Mold on a tent can be unsightly and poses health hazards. It’s not safe for people with allergies to sleep in moldy tents because they may have an allergic reaction, so it is imperative that you clean your old one appropriately before storing away or donating this item if necessary since we all know how important our environment truly is.
Mold can grow on any fabric if it’s damp. The fungus needs light and moisture for its growth, so make sure you dry out your tent after use or store in an area with less humidity.
When the rain comes, it’s hard to get out of your tent fast enough without risking mold. That is why I always bring a dry cover for my soft shell tarpaulin tents they’re much easier on you and the environment.
We found that with hard shell roofs there are more chances than ever before because these types tend leak when wet while most people would rather stay indoors during bad weather conditions such as these instances where we see flooding in certain areas around town due too intense down pours from heavy storms systems passing overhead.
Table of Contents
How to Clean a Tent with Mold
Requirements for Cleaning a Moldy Tent
- Warm water
- Soft brush
- White distilled vinegar
- Non porous gloves
Step 1: Set up tent correctly
Before you get started on your tent, make sure it’s set up correctly and completely. Then take off the rain fly for a better view inside.
Step 2: Mix soap and warm water
Add soap and warm water to a container. Mix well with a spoon or wire whisk until all substances are thoroughly mixed together.
Step 3: Scrub any mold growth
If you find any signs of mold, remove the growth immediately. This is not just an issue for tents it can also happen on furniture and other objects too.
Step 4: Remove any leftover soap
After you’ve cleaned the areas, rinse them off thoroughly in order to remove any leftover soap.
Step 5: Allow to dry
To preserve the life of your tent, you should always allow it to dry in an shady spot. Just be careful not put these items near a heat source or leave them out overnight because of bugs like moths that could chew through fabric.
DIY Ways To Remove Mold From Your Tent
Mold and mildew are not only unsightly, but they can also pose a health risk if left untreated. If you discover any signs of these growths on your tent before leaving for an upcoming camping trip then it is crucial that the following DIY methods be used with care in order to avoid danger or infestation by mold spores.
Although these cleaning recipes effectively kill off any unwanted guests in the area, they may also affect how long your tent lasts depending on what substances are used.
Method 1: The vinegar method
The vinegar method for cleaning can be a bit challenging, but it is worth the effort.
Things needed:
- Sponge
- water
- Vinegar
- bottle to spray
- gentle bristle brush
The vinegar solution is a great way to get rid of mold in your tent. Just mix together one cup white vinegar with one gallon water, put the mixture into an spray bottle then use it as you would any other cleaner and let scrubbing do its job before allowing this type of damage ruin all hope.
It is important to let the vinegar do its magic and not rinse off the tent. For best results, leave in sunlight for an hour or more before completely drying out.
Method 2: Lemon juice and salt
Things needed:
- water
- lemon juice
- salt
- Sponge or bristle brush
To get rid of mold, combine 1 cup lemon juice in 2 cups sea salt and mix with a gallon hot water. Then scrub the affected area using cloths or brushes until it’s clean enough for you to wash off any soap residue without worrying about leaving behind more stains on your tent.
If you have a canvas tent, use the bristles of your brush and scrub those areas which contain mold. Then rinse it off with clean water before drying out in direct sunlight to avoid further mildewing or shrinking on their own from moisture damage.
How Can You Stop Mold Growing On Your Tent
Mold is unpleasant, and can be bad for your health. If you don’t clean up after returning from a camping trip then it’s only a matter of time before mold grows on to the tent which could make sleeping uncomfortable or even dangerous.
To avoid mold and mildew, make sure to clean your tent before you pack it away for the season. If there are any stains or spots on the fabric that cannot be removed with soap and water try using natural bleach made from coconut oil mixed in an equal amount of hot (not boiling) baking soda this will kill 99% of Mold spores. Once home remove all packing materials dry completely out under roof if necessary then store indoors when not being used.
Is Mold In A Tent Harmful?
Mold can be a nuisance to your camping experience, but the mold in your tent is not explicitly harmful. You do not want to inhale free floating spores produced by this type of fungus so make sure you give it thorough cleaning if there are any signs that suggest more than just surface dirtiness and filth on all surfaces where potentially compromising substances (like urine) have been used or stored inside.
Mold exposure has been linked with allergies and asthma severity among others as such avoiding these reactions altogether should always remain top priority for those who are sensitive towards certain airborne allergens while they enjoy their outdoor adventures.
