How To: Wash Your Tent

Giving your tent a bath is easy, cheap, and good for its long term health!

Washing your tent is never a bad idea, especially after a particularly dirty trip.

You will need:

1. Warm water (not hot).

2. A tent-specific wash. We recommend Nikwax Tech Wash, it’s super eco-friendly and won’t degrade any coatings on your tent.

3. A new, clean sponge (you can also use a washcloth or simply your hand). Be sure not to use anything that is abrasive or may have leftover soap residue.

You may be tempted to throw your tent in the washing machine and call it a day. RESIST THE URGE! The machine may shred your tent. Detergents, bleach and dishwashing liquid can ruin waterproofing.

Do It:

1. In a shower, bath tub or back yard, wet down your tent with warm water.
2. Apply tent-specific wash.
3. Gently lather your tent with the soap and sponge.
4. Rinse it out thoroughly.
5. Hang it up to dry. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, as UV exposure can compromise waterproofing. Use extreme caution when drying your tent. Avoid chain link fences and bushes.
6. When your tent is BONE DRY, fold or stuff your tent, and store in as large of a stuff sack as you can. FYI: Your tent is like a human, it prefers cool, drier climates for prolonged storage. Throwing your tent in the trunk of your car or attic can create mildew and delamination of your tent. Yuck!
7. Hit the trail, get filthy and do it all over again!

Pro Tip: Increase your zipper health by brushing their teeth with a toothbrush. Our repairs gurus recommend McNetts ZipCare.  

How to Wash Your mtnGLO Tent

Your mtnGLO tent needs a little extra love when you wash it.

You will need:

1. Warm water (not hot).

2. A tent-specific wash. We recommend Nikwax Tech Wash, it’s super eco-friendly and won’t degrade any coatings on your tent.

3. A sponge.

4. A way to completely seal off your light strand USB port (try a freezer ziploc bag and a rubber band)

Do It:

To wash a mtnGLO tent body, disconnect the light strand from the controller. Keep the controller away from any water. Make sure you seal the USB port so no water may get in. Do not submerge your tent body under water. Spot clean the tent, do not machine wash, submerge under water or treat the light strand with any soap or water. Let the tent fully dry prior to storing.