If you store your tent wet, it's very likely it will develop mildew. The smell of mildew makes a tent a very unappealing place to sleep. This is a guide about removing mildew from a tent.
Solutions: Removing Mildew from a Tent
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Try using white vinegar. It is great for mold/mildew removal and for preventing in the future. For heavy mildew, use full strength vinegar, or mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts vinegar for light mildew. The smell of vinegar will be strong at first but will dry quickly. It will also help to deodorize the tent as well. As for using vinegar when camping, add a few drops of vinegar to your drinking canteen or thermos. It will keep the water fresh longer and be a better thirst quencher. You will not taste the vinegar.
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Questions
Here are questions related to Removing Mildew from a Tent.
I have a big wall tent. We went trail riding with the horses and it happened to rain that night. We didn't even think about it and put it away. Well now taking it out for elk camp the mold is really bad. We are trying to clean it the best we can, but don't know how to get the stains out of it?
Mildew can develop any time your tent is stored wet. It looks bad, smells bad and can damage your tent's waterproof coatings. DON'T LET IT START. Alas, if it already exists, here's one way to approach it: Try some light scrubbing with a sponge during a regular cleaning session. If it's still apparent, mix one-half cup of Lysol® in 1 gallon of hot water. Dip a sponge in this solution use it to lightly but thoroughly scrub mildew-afflicted areas. Set up the tent and allow it to air dry. Then, mix 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of concentrated lemon juice with 1 gallon of hot water. Rub the solution into the visible mildew and once again, allow the tent to dry. This procedure will stop mildew growth and eliminate the odor, but will not remove the stain.
Here are archived discussions related to this page.
Removing Mildew from a Tent
How can I remove mildew off my tent without damaging the tent and remove the smell?
Rlavander
RE: Removing Mildew from Coleman Tent
Have you considered contacting Coleman for advice? (05/28/2005)
By Marietta (guest)
RE: Removing Mildew from Coleman Tent
I sprayed our tent down with a cheap window cleaner. Then wiped it off with paper towels. Left it set up in the yard for a day. Worked wonders! (06/05/2005)
By Chell
RE: Removing Mildew from a Tent
Use vinegar to clean mildew. It kills bad smells and will rinse out clean. (01/03/2006)
Wipe tent with 1/2 cup of Lysol to a quart of hot water. Let it dry, then mix a cup lemon juice, cup of salt, and a quart of hot water and apply to tent. Let dry then repeat again with the lemon solution, then rinse off and let dry out completely. (07/27/2006)
By Beth
09/29/2010
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Removing Mildew from a Tent