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Tents serve as your outdoor homes. They require tender love and proper care to provide years of service. The question, “Can you wash a tent in a front loading washing machine?” makes people wonder. Read on and know the answer.
Tents, while unbelievably tough when used outdoors, also need cleaning and maintenance. Good thing, you do not have to wash it often, unless it gets stained or starts smelling bad. Depending on the degree of soiling, here are the things you can do.
Lightly soiled areas can be cleaned using a non-abrasive scrub, mild soap, and cold water. You have to clean it with your hands, giving extra attention to the coated parts.
Avoid using household cleaners made from harsh chemicals as it may affect the tent’s water-repellant system. You can use DIY cleaning mixtures to remove dirt and mold patches on tents. Also, refrain from using scented soaps as it can attract insects and other creatures.
Tents that are heavily soiled, with molds, or has foul odors should undergo deep cleaning. This is not an automatic process and requires a lot of hand-works.
Pitch your tent in a good location, preferably wide-open spaces without loose tree branches and twigs. This will keep your tent protected against potential damage. Yards and campgrounds are perfect spots.
Once set, remove all present debris and loose dirt with your hands. This includes leaves, pine needles, and equipment. Be sure that your tent is empty before cleaning.
Using a sponge with a small amount of soap, spot-clean the areas with excessive dirt and stains.
Gently scrub all surfaces of the tent, inside and out. You can use a brush to clean corners and hard to reach areas.
On a tub filled with water and soap, soak the tent for a couple of minutes depending on the directions. This is an optional procedure and can be omitted depending on personal preference.
Rinse the entire tent using a hose. Continue rinsing until no more soap residues are present.
Let your tent dry completely before storing. It can be air-dried to prevent the growth of molds. A waterproof spray can be used to increase your tent’s life.
After cleaning and drying, evaluate the condition of your tent. This includes checking the seams, mesh, and zippers.
Be sure that your tent is totally dry before keeping in a bag. Never keep it while it is still damp as it may lead to mold growth and unpleasant smell. You can also keep it in a mesh bag or pillowcase to allow the fabric to breathe and relax.
Tent poles are recommended to be stored in their assembled state. This will increase life due to the reduced tension in the shock cord.
Store your tent in a cool and dry place. Never keep it in hot and damp areas including your garage, attic, or basement.
Yes, you can, but it is not always a wise idea. Machine washing your tent can save time and energy. However, even its gentlest setting can increase the risk of damages.
The only exception to these factors is the professional-grade tents. They can be washed using a washing machine, but utmost care should still be given.
Now that you are aware of the pros and cons of using the washing machine in cleaning your tents, it is for you to decide. Are you taking the easier yet risky way or the longer but less damaging method? Just a piece of advice–do not compromise quality. Ever.
With these additional guides and tips, camping and outdoor trips can be easier and more enjoyable.
The question, “Can you wash a tent in a front loading washing machine?” can be answered depending mainly on your preference. Though it offers some obvious and immediate advantages, the use of a washing machine can damage your tent and shorten its life. You’d better follow the conventional methods in cleaning a tent or end up losing your outdoor home.