Moldy Tents

[orchard]

I have seen some people bring their tents back home somewhat damp, clean the entire thing and do the sunlight for the afternoon trick. One guy I know ended up getting a new one because he forgot it and left it in the truck's cab over a 3 day weekend, brand new tent and it was not worth reviving when he got it. He also said he could not get the smell out of the truck for a few weeks.

[Tigger]

Originally Posted by perchbutt

Wipe it down with diluted white vinegar before you hang it out to dry.

Since white vinegar kills mildew, is considered a fabric softener, and is safe on all fabrics from my knowledge, this would be an ideal option.

[ChadTower]

Originally Posted by Tigger

Since white vinegar kills mildew, is considered a fabric softener, and is safe on all fabrics from my knowledge, this would be an ideal option.

I wonder if you would have to renew the waterproofing after washing in vinegar.

[Grandpa]

Originally Posted by ChadTower

I wonder if you would have to renew the waterproofing after washing in vinegar.

Good point Chad, I thought that too. Which takes us back around to dry the gear properly to begin with and prevention of mildew first.

[Soldat]

I recently got an emal about using a dryer sheet to stop tent mold. I've had a pup tent I bought in Germany back in 78. Opened it and set it up a couple of months ago for the first time in 25yrs. It was rolled up dry way back then. It set up perfectly and looked new without any smell or mold. I bought it used and it's made by a sail cloth company. It's been packed in rucksacks or just sitting out in the shed since about 1990. Now that was just dumb luck on my part. So I have my big tent that attaches to my Cherokee and a spare for storage. Not bad.

[wvbreamfisherman]

Never understood not putting the tent in direct sunlight to dry. For Heaven's sake, you PITCH it in direct sunlight!

I always dry all my equipment as soon as I get home, even if it means hanging the tent over a line in the basement or on the front porch. Sleeping bags get hung on the back fence to air if it's nioce, or on a line in the basement if not.

Taking care of your equipment makes it last!

[twilight]

You can even give an assist to the drying by using a blow dryer especially for those lower corners. I put it out on my driveway. If I'm not around, I lock it up with bike lock.