Tent

[geronimo]

This weekend we took the tent out of storage and used it for the first time in 3 years. I really do miss tent camping. In the nice weather that is. Anyway, the tent is in need of some cleaning. Anyone have any suggestions how to clean around the zippers and awning?
 A

[robpoe]

The scoutmasters used to take them to the carwash, spray them clean, then we'd set the wet tents up in their back yard for a day or two, then spray them with protectant.

[sewserious]

Depending on what fabric it is made of, you can wash it in a washing machine.  Needs to be a front loader with a delicate or gentle cycle that is large enough to put the tent in without cramming it in too tightly.  Use a small amount of a low-sudsing (HE) laundry detergent and an extra rinse.  Pitch tent to dry and then reapply waterproofing if necessary.

[CajunCamper]

The best and safest thing to do is to set up your tent and get a bucket of warm soapy water with a sponge and scrub it down. After scrubbing with a soapy sponge, rinse it down(low pressure) with just plain water. Let it dry completely and then you may want to treat it with a water repelent spray that you can pick up at just about any place that sells tents. You may even apply it two or three times letting it dry completely between applications. Be sure to pay close attention to seams and zippers.

This will prevent damage to the fabric and zippers.

CajunCamper

[geronimo]

Thanks for your input. Think I'll try pitching it and washing it down. Thanks for all your input.....