Tent Care

Storing your tent: When you store a tent, make sure it is dry , very DRY. If a tent is left wet, even damp, for a prolonged period of time, mildew is likely to set in. After using, unpack your tent and check if it is wet or damp. If it is set up the tent and let it air dry.  Try not to lay it on the grass as condensation will form on the tent. If you have the space, store it loosely outside of its tent bag. Avoid storing a tent in damp basements or hot attics.

If on a trip it's raining when you pull down the tent and you pack your tent wet, look for an opportunity during the day—ideally, during a rest stop when the sun has broken through—when you can attempt to dry it out.

Cleaning your tent , use a non-abrasive sponge, cold water and a non-detergent soap  Gently scrub soiled areas by hand. Avoid household cleaners such as dishwashing liquid, bleach, spot removers or laundry presoaking products, as these products damges the tent's water repellent coating. Rinse thoroughly, then set it up and let it air dry completely.

Do not machine-wash a tent.  We’ve tried this just to test if it works!  Guyropes tangle everything, the tent stretches, the seams stretch, damage and can come apart!

Treating Mildew.

Mildew can develop any time your tent is stored wet. It looks bad, smells and can damage your tent's waterproof coatings.

DON'T LET IT START.

If you have mildew, here's how to approach it:

  • Try some light scrubbing with a sponge during a regular cleaning session.
  • If mildew is still apparent, mix 1 oz. of MiraZyme (or other enzyme product or Lysol as last resort) to 20 gallons of water in a bathtub and dip the whole tent. For spot treatment, use 0.5 oz. of MiraZyme (or similar product) per 1 gallon of water and thoroughly scrub afflicted areas by sponge.
  • Set up the tent and allow it to air dry.
  • Then, mix 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of concentrated lemon juice with 1 gallon of hot water.
  • Rub the solution into the visible mildew and once again, allow the tent to dry.

This procedure will stop mildew growth and eliminate the odor, but it will never remove the stain.

Seams

Our tent’s seams are factory sealed. Seam tape is used to plug the tiny holes created by sewing needles when fabric sections are stitched together. There will always be tugging, pulling and general wear on a tent and their seams.  Check your tent from time to time to check there are no leaks, if there are or the seams need attention, a good coat of seam sealer does the job. Seam sealer should be applied to the coated (shiny) side of the floor or rainfly