Tents, essential for camping, need to be washed regularly to ensure comfortable use.
While sending them to a dry cleaner is an option, you can also get them perfectly clean by hand.
This article will explain how to properly wash camping tents and tips to prevent damage.
What you'll learn in this article
・How to wash a tent
Table of Contents
Benefits of washing your camping tent
What are the benefits of washing a tent after using it for camping?
Let's first look at the advantages of washing your tent.
Prevents mold and dirt for comfortable use
If you don't wash your tent after use, mold can grow and dirt can become stubborn and hard to remove.
Regularly washing your tent keeps it in a comfortable condition for use.
Prevents deterioration of the tent and extends its lifespan
Tents used for camping will deteriorate if not maintained properly.
If you constantly use it without proper care, the fabric can get damaged, and you might have to buy a new tent.
To prolong the life of your tent, store it free of mold and dirt.
Especially if it's heavily soiled or you won't be using it for an extended period, it's recommended to wash it before storing.
How often should you wash your camping tent?
If you perform maintenance on your camping tent every time you use it, you don't need to wash it frequently.
However, if it's heavily soiled, we recommend washing it so you can comfortably use it on your next camping trip.
If you've had a streak of sunny, comfortable camping days, washing it about once a year is sufficient.
By performing basic maintenance such as wiping off dirt with a towel after use and drying it before storing, you can keep your tent in comfortable condition even with annual washing.
How to wash a tent flysheet
The flysheet is the outer layer of the tent that protects it from rain and wind.
When washing, handle it carefully to avoid deteriorating the waterproof coating.
Remove mud and dirt
First, easily remove any mud or dirt adhering to the flysheet.
It's best to clean it as much as possible when packing it up at the campsite.
Spray with water all over
Next, spray water over the entire flysheet to wash away dirt.
For light dirt, simply hosing it down will be sufficient.
It's effective to apply water pressure with a hose starting from the edges.
Remove oily stains with detergent
For oily stains that don't come off with water alone, use detergent.
Dilute a neutral detergent with water, soak a soft cloth or towel in it, and wipe off any stubborn stains.
While using neutral detergent may temporarily cause the color to appear altered, it will return to its original shade once dry, so there's no need to worry.
Tent-specific detergents like "Nikwax" are recommended as they contain cleaning agents and water-repellent treatments, allowing you to clean and re-waterproof at the same time.
Rinse thoroughly
Leaving detergent residue can lead to tent deterioration, so it's crucial to rinse thoroughly and completely wash away all detergent.
While you can rinse by spraying water evenly with a hose, it's also perfectly fine to use a washing machine for rinsing and spinning.
Rinse about twice the usual number of times to ensure all detergent is completely washed away.
How to wash a tent inner sheet
An inner sheet is a sheet laid inside the tent, also known as an inner mat.
They are relatively durable, playing an important role in comfortable camping.
To wash an inner sheet, follow these steps:
Remove mud and dirt
If the inner sheet is soiled with mud, start by carefully removing the dirt.
Use a brush or a soft rag to roughly remove the dirt.
Foot-wash the entire sheet with neutral detergent
Once the surface dirt is mostly removed, unzip all zippers on the inner sheet and foot-wash it.
Fill a large space like a kiddie pool or bathtub with water, add neutral detergent, and submerge the inner sheet.
Step on the entire sheet with bare feet or wearing plastic boots to press out the dirt.
Rinse with water
After foot-washing to remove dirt, rinse thoroughly to completely wash away the detergent and dirt.
One rinse is often insufficient, so repeat the rinsing process 2-3 times to ensure all detergent is removed.
How to dry a washed tent
After washing the flysheet and inner sheet, it's time to dry them.
Here, we explain how to dry a tent.
Gently press and wring the tent
After rinsing, the tent will still contain a lot of water, making it difficult to dry if simply hung as is.
When removing water, avoid squeezing it too hard like a dishcloth, as this may damage the fabric. Instead, gently press and squeeze.
Folding the tent and pressing down on it is an effective way to remove water.
Once water stops coming out, place dry towels on top and press down to help it dry further.
Thoroughly dry in the shade
After removing a certain amount of water from the tent, dry it completely in the shade.
Direct sunlight can cause deterioration of the coating and fabric, so it is recommended to dry it slowly in the shade for about 2 to 3 days.
Utilize the elastic bands and hooks that come with the tent to easily attach it to a clothesline.
Treat with waterproofing or water repellent spray
If you are concerned about the waterproofing performance, treat the tent with waterproofing or water repellent spray after it has completely dried.
These sprays also help protect the tent fabric.
Precautions and tips for washing a tent
When washing a tent, there are important points you should know to avoid trouble.
Here, we introduce some points that require special attention.
Don't wash it in the bathtub from the start
Avoid using the bathtub before removing dirt and sand.
This is especially important if you were rained on at the campsite and couldn't remove mud.
Remove sand and mud outdoors, such as in your garden or parking lot, before soaking it in the bathtub.
Washing without removing dirt beforehand can lead to problems such as clogged drains.
Do not use laundromats
Avoid using laundromats to wash your tent.
With the increasing number of drum-type washer-dryers, tents can be damaged by being thrashed around during washing and dried at high temperatures.
While laundromats are convenient for washing large items, it is best to consider them "NG" for washing tents.
Dry thoroughly
After washing your tent, it is important to dry it thoroughly.
Storing it in a damp state can lead to mold growth.
Dry it in a well-ventilated shade for several days, and make sure it is completely dry before storing it.
Summary
Washing your tent will allow you to enjoy using it comfortably again next time.
Even with regular maintenance after use, dirt and odors can become a concern over many years of use.
In such cases, try washing the flysheet and inner sheet thoroughly to clean them.
While you can send it to a dry cleaner, you can also handwash it yourself.
Handwashing not only saves on cleaning costs but also deepens your attachment to your tent.
Please give washing your tent a try.
