If you’re a lover of the great outdoors and enjoy camping in nature, you’ll know how important your trusty tent is. Your tent is a home away from home and should be given as much care and attention as you would give your humble abode.
Taking care of your tent and ensuring that it is well cared for is a great way to maximize its lifespan and save you the hassle of having to spend your hard-earned money on a new tent every so often.
In today’s article, we bring you 5 top tips that will help you properly care for your tent, so read on to find out more!
You Can’t Get Around Cleaning
Just as you would tidy up your home once a week or so, taking care of your tent by cleaning it and ensuring that it is kept in pristine condition is something that you can’t neglect. The best way to go about cleaning your tent is by setting it up and giving it a good wipe down with a mild liquid hand soap solution.
Lukewarm water is the best option here and remembering to thoroughly rinse your tent and allowing it to dry completely is key. Storing your tent while it is still wet may result in mould or mildew growth which is something you definitely wait to prevent.
Avoid using detergent, washing machines or dryers as they have the potential to damage your tent and its seams. before storing or mould and mildew are likely to grow.
Keep It Sealed
Another important aspect when it comes to caring for your tent is to pay attention to its seams. We recommend commercial tent sealers that can protect your tent from getting damaged by rain, runoff or ground level water.
Always be sure to read through directions thoroughly before embarking on your seal, and keep the area well ventilated whilst doing so. We recommend sealing floor seams, fly seams and reinforcement to ensure that your tent is as protected from the elements as it can be.
UV-Treat Your Tent
Did you know that even the most expensive of tents are subject to ultraviolet damage caused by the sun’s harsh rays? UV damage causes materials such as nylon and polyester to become brittle and tear easily — damage that is often non-repairable but can be minimized by reducing excessive exposure to direct sunlight.
You could even go one step further and use a product such as McNett’s UV Tech, which acts as a type of “sunscreen” for your tent’s outer fabric.
Replace Your Poles
One of the most common damages that a tent endures is broken and/or bent poles. This is why it is always recommended that you keep spares, and some tents may even come with additional poles when you buy them.
Alternatively, you can always head to your local camping store to purchase new ones. Another thing to look out for on your poles is corrosion which is caused by seawater and salt air that may lead to breakage.
If you notice that your poles are looking a little lackluster, the best option may be to get them replaced as soon as possible.
Careful Storage
Storing your tent correctly is almost as important as how you treat it on your camping trips. It is always recommended that you store your tent in a large bag (or mesh laundry bag) rather than use a compression sack.
This will help ventilate the tent when it is not being used and will definitely make it last longer. Ideally, you’ll want to store your tent in a cool and dry place, so avoid locations such as a hot garage, garden shed, attic, or car trunk.
Conclusion
With proper care and attention, your tent is something that can last you for up to 5 years, depending on the frequency of use. We hope that this article has given you some insight into how you can show your trust tend some much deserved TLC.
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