How To Clean Canvas Tent - Tent Care Tips 2018

Canvas tents provide the best shelter when going out for camping trips. With time, you will note the presence of grime, mold, and mildew developing on your tent. How do you ensure your canvas tent maintains its good look? The best thing you can do is to clean it. Cleaning canvas tents is not a complicated task if you have the right tools and know how to do it right. I prepared this guide to provide you with detailed information on how to clean canvas tent and give it its new look.

How Do I Clean or Wash My Tent?

Camping outdoors is a fun activity that you, your family or friend will enjoy. After spending time outdoors, your tent can get dirty, dusty or even wet. If you store your tent in that condition, you will end up seeing some ugly stains, odors and failing zippers. You can prevent all these from happening if you clean your tent well.

Before you start cleaning your canvas tent, you need to have some cleaning essentials. Some of the things that you will require include the following:

Vacuum cleaner
Sponge
Washcloth
White wine vinegar
Dustbuster
Kiddie pool
Mild soap
Empty spray bottle
Scrub brush
Paper towels
Warm water

Once you gather your cleaning supplies, you can now start to clean your tent. I would recommend you to spot clean the tent first, Then do an immense cleaning. After that, you just need to rinse and dry your tent. Let us find out more details on how to clean a canvas tent.

Canvas Camping Tents Cleaning

Cleaning canvas tents is not difficult if you follow this simple step by step guide. I have covered everything that you need to do to achieve a clean canvas tent.

Remove Dust from Your Tent

This is the first step when it comes to cleaning a canvas tent. If your tent has accumulated more dirt and dust, you can use a vacuum cleaner to dust it off before cleaning. Unfurl the tent and shake it to get rid of the excess dust. You should also pay attention to some sensitive areas like corners, storage pockets and dust laden areas. Alternatively, if you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, you can use a broom or dustbuster.

Remove Stains From Your Tent

During your cleaning process, you might notice some stubborn stains even after washing thoroughly. You don’t have to worry about the stains because there is a way of getting rid of them. Fill your kiddie or bathtub with some water and put your tent inside. Apply mild soap on the stained area and scrub with a scrub brush or sponge.

When all the stains have been removed, you can rinse the tent using a garden hose. Let your tent dry completely before you store it. Another important thing that you should note is to avoid the water from seating too long because it can lead to the development of more mold and mildew. To ensure that all the areas of the tent dry well, set it up and it will dry well when there is dry air.

Fungus and Stains

In as much as canvas is material that is resistant to stains, it is capable of absorbing liquids that cause stains. When fungus forms, they spread throughout the material and this leads to staining and decay.

Leaking

Leaks take place when the canvas starts to rip. If you are using the tent for the first time, spray it with water to ensure that the cotton thread that binds the seam swell well to prevent leaking. If you notice any signs of ripping, you should attend to it immediately before it becomes bigger. You just need to smooth the canvas around the ripped area and then apply repair tape that should cover the hole completely.

Zippers

Tent zippers wear out easily so you need to take care of them well. If you want to keep the zippers working smoothly, use a dry toothbrush to brush the zippers. You should also lubricate your zippers to enhance their performance. If you find that the zipper is caught in the fabric, do not force it. Instead, work it gently to free it. Make sure that you keep the zippers of the tent dry to prevent the metal parts from rusting.

Tent Safety And Precautions

Knowing the right safety precautions when dealing with tents is important if you want to prevent injuries and accidents. The following are the most important safety precautions you should have in mind.

Before Camping, Inspect The Site Thoroughly

You definitely want to set your tent in a comfortable and safe location. Before you set it up, do a thorough inspection to ensure that there are no potential hazards. You can check things like poison oak, beehives, cliffs, streams and other dangers.

Carry a First Aid Kit

When you are camping, carry a first aid kit to help you in cases of emergency. When you are outdoors, you are exposed to many hazards. This is why a first aid kit comes in handy. The kit should include essential items like bandages, insect repellent, antiseptic, tweezers, calamine lotion and much more.

Carry Emergency Supplies

Emergency supplies like a whistle can help you when you get lost. Other supplies that you should carry include fire starting kit, compass, map, torch among others.

How Can I Prevent Mold or Mildew?

One of the main reasons why tents develop mold and mildew is storing it when it is wet. If you do not want to deal with mold and mildew, make sure that you store your tent when it is completely dry. Before you roll the tent for storage, let it dry well in the sun, floor, pole, stakes or any other convenient reason.

What Do I Do If My Tent Gets Mold Or Mildew?

If you find mold and mildew on your tent, you can clean it with a homemade cleaning solution. You can make a solution of ¼ cup of white wine vinegar and one cup of water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and shake thoroughly. Spray the solution on the infested areas and wait for a few minutes. Using a sponge, scrub away the mold and mildew deposits until the tent is completely clean.

Other Important Tips

Never leave the camping tent open when you are sleeping or away
Keep the tent and campsite clean
Notify someone before venturing out
Wash your hands often
Stay away from unknown plants and wild berries
Pitch the tent a safe distance from the campfire

Preventative Maintenance

Make sure you let the tent dry completely before you pack it for storage.
When pitching, secure the tent properly to prevent strong winds from damaging it.
Make sure that you have all the required parts and components before and after the trip.
Learn how to pitch to reduce wear and tear when using the tent

Conclusion

A tent is an essential camping item that provides shelter during camping. Canvas tents provide comfort and convenience and you want your to last for many years, you need to know how to clean it well. If the tent accumulates dirt, dust, debris, and dampness, its lifespan is compromised. Cleaning your tent and maintaining it the right way will help it last longer. If you were wondering how you will clean or remove stains from your canvas tent, I believe that this guide has been helpful. I have covered important information that you need to know when it comes to cleaning your canvas tent.