How to Clean a Tent After Camping

by Alex Wittle

After an exhausting camping trip, cleaning your tent is probably the last thing you want to do. But trust us, spending a little time on tent care can make a huge difference in its lifespan, especially after it's been through rain, mud, and more. In this post, we'll guide you through the steps to clean your tent properly.


When Should You Wash Your Tent?

 

family looking at tent
Credit: Envato Elements/ monkeybusiness

You don't always have to wash your tent after every trip, but there are times when it's a must:

  • Your tent looks visibly dirty and has dirt, tree sap, or bird droppings.
  • It smells musty.
  • Your tent feels sticky.
  • You camped in the rain, near the beach, or in a muddy area with lots of dirt.

How to Wash a Camping Tent

 

young girl setting up tent
Credit: Envato Elements/ YouraPechkin

Here's what you'll need:

 

  • A soft sponge or cloth
  • Mild soap (like mild dish soap or a specialized tent cleaner)
  • A bucket of water

 

Once you've got all the cleaning tools you need, follow these steps:

 

  1. Find a flat, clean area to set up your dirty tent. If you don't have the space to set it up, you can lay it flat on a clean surface.
  2. Before you start washing, give your tent a good shake to remove loose dirt and debris. Make sure to unzip the doors and windows to let any dirt inside fall out.
  3. Use a sponge or cloth dipped in soapy water to gently scrub soiled areas or any visible stains. Don’t use harsh cleaners or scrub too hard, as this can damage the tent's fabric. Focus on areas that are extra grimy, like the tent floor, bottom edges, or spots with mud splatters.
  4. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild soap. Place the entire tent in the bucket and gently scrub. Do let the tent soak as this can affect the tent's durable water-repellent abilities. If you want to wash your sleeping bag or stuff sack as well, you can use the same process.
  5. Once you’ve washed the tent, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Make sure all the soap is washed away to prevent any damage to the tent body.
  6. After rinsing, it's time to dry it. Set it up in a shaded outdoor spot or hang it up on a clothesline. After a couple of hours, turn your tent inside out so that it can dry completely.
  7. Wipe down the tent poles and stakes with a damp cloth to remove any dirt.
  8. Once your tent is completely dry, fold it up neatly and store it in a cool, dry place. Never store a tent wet as it can form mold.
  9. If your tent fabric has lost its water-repellent ability after washing, you can apply DWR treatment before storing. Make sure to cover all areas evenly for the best protection against rain and moisture.

 

Can You Machine Wash a Tent?

 

hands rolling up tent
Credit: Envato Elements/ poungsaed_eco

No, you cannot. Washing a tent in a machine can cause serious damage to the fabric and seams. It can compromise its durability and waterproofing.


Summary


Keeping your tent clean is important for its longevity and your comfort on camping trips. By following these simple steps, you can make sure your tent is always ready for your next adventure.

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