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How to Clean a Tent

a girl cleaning off her camping tent

After a long camping season, cleaning your tent before storing it for the year is a good practice. Regular cleaning, or cleaning when dirt and buildup become noticeable, will lengthen the lifespan of your tent and reduce how often you need to buy a new one. Our Camping Experts have created this step-by-step guide to help you clean your tent and keep it in good condition.

Before You Start Cleaning Your Tent

The condition of your tent, whether it's just dirty or has mold and mildew, will determine the cleaning method. Removing mold requires specific steps. However, here are a few tips to help you prepare before cleaning your tent, no matter the condition:

  1. Gather Supplies:

    • Fragrance-free soap (such as Dawn dish soap)

    • Nikwax Tech Wash

    • Soft sponge or cloth

  2. Find a large sink or bathtub to accommodate the whole tent. 

  3. Find a place where you can leave your tent to hang dry (it can be in direct sunlight outside or hung over your bathroom shower rod).

  4. Shake or vacuum off loose debris before the cleaning process.

Basic Tent Cleaning Instructions

  1. Begin by spot-cleaning the affected areas with a small amount of dish soap and gently rub it in using a soft sponge or cloth.

  2. Fill your tub with a couple of inches of cool or lukewarm water and add the Nikwax Tech Wash to your water.

  3. Unzip your tent and turn it inside out. You can add your rain fly, tent footprints, and bug net to the cleaning solution as well!

  4. Wear gloves to evenly distribute the cleaning solution and work it into the fabric. Follow the cleaning solution instructions to see how long you should let your tent soak. 

  5. Drain the tub and rinse off the tent, rain fly, tent footprints, and bug net. If the water is still dirty, repeat the whole process until the water looks clear. 

  6. Set out your tent to completely dry. It can take several hours to several days. Do not put it in the dryer.

Mold Cleaning Instructions

  1. Fill your bathtub with a couple of inches of cool or lukewarm water and pour in an enzyme cleaner, such as MiraZyme. Pay careful attention to how long you can soak your tent so the cleaner doesn’t break down the fabric of your tent. 

  2. Drain the tub and thoroughly rinse off the enzyme cleaner. 

  3. If the enzyme cleaner does not remove all of the mold, try spraying a vinegar solution on top and using a soft cloth to rub it in. 

    • To make the vinegar solution, pour 50% white vinegar and 50% water into a bottle. 

  4. Rinse the tent off.

  5. Set it out to dry completely before packing it away.

Extra Expert Tent-Cleaning Tips

  1. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers to not damage the tent fabric.

  2. Try reapplying a water-resistant spray to make cleaning easier for next year.

  3. Store it in a temperature-controlled room to prevent mold from building up.

Regular cleaning will make your tent last longer by preventing dirt buildup, mold, and fabric deterioration, ensuring it stays in top condition and is always ready for your next adventure. If you have additional questions about how to clean your camping tent, stop by your local SCHEELS and speak with a Camping Expert!