How to clean a backpack tent

YoT is officially autumn, and many hikers are packing their camp team for the season. Now it is a good time to give your team a bit of FTA before entering hibernation for winter.

Cleaning your store properly helps maintain your performance and extends your life. The correct cleaning method depends on the material, but a soft approach is always better.

Tent and care fabrics

Most backpacker tents these days are made of Silnylon or Silpoly (Nylon coated with silicone and polyester, respectively), although some cheaper models use nylon ripstop or polyester coated with polyurethane. These synthetic fabrics are lasting, but require soft cleaning to protect their waterproof coatings. High -end ultraliger shelters often use cloth composed of Dyneema (DCF), which is inherently waterproof (without coating) and easier to clean.

The polyester resists the UV light and stretching when it is wet. Use soft soap in polyester tents, since strong detergents can damage their polyurethane coating. The nylon is stronger than polyester in weight, but can be stretched when wet. This material requires a soft approach to preserve its coating.

Silnylon silicone coating is highly repellent to water, but is sensitive to hard cleaners. Use a soft soap solution and avoid abrasive scrub. Finally, the Dyneema compound fabric is not porous and is easy to clean. Dirt is not easily inserted and can generally be removed with only water or a solution of diluted soap without alcohol.

Routine and deep cleaning

Routine cleaning after each trip prevents the dirt from accumulating. First, turn the tent from the inside out and shake all the debris such as earth, leaves and sand. The fast and dirty hiking garbage cleaning method is to launch the store, give it a complete spray with a garden hose and let it dry into the air.

If the store needs cleaning in the spots, use a wet cloth or a sponge to face any mud or sap. Rubing alcohol can eliminate the sap, but try it in a small area first. Finally, always let the store dry completely before packing it to avoid mold.

It is a good idea to occasionally give your store a deeper cleaning, once a year, it is usually sufficient for this maintenance task.

For complete cleaning, follow these steps:

1. Fill a bathtub or a large basin with warm water. Avoid using hot water, which can damage coatings.
2. Add a non -putgent soap, such as Nikwax Tech Wash or castle soap. The detergent, the bleach or the standard fabric softener will weaken the waterproofing of the store.
3. Dip the store of the store, the pod and the footprint separately and gently. Avoid twisting or remove the fabric.
4. Rinse everything well with clean water until there are no foam.
5. An old teeth brush or fabric can be used to clean any dirt from the zipper teeth. You can also apply Zipper lubricant If you have noticed that your zipper adheres.
6. The dry air the store throwing it freely or hanging it in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can cause UV damage.
7. If your store originally sealed the sewing, it would now be a good time to get the sealant again (once the store is dry, leave it and paint a thin line of sealant On the interior of all seams, including seams on the bathroom floor) and leave up to 24 hours for the sealant to dry completely.

Address specific problems and storage

When it comes to mold and smells, a solution of a cup of vinegar by gallon of water can help with the mold. For persistent odors, specialized cleaners such as Mirazyme are effective. You can also sprink sodium bicarbonate on wet fabric to neutralize odors, then rinse. For zippers and mesh, use a soft bristle brush to clean the sand of zippers. Gently adjust the mesh with a sponge instead of scrubbing it to avoid tear.

Ultraligue tents made with DCF should not soak up for long periods. Instead, clean them with a damp cloth. DCF dries quickly, but can wrinkle if it is stored wet. After cleaning, save your store freely in a breathable bag. This prevents coatings and fabric from stressing, which can occur with prolonged compression in a sack.

Keep the store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight to launch the degradation of the fabric.

Cleaning is an annoying task, but think of how well you will feel next spring when your first night spends in your squeaky tent.

Outstanding image: Bernadette Rankin

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