In the realm of outdoor adventures, few things offer the perfect blend of solitude and connection with nature like camping beneath the open sky.
Whether you’re embarking on a rugged backpacking expedition or setting up a cosy campsite for a weekend getaway, your tent stands as your first line of defence against the elements.
Yet, over time, exposure to rain, sun, and dirt can take its toll, compromising both the longevity and performance of this essential shelter. In this article, we delve into the art of preserving and fortifying your tent through effective cleaning and waterproofing techniques.
How to Clean Your Tent
Here are a few tips to help you clean your tent like a pro:
Choose the right weather
Cleaning a tent on a day bright and fair is the best time to clean your tent. It will air dry easily, and rain or snow will not ruin your cleaned tent.
Spot Clean
Before going all in with full-blown washing, you want to spot-clean your tent to get off those stains on specific spots on the tent. Following this step, especially where there are spot stains and dirt, will clean every stain that you may not get from a general washing.
Hand wash only
Machine washing and drying your tent will wear and tear the mesh, seams and the overall fabric of your tent. The best way to clean your tent is to hand wash it and let it air dry naturally.
Gentle cleaning
Abrasive sponges, vigorous scrubbing, and harsh detergents will deplete the shelf life of your tent and ultimately cause it to fall apart. To clean, use unscented and mild soap and warm water and gently scrub using a non-abrasive sponge.
How to Waterproof Your Tent
Your bell tents might have come without waterproofing or, from continuous usage, worn off its waterproof coating. Whatever it is, you can waterproof your tent by:
Cleaning the tent
You coat a dirty or soiled tent. It is best to waterproof your tent a day or two after cleaning the tent to ensure it is properly cleaned and dried.
Sealing the seams
You do not want moisture seeping into your tent when waterproofing it. To seal the tent seams, gently apply rubbing alcohol on the seams to clean them and then apply the appropriate sealer after the alcohol is properly dried (about 24 hours).
Apply the waterproof spray
To refresh the tent’s urethane coating, first scrub off every flaky residue from worn-off urethane coating using a sponge and rubbing alcohol. Then spray the interior of the tent’s rain fly or floor with a waterproof spray and leave to dry for 24 hours. If you notice that rain gets soaked into your tent rather than glides off, then hose down the outside of your tent and spray quality Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. Wipe off any excess DWR finish with a rag and leave the tent to dry.
How to Care for Your Tent
- Dust off your tent after every use to get rid of dust, dirt and elemental particles.
- Pack up your tent when not in use.
- Always make sure your tent is properly air-dried before storing or putting it away.
- Always reseal the seams of your tent and waterproof it once you notice it requires such, especially if you use it frequently.
- Use only manufacturer-recommended products on your tents, including sealers, waterproof sprays, cleaning soaps and whatnot.
What other steps do you take to care for your bell tent and extend its durability?
