cleaning tents
Michael Salvetti (msalvetti@WA.FREEI.NET)
Thu, 29 Jul 1999 12:57:00 -0700
I found this article on the internet and it was put out by REI. Since
everybody is doing alot of camping and using tents somebody is going to
ask. How do clean and store tents? Well this article well answer those
questions. It did me because I have tent that smells real bad and I need to
clean it. Someone might what to add this to there web site for furture
use.<hint><g>
Enjoy
May the Scouting spirit live long and prosper.
Michael Salvetti I have done so much with
Troop 1541 so little for so long, I can now
Eagle Dad 97 do everything with nothing
MC, OC, QM advisor
Camporee committee
Cheif Seattle Council
Silverdale, WA
msalvetti@wa.freei.net
Cleaning and Storing your Tent
By
REI
A Fishing Pal Feature Article
------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your tent is to clean and
store it correctly. Proper cleaning and storage protect the tent fabric,
the seams and the waterproof coatings on the tent floor and rainfly.
Cleaning
Keep your tent as dry and clean as possible at all times. Brush it out
completely after each trip or turn it inside out and shake it clean. If the
tent is damp, set it up in a dry, shady place so it can dry out completely
before you pack it away. Never store your tent wet.
When washing your tent, keep the scrubbing to a minimum to protect the
nylon, mesh panels and waterproof coatings. Spot clean when you can. If you
have to wash the entire tent, follow this basic procedure:
• Hand wash with cold water, using a mild, non-detergent soap (like Ivory
liquid) and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid scouring pads and abrasive
cleansers.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Let the tent air-dry completely, preferably in a cool, dry place out of
direct sunlight (prolonged exposure will damage the nylon and your
waterproof coatings).
• Machine washing is not recommended. DO NOT machine dry.
Removing Mildew
Mildew can develop any time your tent is stored wet. In addition to looking
and smelling bad, mildew can damage your tent's waterproof coatings. To
remove mildew, try a little light scrubbing with a sponge during regular
cleaning. If the mildew and/or mildew odor remains, try the following
procedure:
• Mix 1/2 cup of Lysol(R) in 1 gallon of hot water.
• Wash mildew areas thoroughly with this mixture, using a non-abrasive
sponge.
• Let tent air dry.
• Once the tent is dry, mix 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of concentrated lemon
juice and one gallon of hot water.
• Wash affected areas with this mixture and a non-abrasive sponge.
• Let tent air dry.
Storage
The best place to store your tent is in a cool, dry, shaded spot. Avoid
damp basements, hot attics, dirty garages and any place in direct sunlight.
Whenever possible, store your tent folded loosely rather than packed tight
in a stuff sack.
General Tent Care Tips
• Avoid excess sun exposure -- Over time, the sun's ultraviolet rays damage
tent fabrics and coatings, so pitch your tent in a shady area whenever
possible. Rainflies are cheaper to replace than tent bodies, so cover your
tent with your rainfly as much as possible when in the sun.
• Protect your floor -- Use a ground sheet to protect your tent floor from
punctures and abrasion from below. Remove your footwear before you climb
inside to keep dirt and abrasive boot soles outside where they belong.
• Take it easy on your poles -- If your tent poles are linked with
shockcord, break them down by folding them near the middle first, then
folding each half. This will lower the resulting tension on the shockcord
inside.
