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Cleaning Canvas Tents

Cleaning Canvas Tents

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Camping gear is bound to get dirty. After all it's living on the dirt, outdoors and bearing the brunt of what Mother Nature throws its way. Your tent will take most of the abuse and at one time or the other you'll need to clean it. This is especially true if your tent is made out of canvas. A canvas tent packed away while wet will especially need to be cleaned so it doesn't take on a smell. By following a few basic tips, your canvas tent will be clean in no time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Tips on Cleaning a Canvas Tent

Things You’ll Need:
  • Bucket Water Scrub Brush Cloth 35 percent Hydrogen Peroxide Vinegar Waterproofing Spray
  • Bucket
  • Water
  • Scrub Brush
  • Cloth
  • 35 percent Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Vinegar
  • Waterproofing Spray
Step 1
Choose a sunny day to clean your tent so it will be able to dry completely. Set your tent up in an area where you will be able to reach all sides.
Step 2
Fill a bucket with warm water. Scrub the outside of the tent with the water to remove any dirt or other substance.
Step 3
Apply a solution of 35 percent hydrogen peroxide to any mold or mildew that might be present on the canvas. Scrub the hydrogen peroxide into the affected area and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Scrub the area again and reapply the hydrogen peroxide if needed.
Step 4
Rise the area with straight vinegar and then with water.
Step 5
Rinse the whole tent off with water to remove any detergent or other cleaning substances that might remain on it.
Step 6
Allow the canvas to completely dry and then apply an application of waterproofing spray to the entire tent. Allow the tent to dry again and then pack it away for storage.

Tips & Warnings

 
35 percent hydrogen peroxide can be purchased at your local health food store. Using hydrogen peroxide to clean your tent is not damaging to the environment. Treat your canvas tent with a waterproofing spray at least once per season.
 
35 percent hydrogen peroxide can be purchased at your local health food store.
 
Using hydrogen peroxide to clean your tent is not damaging to the environment.
 
Treat your canvas tent with a waterproofing spray at least once per season.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Write for Trails.com

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