Product Care — Tents & Shelters

Tent & Shelter Maintenance

A well-maintained tent retains its waterproofness and strength for many years.

🧹 Cleaning

• Clean with a soft sponge, cold water, and a mild, specialized tent soap.
• Never machine wash or use aggressive detergents (degrades waterproof seams and coating).
• Clean poles with a damp cloth and dry them before storage.
• Remove dirt and debris from the flysheet and groundsheet.

💧 Waterproofing

• Apply a waterproofing spray (Nikwax Tent & Gear) to the clean, damp outer fabric.
• Re-seal seams with a seam sealer product if they start to leak.

🌬️ Drying

• Always dry completely before storing to prevent mold and coating degradation.
• Set up the tent outdoors or in a well-ventilated area after each use.
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight (degrades UV protection).

📦 Storage

• Store in its carry bag, clean and perfectly dry.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from light.
• For long-term storage, store loosely rather than compressed.

🔧 Common Repairs

• Tear in the fabric: use a self-adhesive repair patch (Tenacious Tape) applied on both sides.
• Leaky seam: apply Seam Grip or a seam sealer product.
• Bent pole: use a pole repair sleeve (provided with most tents).
• Sticking zipper: lubricate with beeswax.

⏳ Lifespan and Signs of Wear

• Coating flaking or sticky = delamination, end of fabric life.
• Poles breaking frequently = metal fatigue, replacement needed.
• Average lifespan: 5 to 20 years depending on frequency of use and maintenance.