisture and turn them inside out to dry. Protect your family and extend the tent’s lifespan by taking the time to wash, dry, and store the tent.

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FAQs

What is the best soap to use in a tent?

It’s best to use pure soap flakes to keep the tent clean, alternatively use a specialised Tech Wash solution. Conventional soap has deodorants and fragrances that leave a residue which attracts dirt and strips away the waterproofing on the fabric. Pure soap flakes are the best way to keep your tent clean.

How do you remove smells from a tent?

Drape your tent over a line to air on a warm day, and ensure it is absolutely dry before storing it inside. Make sure there is no debris inside that could cause a smell during storage, and consider adding some scent to the tent or storage area. Roll the tent and secure it in a tent bag until you want to use it again.

Can I use a pressure washer on a tent?

Yes. It’s possible to use a pressure washer on a tent, but make sure it’s on a low setting to avoid damage. Pressure washers are designed to excavate as well as wash, so you must be careful with the delicate tent fabric. If you damage the tent with a pressure washer, you might require a tent repair kit.

Final Thoughts

Washing and packing your tent is a process that should never be ignored. Whether it’s protecting your family’s health or simply making things easier for the coming season, it pays to invest time wisely at the end of a trip. By following this how to clean a tent guide, you can maintain the waterproofing and overall longevity of your tent, making your next outdoor adventure even more enjoyable. For all your camping needs, including tent care products, visit Nevisport, a place where camping is taken seriously.

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