Hands fastening a tent to the ground with stakes on grassy terrain, wearing hiking boots.

Tent Maintenance & Care: How to Clean & Reproof a Tent

How to extend the life of your tent

Storing your tent

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How to extend the life of your tent

A good tent is an investment. How you store it, use it and care for it all impacts how it performs over time. In this guide, we’ll break down how you should look after your tent, how to keep it clean and how to reproof it.

Tent care basics

  • Never store your tent wet

  • Regularly clean any build-up of dirt

  • Deep clean it approximately once a year

How to clean your tent: step-by-step

Close-up of a tent fabric with the logo and text "Copper Spur UL2 XL" visible on a mesh panel.
Image of Prepare your tent

Step 1:

Prepare your tent

Choose a warm, dry day - the sooner after your most recent camping trip, the better and pitch the tent in your garden.

Image of Brush off any excess

Step 2:

Brush off any excess

Once the tent is pitched, you may need to brush off any excess mud or grass so that the surface of the tent is clear.

Image of Prepare the cleaning solution

Step 3:

Prepare the cleaning solution

Make a solution of detergent-free soap such as Grangers Tent + Gear Cleaner and lukewarm water.

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Step 4:

Clean the fabric

Using a clean, non-abrasive sponge, dab any dirt and grime from the flysheet and the inner tent.

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Step 5:

Dry the tent

Allow the tent to air-dry completely before storing it away.

Deep cleaning your tent

For a deep clean, you can soak the fabric in the cleaning solution. Depending on the size of your tent, you'll need to do this in a large bucket or even in the bath. Follow the directions on the cleaner's bottle to determine how long to leave it to soak, and be sure to rinse it thoroughly before letting it dry.

Top tip:

If your tent zippers aren't running smoothly, they may also need a clean. Take a toothbrush and scrub any residue that's trapped in the zipper teeth. For stubborn dirt, rinse the zipper with water, then brush.

How to reproof your tent: step-by-step

A person sets up a dark green Big Agnes tent on rocky terrain under sunlight, wearing a cap and jacket.
Image of Ensure your flysheet is clean

Step 1:

Ensure your flysheet is clean

You should follow these reproofing steps after cleaning your tent. Your tents should be laid flat or pitched before application. Protect surrounding areas if required.

Image of  Dampen your tent

Step 2:

Dampen your tent

Tent reproofer spray works best on damp or wet fabric. Wash, spray or otherwise wet the fabric before application.

Image of Evenly spray the reproofer

Step 3:

Evenly spray the reproofer

Shake the bottle and spray evenly from approximately 15cm.

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Step 4:

Remove excess

Wait 2-3 minutes before removing any excess with a damp sponge or cloth.

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Step 5:

Allow to dry

Allow your tent to dry naturally before use. Do not pack it away until it is completely dry.

Storing your tent

The golden rule of storing a tent is to ensure it is completely dry and clean. You should also avoid storing your tent in a damp or warm place. If you do need to store your tent somewhere like your garage or shed, putting it in a sealed plastic box can help protect it from moisture.

Final thoughts

As with all outdoor gear, proper care and repair are vital to extending the life and performance of your tent. To keep your tent going even after torn fabric or a broken tent pole, read our repair guides.

About the author

Image of Esme, Senior SEO & Content Executive

Esme, Senior SEO & Content Executive

I’ve always loved the outdoors and find spending time in nature restorative. I enjoy hiking, camping & running. I love exploring the nature that's on my doorstep in the Peak District or venturing further afield through travelling. I write a range of articles and guides to help others explore and enjoy the outdoors.

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