Suppose you decide to go on a camping trip and you have all the camping gear stored up in your garage. You take them out and find that the tent has mold and mildew. There is no way you can put up the tent in this condition as it doesn’t look good with those black stains and it has a foul smell. You should get rid of the mold. By knowing how to clean a tent with mold, you won’t have to think of buying a new tent.
How to prevent mold?
It is always best to take care of your tent, especially after a trip to avoid to deal with mold in the first place. During a camping trip, you might get caught in the rain or might have set up the tent near a sea or river. So, moisture may linger on the surface of the tent. If you get the chance, make sure your tent is dry before you pack it in your car.
You should clean both the inside and outside of the tent. You should then clean wash your tent, because even after you wipe off the moisture, dirt may be present. Before washing the tent, read the instructions for cleaning the tent carefully. After your tent is dry, you should store it in a clean and dry place.
How to clean a tent with mold?
You should buy the best canopy tent that is waterproof. That way there will be less chance of mold growth. If your tent is not cleaned and stored properly, mold and mildew may grow on it. If you find mold in your tent here are some ways to clean it.
Lemon water solution
You should use a soft toothbrush to brush the mold from the tent. Mix one cup of lemon juice to one cup of salt. Then add a gallon of hot water to make a solution. Wash the affected area with this solution. Then allow the tent to dry completely in the sun.
Vinegar treatment
You should first use a toothbrush to brush the affected area. Dilute a quart of vinegar in warm water. Then add one teaspoon of dishwashing soap. Then use a sponge to clean the entire area. Use a brush and rub on the spots.
Professional-grade cleaners
These cleaners are non-toxic and biodegradable. You need to dissolve it in water and then apply on the spots. Leave the solution for 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Make sure it is thoroughly dried before you store it.
You should not use chlorine bleach to clean the tent. It is corrosive, and it will damage the fabric of the tent. If your tent is waterproof, chlorine bleach will damage the weatherproofing characteristic as well. If you use bleach on the inside part of the tent, then it may cause respiratory problems.
You should never wash the tent in a washing machine. Always wash it with hand and let it dry under the sun. When you store the tent, make sure that you store it in a cool and dry place and make sure that it is not stored in a cramped space. Otherwise, moisture will develop, and you will notice mold growth. So, before you pack up the tent to put it in your car after the camping trip, make sure it is dry so that moisture doesn’t stick around for a long time. It may cause mold to grow.