A tent is an integral part of camping trips. Therefore, it is important to keep it in good condition and clean any mold right after you notice it. In this article, you will learn how to clean a tent with mold in a few easy steps.
Mold and mildew in a tent: reasons
Mold can grow on almost anything if there is a favorable environment. The common reason for mold and mildew in a tent is that they like dark and moist areas.
It is not easy to detect mold on your tent because it looks like dirt or an ordinary stain in most cases.
If you store wet outdoor and other camping gear in a non-breathing bag, mold will begin to appear on it. The storage location plays a crucial role in determining whether mold will spread or not.
Typical mold spots look like specks on a tent’s fabric and come in various colors, including black, white, green, gray, and yellow.
How to understand that your tent has mold? Well, the stale smell is a sure sign of it. After you notice it, take immediate action to get rid of it. How to clean a tent with mold and how to prevent mold? All the answers are provided in this article.
Is mold in your tent dangerous for your health?
Many tourists do not give the mold problem the importance it deserves. In general, mold and mildew in your tent aren’t very harmful. However, mold spores can worsen your condition in case of allergies or asthma. Harmful spores can also endanger your immune system and eyesight.
Therefore, preventing mold and mildew in the tent is especially important. Read the guide presented below, which describes in detail the methods of dealing with it.
How to clean a tent with mold: a detailed guide
If you notice mold and mildew in your tent, do not rush to throw the tent away. Tent mold can be easily removed by following some simple steps. Just make sure that you have everything needed for it.
To remove mold, you have to use such things as:
- a rag,
- a sponge,
- mild soap.
Before cleaning the mold, set the tent up and remove the tent fly. Mix a mild soap and warm water. Then apply this warm soapy water on your tent and scrub its material to clean all the mold. Thoroughly rinse these cleaned areas, so there is no soap left.
We usually leave the tent to dry in a dark place. However, in this case, you have to let the tent air dry under the sun, as it works as a natural bleaching agent. The sun would help to kill all the bacteria still left after such cleaning.
At the same time, never use a dryer for your tent! It can cause far more problems than you expected.
Special methods for coping with mold stains
It is not only the mold itself but also its stains that may cause inconvenience. Though it is more difficult to get rid of, it is also possible. There are several practical ways of dealing with it.
Lemon juice plus salt
Lemon juice and table salt cope best with mold. Moisten the mold stains with lemon juice, leave for five minutes, and then sprinkle salt on top. When it dries, wash the fabric with the active powder in hot water.
The temperature must not be lower than 60 degrees.
You can also use a cloth to scrub this solution of lemon juice and salt, and then use a sponge for washing a tent. Cleaning canvas tents, a bristle brush must be used for scrubbing. After rinsing it with warm water, let the tent dry in direct sunlight.
Ascorbic acid
Another proven remedy for cleaning mold is ascorbic acid mixed with alcohol. Just mix 50 ml of liquid and one bag of ascorbic acid. Apply the mixture to the stain, let it dry, and rub with a brush. Then thoroughly wash in a soap solution with the addition of a detergent.
White vinegar and water into a spray bottle
For this method, you should have a spray bottle. Except for lemon juice and ascorbic acid, one more way of dealing with mold is a mix of white vinegar (one cup) and warm water (one gallon). Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray it on the tent fabric. Leave it for two minutes.
Use a sponge or a brush to scrub the area. In the case of cleaning canvas tents, a stiff bristle must be used for scrubbing the mixture. After that, leave the tent under direct sunlight.
Baking soda
One more effective method of cleaning stains is to mix baking soda (one-quarter of a tablespoon) and hot water. Apply the solution and use a brush to scrub it gently. Don’t rinse the tent, just let it dry.
Tea tree oil
Mix two spoons of tea tree oil and two cups of water and apply the mix on a stain. As in a previous method, don’t rinse the solution and let it air dry. Only when a tent is completely dry, you can pack it away.
Using Revivex
Though the tips above can help to deal with mold stains, they are still not as efficient as the next cleaning agent. Revivex is especially good for deep cleaning. It helps to get rid of your tent’s moldy smell, which may stay after the previous methods.
Not only does Revivex cleaner help to fight this smell but also mildew and mold spores. Use it right after washing your tent. All you need to do is to mix twenty gallons of water and 0.5 ounces of the cleaner.
Unzip all the tent’s zippers and apply the solution as soon as possible. Thus, it would be the most effective. Leave it for about five minutes. Note that soaking your tent for more than five minutes can damage its polyurethane coating, so don’t exceed the time limit.
After that, don’t rinse the tent, and don’t apply any heat. Just allow it to air dry. The moldy smell has to disappear. If it doesn’t, maybe you should find another reason for the smell.
Useful tips to prevent mold
Mold growth should be prevented if you are planning to live in a tent during camping trips. Though it takes some effort, it is worth it.
We have already provided a guideline on how to remove mold. Now we mention some tips on how to prevent its growth. They are quite simple but easy to follow.
First of all, make sure that your tent fabric is clean and dry before you pack it. As we know, wet tents are a good place for mold spores, especially on the tent floor. Then, soon after you return home, it is time for shaking your tent, so there is no dirt left.
In the case of wet fabrics, let your tent air dry completely, but not under direct sunlight. When the tent material is dry, pack it away. Thus, it would be suitable for further use.
Remember that a cool and dry place and/or a big breathable bag is perfect for storing a tent. In addition, make sure to avoid sunlight. Note that if a damp tent has been lying for several weeks, then it will be extremely difficult to remove mold from it.
Living in a tent for a long time, make sure to follow some steps to prevent mold growth there. They include the following:
- don’t forget to check all the signs of mold growth in your tent,
- regularly ventilate your tent,
- get rid of dead bugs,
- use a waterproofing spray when it rains,
- cut all the trees and/or grass near the location of your tent.
These points are not hard to follow, and they effectively help to prevent mold and mildew in the tent.
Mold and mildew: points which must be taken into account
If you are going to kill mold, make sure that you pay attention to some important aspects. Otherwise, you can cause damage to your tent and shorten its lifespan.
First, never use a washing machine to clean your tent from mold and mildew. The reason is that tent fabric, waterproofing, and seam tape are highly sensitive.
Hand-wash is the only possible way of dealing with this situation.
Be careful while cleaning the polyurethane waterproofing coating, as it can be easily damaged or removed. In addition to it, never use abrasive cleaners because they may damage tent fabric as well. Do not use detergent if you notice that it harms your tent.
What is more, be sure to clean your moldy tents from the outside so as not to let harmful mold spores inside. If mold doesn’t go away, repeat the same thorough cleaning process until all mold is gone.
Last but not least, don’t neglect cleaning tent flies and tent poles while using the cleaning solutions provided above.
FAQs
All in all, there are several frequently asked questions about mold and mildew in tents. Let’s consider these questions and answer them:
Can you wash mold out of a tent?
It is better not to use a washing machine for cleaning mold, as it can cause damage to the tent’s fabric. Just use the tips mentioned above, which are safe for the material.
Does mold ruin a tent?
In most cases, mold in a tent can’t damage it badly. It may only be the awful smell that distracts you. Therefore, cleaning the tent will be enough.
How to store a canvas tent after cleaning a mold?
After getting rid of your tent’s mold, you must store it carefully to prevent future mold growth. A breathable bag is the most appropriate way for it.
Can you sleep in a tent with mold?
If you can’t use any cleaning stuff immediately, sleeping in a tent with mold won’t cause you serious damage. However, make sure that the period is not more than three days.
After you come home, take essential steps to clean your tent.
Can you clean mold off the canvas tent?
The tips provided above (except for the vinegar and water method) are appropriate for cleaning a canvas tent.
Summing Up
Mold can cause damage both to your tent and your health. Therefore, it is important to clean it and prevent future mold growth. In this situation, essential tools for getting rid of mold may include a sponge, a spray bottle, soap, and so on.
As mold prefers dark and wet places, the most crucial requirement is to ensure as much ventilation and breathability of your tent as possible. Do not rush to immediately put your tent in a backpack. Let it dry properly and roll up the already dry material. Take care of your tent and enjoy camping!
My name is Olivia Kellison. I have been camping with friends and on my own for a long time. For me, camping is a great way to escape everyday life’s chaos. I started this blog because I have always had a passion for the great outdoors, and here I am gladly sharing what I know with other outdoor enthusiasts. It does not matter whether you are an experienced adventurer, or just planning your first trip, my blog will be of great help to you.