How to clean a tent
Once you’ve invested in a tent, it’s worth learning how to clean it properly. Keeping yours in pristine condition will lengthen its lifespan.
How to clean the outside and inside of your tent
Before you start your tent maintenance, check the weather forecast. You’ll need to make sure there’s no rain for around two or three days to allow the material to dry fully.
1. Shake out any loose dirt and debris from the tent.
2. Spot clean visibly dirty areas with a cloth and a couple of drops of detergent-free liquid soap.
3. Add the entire tent – including the rainfly – to a tub full of lukewarm water with the mildest soap you can find.
4. Push the tent down and move it around for a few minutes to make sure the water reaches every last corner.
5. Let the tent soak for an hour. If the water’s brown after this, drain the tub and repeat steps 3, 4 and 5.
6. Rinse the tent in a cold shower or with the garden hose until there’s no soap residue left.
7. Pitch the tent outdoors in the shade and let it dry completely.
Deep cleaning your tent
It’s not just the inner and outer fabric that need an overhaul every now and again. Here’s a list of other parts to clean on your tent.
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Wipe down your poles and pegs with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, sand and salt.
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Scrub zips with an old toothbrush to remove any lingering debris.
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Clean the groundsheet with a wet sponge.
When to clean a tent
You don’t need to wash your tent after every camping trip. However, you might want to consider cleaning it in these situations:
After contact with dust or mud
You can brush most dirt off your tent and be done with it, but if it’s covered in stubborn dust or mud give it a clean.
After a trip to the seaside
If you’ve been camping at the coast, get rid of abrasive sand and corrosive salt from your tent’s zippers and poles. Use mild soap or a certified tent cleaning product to remove these particles completely.
After contact with a campfire
Smoke can make your tent smell. If it’s spent more than a few nights next to a blaze, clean it.
How to clean mould from a tent
Mould and mildew crop up on tents when they haven’t been dried properly. You can avoid this by learning how to air your tent, but if it’s too late then treat the issue with the help of our in-depth, step-by-step guide.
Tent cleaning FAQs
What can I use to wash my tent?
A mild dish soap or a cleanser specifically formulated for outdoor gear will work a treat when you’re faced with a dirty tent. Avoid harsh or astringent cleaning agents like bleach or stain removers as these could ruin the fabric and any waterproof or UV coatings.
Can I put my tent in the washing machine?
The simple answer is no. A spin in the washing machine will likely degrade the material and zippers. The best way to clean a tent is by hand.
Can you wash tent carpets?
Yes, you can. Spread yours on the ground outdoors, then hoover it and use a carpet cleaner on it. Otherwise, treat it by hand with carpet shampoo, a bowl of warm water and a soft sponge. Dry it out thoroughly afterwards. Just like with tents, it’s generally best not to put your carpet in the washing machine or tumble dryer.
How do you get the musty smell out of a tent?
If your tent has a mouldy odour, soak it in a mixture of two parts vinegar to one part water or use an enzyme cleaner. You should avoid this with canvas materials, though.