How do I clean and store my tent?

General Information

  • A floor protector is recommended to protect the tent from dirt and abrasion.
  • After taking out the stakes, freestanding tents can be turned upside down and gently shaken out.
  • Tents should only be packed wet in an emergency. Wet tents should be taken out of their packsack and hung up to dry as soon as possible in order to prevent mold and milde growth

Tip: Zips

  • Difficult zips should be treated with a silicone spray and brushed with a toothbrush to improve performance.
  • If a zip no longer closes correctly (the zipped section opens back up, for example) pinch the zip together gently near the lower end of the zipper pull with a small pair of pliers.

Cleaning

If the tent gets very dirty, you can soak it in luke warm water (in the bath tub or shower). Do not use laundry detergent or other cleaners. Never launder a tent in a washing machine!

Eine Zeltstange mit einem Riss und KorrisionsfleckenEine Zeltstange mit einem Riss und Korrisionsflecken
  1. After thoroughly soaking the tent, wash the dirty areas with a solution of Nikwax Tech Wash and water. A soft brush works well for this.
  2. Let the solution soak in for about 5 minutes, then wipe down the tent with a wet cloth.
  3. Rinse the cloth out thoroughly as you work.
  4. Note: When camping in coastal regions with salt water, please rinse the poles regularly with clear water to avoid corrosion. (See pictures: examples of damage)

After cleaning the tent, treat it with Nikwax Tent and Gear Proof. Products from Nikwax are available at your retailer .

  1.  You do not have to wait until the tent is dry. Spray the Nikwax product evenly on the outside of the tent. Nikwax recommends about 50 milliliters of Tent  & Gear SolarProof per square meter.
  2. Wipe off excess waterproofing agent with a damp cloth. 
  3. Leave the product to work for a few minutes. Afterwards, look again to see if there is excess waterproofing agent. If there is, wipe it off with a damp cloth.
  4. Dry the tent completely once in the air.
Ein Mann schaut von außen in ein VAUDE Zelt hinein.Ein Mann schaut von außen in ein VAUDE Zelt hinein.

Storage

  • Tents should be loosely folded together during storage. If this isn’t possible due to space considerations, they can also be stored in their packsack.
  • Always dry your tent completely before storing it in a cool, well ventilated, dry space.
  • Do not store a tent on a PVC floor or in direct contact with PVC materials, oils, or fuels (gas canisters, etc.)! The gasses emitted from these materials contain plasticizers that can damage your tent over time.
  • Take care that sharp objects (stakes or poles) don’t push into the tent fabric. The best option is to roll the poles up in the tent
Ein Nahtabdichter wird mit einem Pinsel auf die Zeltnaht aufgetragenEin Nahtabdichter wird mit einem Pinsel auf die Zeltnaht aufgetragen

Seam sealing

Set up the tent in a dry, well ventilated locatio

  • All surfaces that will be treated with seam sealer should be clean and taught.
  • Apply Silicone Seam Sealer from the inside to all seams.
  • A brush with stiff bristles or a small sponge work best for applying the sealer.
  • Use sparingly and allow to dry for 12 hours..

Tip Seam Sealer: For siliconized tents, Silicone Seam Sealer should be used for this purpose.