Maintaining Canvas & Cotton Bell Tents
How to maintain and look after bell tents to keep them in good condition
Bell Tent Maintenance
To maintain your bell tent it’s not always necessary to give your tent a full clean after every trip, in fact in the case of a canvas bell tent it’s best to avoid putting cleaning chemicals on it as much as possible. Constant cleaning may have a negative impact on the waterproofing of the tent. But it’s really important that you get in a good maintenance regime with your tent to protect it from damage and have it ready for your next trip.
1Pack Away
If you have the time, energy, and dry enough weather, you may be able to tidy your tent away at the campsite, ready for next time. If it’s raining or you pack up in a hurry, you’ll need to put the tent up again when you get home to follow the next steps.
2Dry
The most important thing is to make sure your tent is dry before packing it away.
If it isn’t dry at the campsite when packing away get it back out at home, allow it enough time to fully dry. Either set it up in the garden when it’s sunny or inside hanging up in a warm room. If it is at all wet or damp it becomes the perfect environment for mould and mildew, which could ruin your tent or at the very least make it smell really bad. Once mould takes hold on the material, it’s a nightmare to get rid of. Remember the tent could be damp even if it hasn’t rained during your trip, you need to give time for morning dew to dry too.
If it isn’t dry at the campsite when packing away get it back out at home, allow it enough time to fully dry. Either set it up in the garden when it’s sunny or inside hanging up in a warm room. If it is at all wet or damp it becomes the perfect environment for mould and mildew, which could ruin your tent or at the very least make it smell really bad. Once mould takes hold on the material, it’s a nightmare to get rid of. Remember the tent could be damp even if it hasn’t rained during your trip, you need to give time for morning dew to dry too.
3Air
Open all the door and window flaps to allow your tent to air out. Nobody wants to smell the remnants of the last trip during the next adventure.
4Clean
Sweep out any mud, dirt, or leaves that have found their way into the tent. If it’s been wet and muddy you may need to wipe the ground sheet floor with a damp cloth to clean it. Avoid using any chemicals for this as even washing up liquid can remove the waterproof protection on canvas if it comes into contact.
5Exterior
Brush off any fallen leaves from the outsides of the tent and check for any damage or badly stained patches that need further attention. If there are really bad stains a full clean might be needed. If there are any rips or tears patches can be bought for these or you can find an awning and tent repair company.
6Final Pack
Tie the guy ropes up neatly so they don’t get tangled and fold the tent away as neatly as you can in the tent bag. Your tent is now ready to go on it’s next adventure and will stay warm and dry in it’s bag preventing any damage.
