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by jt007m on November 22nd, 2006

jt007m

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How do you clean a tent with mildew? It's been folded up in a bag for a few weeks and needs a good cleaning.

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Answers. 6 helpful answers below.

  • by Glenn Blaylock on November 22nd, 2006

    Glenn Blaylock

    I have never had this problem myself, but I think that I would suggest setting it up someplace dry and then spraying it down with something like Tilex. Cover every bit of the mildew with it. Then let it dry. I am not going to guarantee that this will not damage the tent. So, follow this advice at your own risk.

    I would say this though. Next time don't put your tent away wet. I have been on a few camping trips where I have had to take down and roll up my tent in wet conditions. In these instances I have always gotten it back out once I got home and found someplace to set it up so that it could dry before I put it back into storage. Therefore, I have never had a problem with mildew. (One time I had to set it up in the lobby of the dorms in which I was then living.) So, take care of your equipment and it will last longer.

    ************
    "jt007m: ...It's looking like I might have to junk it cuz the tilex might burn through the tent.."

    Yeah, it might, but if you are going to throw it away anyway, then you have nothing to lose by trying the Tilex first. It might also be that it won't damage the tent. If this is the case, then it will save it. You will never know unless you try.

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  • by Anonymous on November 22nd, 2006

    Anonymous

      I wouldn't clean a tent with mildew.  I'd clean it with water and a suitable detergent.  Mildew isn't useful for cleaning tents, or for cleaning anything else.

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  • by Ridgeseeker on March 21st, 2007

    Ridgeseeker

    A musty odor, and/or small cross-shaped spots on tent fabric indicate mildew formation. To get rid of mildew, mix 1 cup salt, 1 cup lemon juice (concentrated), and 1 gallon of hot water. Rub the solution into all visible mildew. Then pitch the tent with affected areas facing the sun and allow the tent to dry.

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  • by Anonymous on January 3rd, 2007

    Anonymous

    What I would do is go to your closest out doorstore. They will have a cleaning detergent especialy for nylon. (Tents, shell jackets). Throw it in the washer and u will be good to go. Hang it to dry.

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  • by Faith111 on November 22nd, 2006

    Faith111

    Mildew contains bleach (chlorine) which may damage the tent. Try using in a small area in corner of the tent and keep for few minutes and than apply else where if there was no damage done to the tent.

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  • by bluerose on July 12th, 2009

    bluerose

    i have the same problem, went camping and put my tent away in wet conditions, then got home and we had 2 weeks of total downpour, so i couldnt get the tent out.... wouldnt cleaning it with all the detergents mentioned actually strip the waterproofing off the tent, or is it ok once dried again...

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