How To Clean a Tent That Smells
While tent is camping or tent is in use, it very often becomes dirty from dust, dirt, debris, and other kind of foreign objects. This is a fact of life. Now, you have two options. You can either clean the tent or replace it with a new one. Obviously, you would not like to go for purchasing a new one as you can remove the smell from old one. So, the best option that you have to clean the tent. But for that, you need to know how you can clean a tent that smells.
As a consequence, In this article, I will be talking about the cleaning procedure of a tent that smells. To know how to clean a tent, let’s dive into the core section.
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How To Clean a Tent That Smells
Soap or All Natural? Which one I should pick?
Well, basically there is two way of cleaning your tent. Either you can go for soap or a natural way. Let’s talk about the soap first.
When you are thinking about using a bar of soap to clean your tent, you may go for a detergent soap that is mild. It will work fine to wash your tent properly. Lots of people recommend using for the dish soap though. It is not mandatory. You may go for anyone that makes you feel better.
However, it is recommended to go for the soap that has a light fragrance or fragrance-free. Because fragrances are supposed to allure unexpected bugs like mosquitoes. Also keep in mind that, you don’t need to spend much money and go for the expensive one.
On the other hand, you can go for a solution that is totally non-chemical and made from lemon juice, vinegar and water. For too many people, it is a preferable method. According to them, this approach works better.
Cleaning the tent using hand:
What if your tent is dirty and as a result, it is producing smells. In this case, your tent will ask you for spending more time than usual. You need to use a little scrub using your elbow in the dirty area of your tent using a non-abrasive soft sponge. You may also go for a spray bottle.
While handwashing your tent, you have to take care so that you don’t damage the waterproof coating. For this, you have to avoid scrubbing the underside of your tent fly and wash only the outer fabrics. Remember, you should not scrub hard. You have to do it gently. You will be able to do it easily if you can pitch your tent.
However, for cleaning materials, you may go for soap or non-chemical materials as I mentioned above.
Take note that you should not try washing your tent using a washing machine. I repeat, never try to wash your tent using a washing machine. If you do so, then something bad is waiting for you. Because the tent is not made for tumbling and spinning around in the washing machines.
What to do if my tent gets mildew or mold:
You don’t need to worry if your tent got mold or mildew. It may happen if your tent is damp while storing. It’s not a big deal. You can fix it.
Here, you may go for the vinegar which you have used earlier for cleaning. There is a slight difference. Now you need to fill the vinegar into a bottle(spray bottle) adding some lemon with it. Then, simply spray into the affected areas. Wait for approximately an hour. After that rub the tent and clean it using a sponge.
This way, the acid that exists in the lemon juice and vinegar will finish the mold or mildew. However, here you have another option. You may get a mold and mildew stain remover. It will also work fine. I don’t think it is a better idea to pay extra as you can do it easily without any cost.
How can I store a tent properly:
Well, I think you have already understood how important it is to store your tent properly. If you do not store it properly, it may get mold or mildew again.
So, when you are back from camping, it is better to wash your tent first so that no dirt can stay inside of it. After washing, let it dry completely under the sun. You have to make it dry completely. If you find the weather is a bit harsh, then put the tent in the garage and let it take time for drying. If the tent remains wet, then something unexpected will happen in the future.
Without it, you need to take care of the place where you are storing your tent. The place must be moisture-minded such as the basement, outside shed or an attic. You may leave a hammer baking soda and arm to help in controlling the moisture.
