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This 5 Minute Webinar™ Sponsored By

How to Deodorize & Clean a Tent

Tips and Tricks for Deodorizing and Cleaning Tents

Presented by Gerald Craft from Gear Aid®

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WHAT ISTHE BIG IDEA?

So you can actually enjoy your next

camping experience!

Keep your tent clean and odor-free…

The Do’s and Don’ts for cleaning and storing tents

How to Deodorize Tents

Tips and tricks for removing mold and mildew odors from tents

How to Clean Tents

5 MINUTE FACT #1The underside of most tent flies and the top side of most tent floors are coated with polyurethane (PU). This coating “waterproofs” the fabric and prevents moisture from seeping through. Even though polyurethane is used to add waterproofing, water can act as a very slow solvent.

NUTS &BOLTS

Step 1: Proper Storage

The first step in preventing odors is to never store your tent when it is wet or damp. Not only do you run the risk of developing mold and mildew, but moisture also deteriorates the waterproof coatings typically applied to tent flies and tent floors.

Never store wet or damp tents and avoid moisture-rich environments like musty basements or hot attics.

5 MINUTE FACT #2Avoid scrubbing the underside of tent flies and the top side of tent floors. Heavy scrubbing will remove polyurethane coatings and affect the water-proofness of the fabric.

Removal will depend upon how ingrained the mold is in the fabric. Sometimes you can remove mold by simply scrubbing with soap and warm water. Other times, you may need something more powerful like bleach. Begin by hand washing the mold with warm soapy water.

If the mold is present on the underside of the tent fly or top side of the tent floor, be careful not to remove the polyurethane coating in place.

NUTS &BOLTS

Step 2: Removing Mold or Mildew

5 MINUTE FACT #3The more you saturate the item with microbes the better the success you will have.

NUTS &BOLTS

Step 3: Treating for Odors

Now that you’ve done your best to remove the mold and mildew, it’s time to treat the tent for odors. A microbe-based odor eliminator like MiraZyme™ works best. MiraZyme contains microbes that are “activated” as soon as the solution is mixed with water.

Once activated, the microbes begin consuming themselves as well as any bacteria present. They will continue to consume until their food source (water) runs out. Once the water has evaporated, you should notice the greatest reduction in odor.

5 MINUTE FACT #4When pre-mixing a spray application of MiraZyme, use the pre-mixed solution within 72 hours. Once mixed with water the microbes will begin consuming any bacteria present. However, they will consume themselves as well once mixed with water.

NUTS &BOLTS

Typically microbe-based odor eliminators like MiraZyme require that you soak the fabric in a mixture of MiraZyme and water and then allow that fabric to air dry.

Because most tents have a polyurethane coating applied to the underside of the tent fly and the top side of the tent floor, I would not recommend soaking the tent in water since it acts as a slow solvent. Instead, use a spray bottle.

Step 4: Spray Bottle Application

5 MINUTE FACT #5MiraZyme will not leave behind any residues or impact breathability, so feel free to use it on technical fabrics and GORE-TEX gear.

NUTS &BOLTS

Step 5: Mixing Ratios and Application

Mix 2 oz. of MiraZyme per 16 oz. of water in an empty spray bottle. Saturate the tent with your MiraZyme solution.

Allow the tent to air dry. Don’t rinse the tent because you’ll rinse away the microbes. Don’t apply excessive heat, because heat will impact the microbes as well. Just saturate the tent and allow it to air dry completely.

5 MINUTE FACT #6Traditional household detergents like Tide and All contain heavy suds, optical brighteners and fabric softeners which negatively impact water repellency. It is important to use a specialized, clean-rinsing detergent when washing technical fabrics.

NUTS &BOLTS

Step 6: Cleaning the Tent

Now that you’ve removed odors, the tent just needs one final scrub. We recommend a clean-rinsing detergent like ReviveX® Pro Cleaner, which is non-abrasive and will not leave behind any residue that could impact water repellency or breathability.

5 MINUTE FACT #7It’s typically easier to clean tents when they are pitched and taut.

NUTS &BOLTS

Step 7: Mixing Rations and Cleaning Tips

Simply mix a ½ oz. of ReviveX Pro Cleaner with 2 gallons of water and scrub the EXTERIOR surfaces only. Do not machine wash tents: the agitator could cause damage to the fabric, special coatings and seam tape.

Do not scrub the underside of the tent fly or inside of the tent floor as you may damage or remove the polyurethane coating applied.

WHY ITMATTERS

Make your time outdoors enjoyable. It’s never fun dealing with a smelly tent!

No One Likes Sleeping in a Stinky Tent

Dirt can eat away at fabrics. Keep your gear around for a while by taking good care of it!

When You Take Care of Your Stuff, It Lasts Longer

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ThankYou!

JOIN USFor more care and repair recommendations from Gear Aid, please visit: McNett.com/GearAid

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Take care of the gear that takes care of you.