Care for Canvas Wall Tents
- Clean your tent every time you use it. Begin by removing all of the items from the tent -- sleeping bags, hiking gear, etc. Then, sweep the floor with a small hand broom to remove any debris that may be been inadvertently tracked in. Mix a small amount of liquid dish detergent into a bucket of water and apply the soapy water to the canvas. With a small scrub brush, wash away any dirt or mud. Stubborn spots, such as those created by tree sap, may require a scouring powder. If you don't have any on hand, make your own by adding enough water to a bit of baking soda to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the soiled area, allow it to sit for 30 minutes and rub gently to remove.
- Once you have cleaned your wall tent, ensure it is completely dry before putting it in storage. This is essential to the life of your tent as putting it away damp will result in mold and mildew, which can destroy the fabric. Leave the tent standing in the open air and direct sunlight for several hours before taking it down to pack. Leave all the zippers open and then take the fabric down, rolling it tightly for long-term storage. Place the rolled tent canvas into a waterproof bag and place the bag inside a rodent-proof container.
- If you have no choice but to pack the tent away damp and you end up with a bit of mold growth or mildew damage, don't panic. Remove the fungus by applying diluted bleach water to the affected area. Simply mix 1 tbsp. of household bleach into 2 cups of water and dab on any areas where mildew is visible. Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove the growth and then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Allow the tent to dry completely before returning to storage or using. Alternatively, combine 1 cup of vinegar with 1 qt. of water and add a squirt of dish detergent. This solution is equally effective for removing mold and will not cause discoloration of the canvas.
Cleaning
Storage
Fungus
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