Side Tent Cleaning

[FauxPa]

Anyone ... our side tent mildewed while in storage and we're wondering the best way to clean it. Tempted to run it through the clothes washer, and then spray with water repellant ... but am concerned with shrinkage & the different materials used. Debating about spraying with a chlorine/water dilution, but then worry about the remaining smell. Has anyone tried either of these methods? Any other recommendations? Also, has anyone used the spry-on water repellent on the side tent - does it work? Much appreciated ... Dan & Donna

 

[Chaos]

Never machine wash a tent. Do not use laundry detergent. Do not use bleach.

Search any tent manufacturer's website and you will find that most suggest cleaning your tent with a solution of lemon juice & salt or a non-ionic soap specifically designed not to strip off any water repellent coating. Set up the tent and let it air dry.

If the smell is still noticeable after cleaning, use an enzymatic odor eliminator like “MiraZyme”.

Spray-on water repellants are a temporary solution at best. Read any backpacking forum and you will find reports of failed attempts to resurrect old leaky tents with spray-on / brush-on products.

If the mildew is bad and the waterproof coating has become sticky or starting to delaminate then it is too late and its time to consider replacement.

 

[Pick]

There is a product called Wet & Forget. I use it on cedar wood in my outdoor kitchen. Sprayed it on a outdoor carpet that stays out year round and it worked great. Supose to be safe on fabric and is non bleach. Might be worth looking into.