HomeBrowseNewslettersContestsAskShare 
AllGuidesQuestionsVideosBy DateRecent Feedback My AccountAbout Us
Home and Garden > Cleaning > Fabric on August 16, 2011

Removing Mildew from a Tent

Photo of a tent set up in the woods.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

Read and rate the best solutions below by giving them a "thumbs up".

Vinegar for Removing Mildew from a Tent

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.
0 0SharePrintFollowPost Feedback

Canvas Cleaner for Removing Mildew from a Tent

Go to an RV store and buy the product they sell for cleaning camper canvases.
0 0SharePrintFollowPost Feedback
Share Your Feedback: Once you try any of the above solutions, be sure to come back and give a "thumbs up" to the solution that worked the best for you. Do you have a better solution? Click "Share a Solution" above!

Questions

Here are questions related to Removing Mildew from a Tent.

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?

By Jodee

SharePrintFollow3 Feedbacks

Most Recent Answer

By Beth 09/29/2010

Go to an RV store and buy the product they sell for cleaning camper canvases.

Removing Mildew from Tent

How can I remove mildew off my tent without damaging the tent and remove the smell?

Rlavander

SharePrintFollow1 Feedback

Most Recent Answer

By (Guest Post) 08/24/2007

Removing Mildew

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.

Archives

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)

By extras

RE: Removing Mildew from a Tent

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 Troy

Follow ThriftyFun