Cleaning Your Tent After a Mud-Filled Camping Trip

We can all admit that when we return home after a successful camping trip, none of our gear smells “pine fresh.”

Camping gear can get expensive, but it is important to invest in high quality products. For instance, a tent is not an item that you want to “settle for.” It’s important to shop for a good tent and to properly take care of the tent you purchase.

Tents should keep you safe from rain, mud, and other weather elements when camping. It is important you properly clean and maintain your tent after a trip, in order to keep it in good condition.

It is suggested that the best way to care for your tent is to read the instructions that should be included with your tent and follow them exactly. You should never toss your tent into the washer or dryer; both machines will erode and damage the fabric.

Instead, use a gentle sponge, cold water, and mild soap to spot clean the tent where it came into contact with significant mud. Keep in mind that you should use a footprint to keep your tent protected from anything on the ground that could puncture it such as twigs. A good footprint will also keep dirt off your tent and help it to remain clean.

If you notice signs of mold, mildew, or discoloration within your tent, use an enzyme killer and a gentle sponge or rag.

You should start the process of keeping your tent clean during the breakdown. Before you pack it away, shake it out to remove debris and trash that might be lingering inside. Make sure that it is entirely dry before you pack it away; any trace of water can lead to mold growth.

Even if your tent was dry when you left your campground, it’s a good idea to unpack your tent and give it a good 24 hours of fresh air when you home. Set it up again indoors or under the cover of a garage and let it air out for a while. There’s no such thing as too-dry when it comes to storing a tent.

Starting to plan your upcoming spring and summer fishing trip? Contact Lawrence Bay Lodge.