Add Life To Your Tent - End of Season Cleaning and Waterproofing

For many of us the summer camping season is coming to an end 🙁

If you want to make sure your tent lasts for many years to come is to make sure that you pack it away as clean as possible. If you last packed up your tent in the rain or while it was damp you are definitely going to need to get it out and dry before putting it away for winter

The simplest way of cleaning any tent is to set-it up. You can often do this in your own backyard or in a nearby park.

Cleaning is very much common sense. If you have a fixed groundsheet get in with your brush and dustpan and clear away any loose debris. The outside of the tent should be checked for any mud or bird droppings. If dry these can often be simply brushed off. If you have any mould or stubborn mud use a little soap and water and simply wash the tent.

Any time you use soap or detergent on the outside of your tent - particularly on the fly sheet - it is a good idea to re-waterproof the tent. This is again very easy using one of the many aerosol sprays you can buy.

Take a look at the video for a quick guide to waterproofing

Probably the most important thing to remember is to make sure your tent is thoroughly dry before packing it up for winter. Make sure you choose a day when there is no prospect of rain.