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Your Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Tent Storage
Packing away your tent may seem like a simple task, but there are several important considerations to take into account. So, let’s dive into the art of seasonal tent storage and make sure your next season begins without a hitch.
Cleaning Your Tent
Cleaning and reproofing your tent helps maintain its water resistance and extends its lifespan. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Gather Your Supplies:
A soft brush or sponge
A mild, non-detergent soap (Nikwax Tech Wash or Granger’s Performance Wash are good options)
A bathtub or large container
A hose n Mildew remover
A cloth for scrubbing
Remove Stakes and Poles: Take down the tent and remove all stakes, poles, and guy lines.
Brush Off Debris: Use a soft brush or sponge to remove loose dirt and debris from the tent’s surface. Gently scrub any heavily soiled areas. Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Fill a container or bathtub with cool to lukewarm water. Add the mild soap and mix it in. If you have mildew or mold spots, use a mildew remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Spot Clean Stains: Dip a cloth in the soapy water and spot-clean any stubborn stains or mildew spots. Gently scrub the affected areas. Wash the Entire Tent: Immerse the entire tent in the soapy water, making sure the zippers are open. Gently agitate the water to clean the tent’s fabric. Avoid excessive rubbing or scrubbing, as it can damage the waterproof coating.
Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the tent thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residues.
Hang to Dry: Hang the tent or spread it out in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight and do not pack it away until it is completely dry.
Reproofing Your Tent
Gather Your Supplies:
A suitable tent waterproofing product (Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof or Granger’s Tent + Gear Repel are good options)
A clean sponge or cloth
Ensure the Tent is Clean and Dry
Apply the Reproofing Product: In a well ventilated area, apply the tent waterproofing product according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you’ll use a sponge or cloth to apply it evenly to the tent fabric. Pay Attention to Seams and Zippers: Be sure to apply the reproofing product to seams, zippers, and any areas that are prone to leakage.
Allow to Dry: Let the tent dry completely, typically for several hours, or as instructed on the product label.
Test for Waterproofing: To test the reproofing, spray some water on the tent’s surface. If the water beads up and rolls off, your tent is successfully reproofed.
Storing Your Tent
Cool Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can affect the tent fabric and coatings, so avoid attics or uninsulated spaces.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure there is adequate ventilation to prevent trapped moisture and musty odours. This can be achieved with windows, vents, or a dehumidifier if needed.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage tent fabrics and coatings. Keep your tent away from UV rays, which can weaken the material over time. Use a Storage Bag: If your tent came with a storage bag, use it. If not, invest in a breathable storage bag or stuff sack that is large enough to comfortably fit your tent without excessive compression.
Store Poles Separately: Keep tent poles separate from the tent body and fly. This prevents pressure on the fabric and keeps the poles from causing damage.
