How to Clean Mold and Water Spots From Tents
Warm weather means fishing, swimming and camping for many families. Before leaving on your summer excursions, you must get your items ready. Tents will need a thorough cleaning to remove dirt, water spots, mold and mildew. It is best to clean the tent a few days before your trip. That will give you enough time to wash the tent and check for any problems such as leaks or tears. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Bleach
- Water
- 5-Gallon bucket
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- Disinfecting spray
- Sponge
- Water hose
- Tent-seam sealer
- Tent waterproofing spray
- Cloth
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove the tent from its storage bag and set it up as you normally would in a dry location.
-
2
Sweep out the inside of the tent with a broom to remove any dirt and debris.
-
-
3
Mix 1 part bleach with 6 parts water in a 5-gallon bucket. Add a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid and mix well. Alternatively, use a solution of 1/2 cup of a disinfectant spray and 1 gallon of water.
-
4
Submerge a sponge in the solution and wring out the excess liquid.
-
5
Scrub the tent completely with the sponge. When the sponge becomes dry or dingy, resaturate it in the solution.
-
6
Rinse your tent with a hose. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly to remove all residue from the mixture.
-
7
Check the seams of the tent for tears. If seams need repaired, purchase a tent-seam sealer and apply it to the problem areas. Follow the directions on the seam-sealer package. Allow the tent to dry completely.
-
8
Apply a tent waterproofing spray as added protection.
-
9
Wipe tent poles and stakes with a soapy, damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Rinse them with cool water and wipe dry.
-
10
Allow the tent to air dry completely before storing it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Keep tents clean by wiping dirt, bird droppings and mud from the tent with a damp cloth as they happen.
Do not store a tent when it is wet. Doing so will lead to mold and mildew growth.
Wear rubber gloves when working with bleach to prevent skin irritation.
References
- Photo Credit camping on a tent image by Pierrette Guertin from Fotolia.com
