As much as we want to stay cooped up and hidden from the world, there are times when you just can’t avoid getting out. Whether it’s a camping trip or a weekend getaway with friends, sometimes an outdoor excursion is unavoidable. In these situations, keeping your tent clean and dry will save you some hassle down the road.
If you’re one of the unlucky few who has purchased a new tent and are now experiencing a terrible smell that can’t be removed, there are some things you can try. Read more in detail here: how to get rid of new tent smell.
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There are several reasons to enjoy camping in the great outdoors with an old-fashioned tent. There are several reasons why individuals choose to go camping, ranging from being able to connect with friends and family who accompany you to being able to be one with nature. Whatever your purpose for camping, there are certain universal truths about the experience.
For some individuals, this implies that they will be bitten by bugs regardless of the season. For some individuals, this may mean that the tent they use starts to smell a little funky after a while.
If you notice that your tent isn’t smelling as fresh as it should, there are a few steps you can do to help it breathe.
There are a few things you need know about your tent before you start airing it out, since some of these techniques may not work for all tents. For starters, you should be familiar with the tent manufacturer’s care recommendations. These should be your starting point for dealing with any tent odors.
You should also know what kinds of washes are compatible with the components of your tent. Unless the manufacturer’s instructions specify otherwise, you may usually use the same kind of scrubber that you would for a vehicle.
All of these considerations should be made before attempting to air out any tent you possess.
1 – Deodorizing with a Fabric Deodorizer
While the effectiveness of this strategy varies depending on the severity of the odor, it is usually a fairly safe way to attempt to air out your tent. It should be the first thing you attempt if you have a light odor, since a nasty odor may occasionally be created by nature.
This is also one of the most straightforward ways to clean out your tent. First and foremost, open the tent from the inside out and hang it on a pole. This will enable you to reach all of the stinkiest areas within the tent, however you may always spray the outside if necessary.
If you don’t have a pole, you may use some tall chairs to support it up. In the worst-case situation, you can just wipe it down on your house’s floor.
After that, you may use a fabric deodorizer of your choosing to spray the tent. Allow the tent to air out from morning to evening so that the deodorizer may absorb into all of the tent’s fibers. If you’re going to keep the tent outdoors, make sure it’s secure so it doesn’t get damaged.
Remember that airflow is important, so don’t let it contact the ground fully. Your tent should smell like the deodorizer you applied and be free of any nasty odors at the end of the day.
2 – Cleaning with Soap and Water
Make sure you have a scrub brush that you would use on a vehicle before starting this process. It should have a long handle and a short bristle.
You should also have some non-scented soap on hand. While you may use fragrant soap, bear in mind that it can attract bugs to your tent, something no camper likes to deal with.
Once you’ve got your soapy water and scrubber, go over the whole interior and outside of your tent softly but completely. If your tent has a waterproof covering, keep that in mind while cleaning it and get a cleaner that won’t harm it. Aside from that, this procedure is nearly as straightforward as it seems.
After you’ve cleaned it down, let it air dry before using it, provided the stench doesn’t persist.
3 – How to Use a Washing Machine
There are two points to make regarding this approach. For starters, you should only use it rarely. Depending on how the tent was manufactured, even the gentlest cycle may break the seams.
Second, verify the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you can even wash the tent in the washing machine. If you are unable to do so, you should refrain from doing so.
Even though the manufacturer advises you may wash it, you should avoid this procedure if your tent is already old and the age is visible in the seams.
If you can wash the tent in the washing machine, you should turn it inside out so that the filthy area is cleaned. You’ll also want to make sure that all of the zippers are fully closed to prevent anything from being stuck, damaged, or twisted.
After that, run the washing on a moderate cycle in warm to cold water. If at all possible, use a synthetic fabric cleaner instead of detergent. Fabric softener should never be used on a tent.
To be safe, spray the tent with a waterproofer when it comes out of the washing machine. Always remember that this should only be done once or twice in the lifespan of a tent, and only in the most extreme situations of funky tent odors.
4 – Using a Mold or Mildew Removal Product
If the stink in your tent is caused by mold or mildew, you’re in luck since it’s rather simple to remove.
First and foremost, check sure you are not destroying the tent’s waterproof covering. This means you should find for a cleaner who has experience working with tent coatings.
In general, enzyme-based odor eliminators are the most effective, and there are various options available.
Fill a tub (or any container big enough to totally soak your tent in) with cold water after you have the cleaner. To eliminate the stench, use as much odor eliminator as is advised, or more depending on how stinky the tent is.
Stir the odor remover into the water once it has been introduced. Before immersing your tent in the solution, you should unzip all of the zippers and open all of the flaps. Keep it there for at least 10 minutes, or as long as the odor remover suggests.
It’s important to remember not to rinse the tent once you’ve taken it down. Rather, you should hang the tent to dry naturally. You’ll have a fresh-smelling tent ready for your next camping vacation before you know it.
The “tent smells like vomit” is a problem that many people have to deal with. The best way to air out the tent is by using one of four effective ways.
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