If you’re a travel and camping enthusiast, you would probably know the importance of cleaning the tent. Camping on a mold and mildew-free tent is essential to keep you safe and comfortable in your camping adventure. However, mold growth on a tent is a common issue many campers face.
However, camping in a tent with mold is hazardous to your health. It can create an unpleasant and icky smell that is alone enough to kill the pleasure of your adventure. In this article, the Camping Explores team will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean a tent with mold, the materials to use, and better techniques to follow.
Furthermore, we will discuss the effects of mold and how it can damage the lifespan of your camping tent. We will also share tips to prevent mold formation in the future. After reading this article, you will have all the information to get rid of mold growth on a tent to ensure an enjoyable camping trip.
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General Way to Clean a Tent with Mold
There are various methods and materials available to clean a tent with mold. Here, we will share the basic way to clean a tent with mold.
So, to clean a tent with mold, you must first prepare a solution consisting of vinegar and water. Then you will need a soft brush, a sponge, and a hose. Once you have collected all these objects, you can move on to the following steps:
1. Setup the Tent:
First, you must step up your camping tent in a well-ventilated area and make sure the tent is completely dry.
2. Create a Solution:
In the second step, you have to mix vinegar with water in the bucket with a proportion of two parts water to one part vinegar.
3. Clean the Affected Spots:
Then dip the soft brush in the mixed solution of water and vinegar and scrub the affected parts of the tent with mold.
4. Work with the Sponge:
In the next step, you have to apply solutions to the spots with the sponge where it is difficult to clean with the brush.
5. Time Duration:
Now let the vinegar and water solution stay on the mold-affected areas of the tent for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Clean the Tent Thoroughly:
After that, rinse the tent thoroughly with the hose, ensuring you have removed all the solution and mold on the tent.
7. Final Step:
In the end, let the tent dry completely.
This is the standard way to clean a tent with mold. If this method doesn’t work for you, you can check other specific ways to clean a tent with mold, which we will share in the following paragraphs.
(Do It Yourself) DIY Methods to Clean a Tent With Mold:
You will have many options to clean your tent when you discover molds and mildews before leaving home. You can clean the mold with common household ingredients.
Later, in this part of the article, we will discuss the best DIY methods to clean a tent with molds and mildews.
1. Clean the Mold on a Tent With Lemon Juice and Salt
The first step in our DIY Methods to Clean a Tent With Mold is lemon juice and salt. The process is simple. You will need four things:
- A Gallon of Water
- 1 Cup of Lemon Juice
- 1 Cup of Salt
- Sponge or Bristle Brush
Now you have to mix 1 cup of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 gallon of water to make a solution. Then scrub the solution on the mold-affected parts of the tent with the bristle brush. After that, you have to wash the tent with a sponge and let the solution stay on the tent’s surface for 20 to 40 minutes.
In the final step, rinse the tent with clean water and dry it to use again. Use a bristle brush for the canvas tent for better cleaning. Finally, it should also be in your standard knowledge that these techniques can affect the lifespan of your camping tent.
2. Clean the Mold on a Tent With White Vinegar Diluted with Water
Cleaning the Mold on a Tent With White vinegar diluted with water is the second method in our DIY cleaning tent with mold. Vinegar is among the best cleaning household ingredients. For this method, you will need the following:
- A Water
- Sponge
- Vinegar
- A Spray bottle
- A soft-bristled brush
The first step is to prepare the mixture. You must mix one gallon of water with one cup of vinegar. Mix the solution and put it n the spray bottle. After that, gradually spray the mixture over the affected parts of your tent.
In the final step, you don’t have to rinse the tent to create better results with vinegar. Let it dry in the open air.
How To Prevent Mold On Your Tent
When it comes to mold prevention, it is essential for the tent’s lifespan as well as your health. On the other hand, prevention is far better than cure. Prevention will need effort, but it will keep your tent free from mold and mildew.
There are various methods to prevent mold growth on your tent. Here we will discuss some best ways, and which method you choose will depend on you and your tent type.
The best way is to wash, clean, and dry the tent after every camping trip. Follow these steps to get better results:
- Set up your tent in a ventilated area and check for mold and mildew. If found, apply any method you read above.
- Shake and sweep as much as possible to clean the tent of dirt and debris.
- Store your tent in a dry area away from sunlight.
- If you are vital in the tent for a more extended period, regularly check for mold and mildew formation.
- You can use mold inhibitors to prevent mold formation.
