How to Clean a Tent

Before You Start Cleaning Your Tent

The condition of your tent, whether it's just dirty or has mold and mildew, will determine the cleaning method. Removing mold requires specific steps. However, here are a few tips to help you prepare before cleaning your tent, no matter the condition:

Gather Your Supplies

• Fragrance-free soap: Standard Dawn dish soap works great for spot-treating.

• Specialized gear wash: We highly recommend a specialized product like Nikwax Tech Wash to protect technical fabrics.

• A soft sponge or cloth: Avoid anything abrasive that could scratch the fabric.

Prep Your Workspace

• Find a deep basin: Locate a large sink, utility tub, or bathtub that can comfortably accommodate the entire tent.

• Designate a place to hang dry: Find a clean space where you can hang-dry the tent completely. This can be an outdoor clothesline in direct sunlight or hung over your bathroom shower rod.

• Clear out the debris: Shake out the tent thoroughly or use a vacuum attachment to remove loose dirt, pine needles, and pebbles before getting it wet.

Basic Tent Cleaning Instructions

For general trail grime, dust, and campfire smoke, a standard wash will do the trick. Follow these steps to refresh your tent:

1. Spot-clean the heavily soiled areas. Begin by treating target spots with a small amount of dish soap, gently rubbing it into the fabric using a soft sponge or cloth.

2. Prepare the cleaning bath. Fill your tub with a few inches of cool or lukewarm water, then mix in your Nikwax Tech Wash according to the bottle instructions.

3. Prep the tent for submerging. Unzip all the tent doors and turn the entire tent body inside out. You can add your rainfly, tent footprints, and bug netting into the cleaning solution at the same time.

4. Agitate and soak the fabric. Wear gloves to evenly distribute the soapy water, gently working it into the fabric. Let it soak based on the timeframe recommended on your cleaning solution's label.

5. Rinse until the water runs clear. Drain the soapy water from the tub and thoroughly rinse the tent and its accessories with clean, cool water. If the rinse water still looks muddy, repeat the process.

6. Air dry completely. Hang your tent up to dry. Depending on the humidity, this can take anywhere from several hours to a few days. Never put your tent in a household dryer, as the heat can destroy the waterproof coatings and melt delicate mesh.

Mold & Mildew Cleaning Instructions

If you accidentally packed your tent away while it was still damp after your last trip, you might find mold or mildew. Standard dish soap won't kill these spores, so you'll need to use a specialized approach:

1. Submerge the tent in an enzyme bath. Fill your bathtub with cool or lukewarm water and add an enzyme cleaner. Pay close attention to the soaking instructions, as leaving it in too long can break down the tent's protective coatings.

2. Rinse away the cleaner. Drain the tub and thoroughly rinse off the enzyme solution with fresh water.

3. Attack stubborn stains with a vinegar solution. If the enzyme cleaner leaves behind dark mold stains, mix a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water in a spray bottle. Spray it directly onto the spots and use a soft cloth to gently work it into the fabric.

4. Perform a final rinse. Thoroughly rinse the vinegar solution off the tent fabric to eliminate the vinegar odor and prevent long-term acid exposure.

5. Ensure it is 100% dry. Hang the tent to dry completely before packing it away in its storage bag.

Additional Expert Tent-Cleaning Tips

1. Skip the harsh chemicals: Avoid using bleach, stain removers, or abrasive scrubbing pads. These will strip away the waterproof polyurethane coatings and tear the delicate mesh.

2. Reapply waterproof spray: Deep cleaning can wear down waterproof coatings over time. Consider spraying your tent with a durable water repellent (DWR) spray after it dries to make next year's cleanup even easier.

3. Mind your storage climate: Always store your clean, dry tent in a temperature-controlled room rather than a damp basement or a scorching attic to prevent future mold buildup.

Regular cleaning will make your tent last longer by preventing dirt buildup, mold, and fabric deterioration, ensuring it stays in top condition and is always ready for your next adventure. If you have additional questions about cleaning your tent or outdoor gear, stop by your local SCHEELS and speak with a Camping Expert.