How To Clean a Tent
Updated: May 23, 2023
Back from the wilderness with a tent full of dirt and grime? Get it ready for your next adventure!
Time 2 to 5 hours
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$20
Introduction
A weekend of tent camping soothes the soul — and makes for a dirty, dusty, muddy tent, depending on your destination and the weather. You can't clean and dry tents out in the backcountry, so it's important to take care of that messy home-away-from-home when you come back to reality.
Cleaning a tent is easy, but can be unwieldy, especially for large tents. Unless your tent is really filthy, try spot cleaning when you can. (I have a four-person tent with a porch, and it's difficult to find a tub large enough.) For smaller tents, it's worth it to just toss it in the tub or laundry sink.
Here's how to clean yours so it will be ready to go the next time the outdoors calls.
Tools Required
- Bathtub laundry sink or large washtub
- Garden hose
- Sponge or soft cloth
- Whisk broom
Materials Required
- Mild dish soap
- Rubbing alcohol or mineral oil
- Tent wash solution
Project step-by-step (5)
Brush Out
- Set up your tent in the yard or driveway.
- Lift and shake to get the sand, dust and dirt out.
- Brush remaining dirt, sticks and debris out with a whisk broom.
Spot Clean
- Make a little dish soap and water solution.
- Walk around the tent and look for dirty spots.
- Gently wipe with a soft sponge and soap.
- For sticky sap, try a small amount of rubbing alcohol or mineral oil.
- Rinse well with water.
Fill the Tub
- Start to fill your bathtub or large washtub with cool water.
- Add a small amount of tent wash, according to package directions.
- Submerge your tent in the water.
- Agitate and continue to fill the tub.
Rinse and Repeat
- Allow your tent to sit in the water for a few minutes.
- Agitate again and drain the water.
- Refill the tub to rinse the tent and continue agitating.
- Drain and repeat until water is clear.
Dry Completely
- If it’s a small tent, hang over the shower rod.
- Drape larger tents over a clothesline, fence or lawn furniture. Shade is preferable.
- Set it up after it’s drip-dry to allow wind to air dry the entire tent, inside and out.
- Do not attempt to store a wet or damp tent.
