We don't know too many campers who are packing their gear away with a huge smile on their face, but it's something we all have to do. The trips over, you've had your fun, made your memories, and more than likely you've created a bit of a mess in the process.
But a dirty tent or sleeping bag isn't the type of souvenir you want hanging around till the next big camping adventure, which is why giving your gear a little TLC should be at the top of the to-do list once you get home.
Although we may not be clean freaks, we can certainly teach you a thing or two about getting the stink out of your sleeping bag or how to clean your tent. If you're keen to give the kit a go-over but don't know where to begin, this is the guide for you – check it out!
How to clean a tent?
- Choose a smooth and clean working surfaceBefore you even begin touching the tent you must first find yourself an area where you can work comfortably and with plenty of room.
- Set up your tent It's important to assemble your tent before cleaning! This will allow you greater access both inside and out.
- Wipe down all sections of your tentOnce the tent is set up you should begin with a mild soap and water mixture and thoroughly wipe down the material.
- Allow time for your tent to dryIt's extremely important that all areas are completely dry before the tent is stowed to prevent mould growth.
- Thoroughly clean the zippersAll zippers should be cleaned to remove any dirt or sand that may have built up.
- Wipe down tent poles with a dry ragAll zippers should be cleaned to remove any dirt or sand that may have built up.
- Carefully pack away tentNow that she's clean as a whistle, it's time to put your tent to bed. If you have a tent bag, this is a great way to increase the life expectancy of your tent.
BCF stock a selection of tent accessories to help you care for your home away from home. They include tent repair kits, seam sealers and waterproof sprays.
How to waterproof/season a tent?
Whenever you purchase a new canvas tent or swag, one of the first and most important things to do when you get it home is to waterproof or (season) the product. This is a golden rule for almost anything canvas and helps prevent leaking when Mother Nature starts bringing down the wet stuff. It's a simple process, yet one that is neglected by many campers unaware of its importance.
When a tent is manufactured the process involves plenty of needlework, attaching separate sections of material and the sewing of seams, all of which create minute holes where water can penetrate. When waterproofing your tent the idea is to reduce the size of the needle holes by adding large amounts of water, in the hope of making the thread swell up and the material contract.
This can be done with the help of a hose or sprinkler, but avoid high pressure hoses as you're only trying to replicate natural rainfall. Using a spray bottle on the inner thread is also recommended. Repeat this process 2-3 times making sure you give the tent adequate time to fully dry between soakings.
Tips for tent & sleeping bag care
- Daily cleaning routines at camp are a clever way to extend the life of your tent. By sweeping the tent floor you prevent damage from stones and other foreign objects.
- Using a ground sheet cover under your tent will provide added protection from rips and tears. These are available in a range of sizes and pre-cut lengths, with eyelets making for a convenient location to secure tent pegs. By using a ground cover with similar footprint to your tent, it helps avoid water pooling.
- Avoid sand and mud getting into your tent by using a blanket or towel at the entrance. This is a handy location for storing frequently used items such as shoes – speaking of shoes, keeping them out of your tent will limit the spread of dirt.
- Food scraps should not be kept inside your tent… This is asking for trouble, as local animals can (and will!) make light work of tent fabrics for an easy meal.
How often should I wash my sleeping bag?
How often you wash your sleeping bag really is a personal decision and one that depends greatly on how often you use it. You don't need to clean your sleeping bag after every outing unless it gets wet or has gathered dirt. Washing your sleeping bag once at the end of the camping season will lengthen its life expectancy and avoid damaging the waterproof coating and inner fabric from over cleaning.
The importance of giving your tent and sleeping bag a dose of TLC on the odd occasion cannot be overstated. This will ensure your equipment will last more outings and give you many more fond memories in the future. Even the slightest of tears can grow quickly to become unfixable, so be sure to immediately patch minor holes with an appropriate tent repair kit and remove any foreign objects that may harm the durability of the fabric.