How to Clean a Canvas Tent

How to Clean a Canvas Tent

www.camptents.com/.../Canvas/CanvasTent245.htm

Because a tent is your main shelter while camping outdoors, it's bound to get dirty at some time. A tent has to weather everything that Mother Nature throws its way including rain and dirt. Cleaning a canvas tent isn't that hard and you probably already have all the necessary supplies to get the job done. With a little bit of effort your canvas tent should be clean in no time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Broom Bucket Dishwashing detergent Water Cloth Nylon scrubber Seam sealer Waterproofing spray
  • Broom
  • Bucket
  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Water
  • Cloth
  • Nylon scrubber
  • Seam sealer
  • Waterproofing spray
Step 1
Choose a sunny day and set your tent up as if you were going to camp in it.
Step 2
Sweep any dirt that has accumulated off the floor area . Fold the lip down at the doorway so you'll be able to sweep the dirt outside.
Step 3
Mix a bucket of warm water and a small amount of dishwashing detergent together.
Step 4
Moisten your cloth in the soapy water and wash off any dirty areas that are on the outside and inside areas of the tent. If the dirt is hard to remove, use a nylon scrubber to lightly scrub at the areas.
Step 5
Rinse the tent off with clean water to remove any soap residue that may remain on the canvas. Allow the tent to completely dry.
Step 6
Apply a seam sealer to all of the tents seams including the ones on the floor. Spray the outside canvas with a waterproofing spray. Let the canvas completely dry before you pack the tent back away.

Tips & Warnings

 
Never pack a wet tent away or mold and mildew will form on it. If your canvas tent has mildew or mold on it, wash the affected areas off with a 50/50 mix of water and bleach. Rinse your tent off thoroughly before packing it away.
 
Never pack a wet tent away or mold and mildew will form on it.
 
If your canvas tent has mildew or mold on it, wash the affected areas off with a 50/50 mix of water and bleach. Rinse your tent off thoroughly before packing it away.

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
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword