First of all, tourist accommodation must be chosen wisely. Our general catalog with a convenient filter can help with this. We also recommend that you read the article ( "How to choose a tent for different use cases?").

Is there any specific care that a tent requires?

Although modern tents are constructed using synthetic textile materials and sturdy frames such as aluminum or fiberglass, they still require proper care and maintenance. Some novice campers may assume that these components are highly durable and resistant to various elements, including moisture and UV radiation, but neglecting basic care practices can lead to premature deterioration. Even the most expensive tent models can suffer damage if not handled and stored correctly.

By the way, synthetic materials used in tents are not impervious to aggressive elements, and the water-repellent coating applied to the fabric can gradually wear off over time. Seams are also prone to wear and tear, often leading to leaks. Additionally, the tent poles can lose their elasticity and sustain mechanical stress, both during usage and storage. These factors highlight the importance of proper care and maintenance to ensure the longevity of your tent.

All this indicates that the purchased tent is still worth looking after. And since they somehow imply a cyclical application, all recommendations can be divided into 3 large groups:

  • careful handling during camping trips;
  • proper care after a field trip;
  • proper storage between cycles of use.

Let's take a closer look at each stage.

Terms of use and recommendations for the care of the tent during the trip

Before heading out into nature, it's essential to inspect your tent for any defects. However, if you've recently purchased a new tent and verified its quality at the store, you can skip this step.

Going on a hike

It is recommended to check literally all the components of the tent before heading out into nature, including:

In order to avoid unpleasant surprises during the camping, the tent should be inspected beforehand.

  • tent and bottom — first of all inspect fabric ruptures, open seams, etc.;
  • arcs — the absence of deformations and mechanical damage;
  • zippers — overall performance, smooth running, lack of bitten tissue;
  • ( mosquito nets) — for breaks;
  • pegs and guy line — for completeness and general condition.

It is advisable to address any defects in your tent before heading out into nature. Experienced campers can often handle minor repairs themselves. However, for warranty issues or when unsure how to fix a problem, it is recommended to seek assistance from specialists or professionals.

Mosquito Net Tents

Selection and preparation of campsite

A crucial aspect of caring for a tent during a hike is selecting and preparing the campsite. It is important to choose a flat area for pitching the tent. Prior to setting up the tent, the ground should be leveled by smoothing out mounds and filling in any pits. Additionally, it is essential to clear the area of large stones, cones, and sharp vegetation such as protruding shrub stems, roots and branches.

To set up a tent, you should also not choose areas with a clear slope. Otherwise, during sleep, the tourist will slide to the wall, putting undesirable pressure on both the awning and the frame.

One of the basic rules for choosing a place for a tent is to place it away from a fire.

Another crucial consideration when selecting a campsite during a hike is placing the tent at a safe distance from the campfire. It is recommended to maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters between the tent and the fire. While the presence of a fire-resistant coating on the tent can provide some protection against stray sparks and slow down the spread of fire, it is important to note that a tent can still burn down completely within a matter of minutes. Hence, it is essential to adhere to basic fire safety rules and not compromise on them.

Another place to set up a tent should be removed at least 5 meters from the water. This will eliminate excess dampness during the night. When relaxing at sea, where high tides are typical, or near rivers with rainy weather forecasts, this distance should be further increased.

Even if your tent has a high-quality bottom with excellent water resistance, it is better to use (additional floor) as a protective pad to prevent its wear, accidental cuts and heavy dirt.

To ensure the proper installation of the tent, check its final shape, the geometry of the entrance, and the quality of the zippers. The zipper should move smoothly and effortlessly. If the zipper feels loose, carefully realign it and fasten it again, then double-check the stability of the tent frame and tension. Pay attention to these details to ensure a secure and functional tent setup.

Fireproof tents

General rules for using the tent

After choosing a place and direct assembly, the basic rules for the careful use of a tent on a hike include the following:

  • It is advisable to avoid entering the sleeping area of the tent with shoes, and if possible, even the vestibule (camping model). It is preferable to be barefoot in these areas. Trekking boots not only bring in dirt but also increase the risk of damaging the tent floor.
The tent will be cleaner if you take off your shoes at the entrance.

  • Avoid overloading the interior pockets, hanging shelves, and other tent organizers. It is recommended to use these storage spaces for essential items and preferably avoid placing heavy objects. Overloading these areas can strain the tent fabric and increase the load on the tent poles.
  • It is recommended to bring a (trekking repair kit) with you. If your tent model doesn't come with one, consider purchasing it separately or at least having essential items like a multi-tool, glue, and fabric patches on hand for repairs during your trek.
  • Be especially careful when cooking in a tent (during rain). In addition to protecting the awning and bottom from fire, it is necessary to exclude the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
Camping tents

  • During extended stays in one location, it is important to maintain cleanliness inside the tent and perform regular cleaning. It is recommended to promptly clean up food spills and contaminants rather than postponing the task. By addressing cleanliness issues promptly, you can prevent them from becoming more challenging to clean later on.
  • When folding the tent daily, it is important to clean the bottom from dirt and remove condensation and moisture from the tent. Ideally, before packing the tent into its storage bag, it should be thoroughly dried. However, in certain situations like time constraints or rainy weather, drying may not always be feasible.
Accuracy is one of the main rules for folding a tent into a bag.

  • When packing the tent after a hike, it is crucial to handle it with care. Avoid stuffing the tent haphazardly into its bag, as this can cause damage and put strain on the seams, particularly near the zippers. Typically, the inner layer is folded several times to create a long bundle of the same width as the cover. The more compact outer tent is then placed on top, and both textile parts are tightly rolled around the bag containing the tent poles.

Tips for caring for your tent after camping

In outdoor settings, it can be challenging to achieve thorough cleaning and drying of the tent. Therefore, it is common to perform essential care activities at home after the trip. These actions should go beyond basic cleaning and drying. It is also advisable to inspect the main structural elements and take measures to maintain the tent's water resistance. Let's discuss each aspect in detail.

The initial step in post-hike home care is cleaning. It is recommended to shake the tent's flysheet and floor vigorously to remove any small foliage, branches, insects, and other debris. Next, inspect the fabric for stains, dried dirt, and other contaminants. For a clearer view, it is beneficial to spread out the flysheet and floor, or even better, set up the tent as if you were on a camping trip. Here is the cleaning algorithm to follow:

  • light traces of dirt can be removed simply with a damp sponge or cloth;
  • for stubborn stains, it is recommended to wash them with water and gently scrub them using a sponge or cloth. Avoid using any detergents, as they can potentially harm the water-repellent coating of the tent fabric;
  • if the pollution remains, then it is permissible to use baby or laundry soap, or “chemistry” intended for tents;
  • if the tent is heavily soiled, then it is better to wash it in the local area, using (garden hose), just on the street or at a self-service car wash;
  • with the most persistent and numerous pollution, washing is indispensable.

Can the tent be washed? How to do it?

It is advisable to wash the tent only if there is significant dirt buildup or if regular cleaning methods with a sponge or brush are ineffective. In such cases, if washing the tent doesn't resolve the issue, the alternatives may be to consider purchasing a new tent or accepting the current condition of the tent.

The option with (washing machine) can only be used at your own risk, as the waterproof coating will definitely suffer. Yes, perhaps only in the places of folds, and this can be eliminated with the help of special sprays.

If you choose to wash your tent using a washing machine, it's important to select the delicate mode without heating water or spinning. Begin by moistening the fabric and rubbing it with laundry soap on both sides. Place the tent, avoiding excessive bunching, into the washing machine drum without using any powders or gels. After the cycle is complete, remove the tent, allow the water to drain naturally (without squeezing it), and proceed with drying.

Hand washing follows a similar process and is preferably done outdoors. Lay the tent flat on a surface and apply a soapy solution to the fabric. For stubborn stains, gently scrub with a sponge or brush. Repeat the process on the other side of the tent. Rinse off the soap using water from a hose, bottles, or other containers, and allow the tent to air dry. Hand washing imposes less mechanical stress on the fabric, resulting in less impact on the water resistance of the tent.

It is better to remove small dirt and stains than to deal with time-consuming care.

As a rule, you can not bring to a full wash, if you carefully handle the tent and clean minor dirt after each trip. In practice, the fight against single stains is often the preferred and not very time-consuming care option.

Drying tent

Regardless of whether the tent was cleaned or not, it is crucial to thoroughly dry it after a trip. Additionally, it is important to ventilate the tent to remove any odors, such as those from fire smoke. Moisture can lead to the growth of mold on the fabric and diminish its strength.

During the warm season, it is advisable to dry the tent outdoors in a nearby area of a private house, cottage, or on an apartment balcony. It is best to choose a shaded spot for drying to avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage nylon and polyester materials. It is not recommended to use heaters or (tumble dryers) to speed up the drying process. Instead, prioritize natural ventilation, such as wind, and moderate air temperature. Remember that drying the tent naturally and allowing for proper airflow is the preferred approach.

The tent needs to be dried, the wind is a good helper.

Maintaining water resistance

After cleaning and thorough drying, it is recommended to treat the tent fabric with special waterproofing agents or sprays. This helps maintain the original waterproof performance of the tent. These products are typically used as preventive measures rather than as solutions for an already leaking tent. It is advisable to apply water-repellent sprays once a season or after each extended trip. It's important to carefully follow the instructions provided with the selected product for the proper application to the tent fabric.

To maintain a good water resistance of the tent, it is also recommended to inspect:

  • tent seams. They must be re-glued if the sealing tape present here departs;
  • textile materials for peeling of protective layers. And if a defect is detected, it is worth contacting specialized repair shops.

Inspection and design check

Before storing the tent, it is important to inspect all the components of its structure, assessing their overall condition and integrity. In addition to checking the awning seams as mentioned earlier, the following should also be examined:

  • arcs. If their integrity is broken, then it makes sense (buy new ones) for replacement;
  • zippers and fasteners. Proper handling and cleanliness contribute to the longevity of tent fittings. To prevent contamination and ensure smooth operation, applying silicone grease is recommended. However, it is advised to avoid using mineral oil-based products, including well-known ones like WD-40, as they can potentially compromise the tent's water resistance when in contact with the fabric;
  • pegs. They are recommended to be cleaned of soil and dried, and if they are bent, then level them.

Rules for long-term storage of a tent

After ensuring that the tent is clean and dry, it is important to consider how and where to store it until the next trip. The primary requirement is to protect it from dampness and moisture. It is advisable to store the tent in a dry and well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight. It is not recommended to leave the tent in unheated spaces during winter, such as garages, basements, or balconies, as temperature fluctuations can lead to unwanted condensation.

Store the tent folded, but without compression.

Probably the best place for a tent between trips is an open shelf in the pantry or any other niche away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Other Storage Tips:

  • no need to leave the product in a compression bag. It is well suited for camping conditions, reducing the size in a backpack, but for long-term storage, a loose case is better;
  • the awning, arches and pegs should ideally have their own packaging. Each time they need to be placed in their cases so as not to damage the rest of the tent elements;
  • solvents, caustic substances and other aggressive compounds should not be near the place where the tent is stored.

Tips to help extend the life of your tent:

  • After purchasing a model, read the instruction manual (if any) and other manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Carefully assemble the tent so that the arcs fall into place and do not experience excessive stress. The level of tension of the fabric, the degree of its wear also depends on this.
  • If you have few travel skills, then it is better, for example, to practice with the assembly and disassembly of the model at home. Here you do not need to rush, you are protected from precipitation and other negative atmospheric influences.
Sometimes it is worth practicing at home to quickly assemble a tent in nature.

  • Disassemble the frame of the tent is from the center to the edges. This sequence eliminates uneven tension on the inner cords and prolongs their service life.
  • For long-term parking in one place after disassembly, it is recommended to clean the arcs, because dust actively accumulates at the junctions of the sections.
  • You can also protect the tent from moisture during its direct use in the campaign. Open (ventilation windows) regularly and arrange cross-ventilation.
  • Whenever possible, it is advisable to protect the tent fabric from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during camping, drying, and storage. Ultraviolet radiation can make nylon fabric more brittle, while polyester is also susceptible to damage from the scorching sun. Whenever there is a chance to pitch the tent in a shaded area during a break, it should always be used to provide protection for the tent fabric.
  • Neglecting the proper drying and storage of a tent after a trip can lead to the growth of mold, which is characterized by an unpleasant odor. To combat mold, it is advisable to soak the fabric in a solution of soapy water or vinegar (30 percent concentration) for several hours. Afterwards, thoroughly wash the textiles and ensure they are completely dry. Following this, it is recommended to treat the fabric with a water-repellent spray.
Tents with ventilation windows

Most of the rules and recommendations for care are not very difficult to follow. With minimal effort, the user can count on the fact that the tent will last for many years, will remain comfortable, cozy and attractive in appearance, as if bought just yesterday.

Good luck with your trips and unforgettable impressions from outings into nature!