How to wash a cotton tent

When washing your cotton tent, you will need to start by removing residue (mud, leaves, grass) from the fabric to ensure you wash it thoroughly. This will help prevent mold growth and also prevent the tent from wearing out.

As a general rule, a cotton tent should be washed or at least scrubbed about once a season, regular cleaning will increase its lifespan. It is important to note that you should not clean the tent using a pressure washer. The pressure you put on the fabric could tear it. Also, it's best to rub sideways rather than up or down to keep the fibers tight.

Once you have determined if there is mold on your tent (blue, black or green stains), spray distilled white vinegar on the stain and let it dry.

After you've finished cleaning the tent, you'll want to let it dry out in the sun. If the weather is not conducive to letting it dry, you can store it in a cool, dry place for several days. While you wait, you can spot the areas most likely to get dirty.

Once you have done this you can then start rinsing the tent. Use a bucket full of clean water and give it a good scrub. Rinse the tent again to remove any soap residue. Keep in mind that you should only wash the tent when it has accumulated a large amount of dirt or mud.

You can also use a lemon and salt solution to clean your canvas tent. For this add a cup of lemon juice and a cup of salt to a gallon of hot water. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

Another way to treat mold is to mix a mixture of vinegar and water. You should apply it to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, you can rinse off the vinegar and water with lukewarm water.

Mold tends to grow in damp conditions. Along with the damage it causes to your tent, you may also face the pungent smell it produces. Fortunately, it is easy to avoid.

In addition to keeping your tent clean, you can also eliminate mold spores by placing it in the sun. It is especially important to do this if your tent is in a wet area, such as the garden or the cabin. Since it is a moisture-loving organism, mold will begin to grow within 24 hours. If you can turn the tent full once in a while to eradicate the mold spores it is still a very effective natural treatment.

There are many types of materials that can be used to make tents, we chose cotton for all its advantages. However, you must remember that the best materials are those that are durable and well maintained. So it's a good idea to take care of your tent, so that it lasts for years.