Tent Storage
It’s best practice to keep your tent in a cool dry area. Try to avoid leaving it in the sunlight as this can help cause the coating to break down over time. Don’t pack it at home like you pack it for your trip. Instead of storing your tent in its stuff sack, transfer it to a larger breathable bag much like you would store your sleeping bag. Pillow cases are known to work well too.
Keeping Your Tent Fresh
Most tents feature waterproof protection, but prolonged exposure to moisture can cause a premature break down of the waterproof coating. Yes, this even happens in the most waterproof tents. In an effort to prevent this layer from becoming no longer waterproof, as well as keeping the fabric from growing mildew — don’t store your tent while it is still dirty, damp or worse, wet.
Mildew and moisture damage aren’t included in most limited warranties. It’s worth the extra effort to avoid a mildew, crumpled tent that smells and has compromised waterproofing.
Keep Your Tent Clean
Tents are designed to thrive in the outdoors – which means you typically don’t have a need to clean it unless it has been heavily soiled or taken on an unbearable odor. If your tent requires a little more heavy cleaning, it’s best to hand wash it with warm water a sponge and a mild, non-detergent soap. Lighter cleaning can usually be removed using regular pressure from a garden hose.
Make sure to rinse your tent thoroughly and allow time for it to fully dry before storing it in your oversized bag.
Avoid using dishwashing liquid, detergent, bleach and similarly concentrated solutions. Never dry clean, machine wash or machine dry your tent – unless you’re trying to strip your tent of its waterproof coating…
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