In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of tent aftercare, from cleaning and drying to packing and storing, helping you get the most out of your investment for years of camping enjoyment.

Check your Tent

Prior to leaving for your camping trip, its important to inspect your tent to check there isn't any damages or missing parts. Check for broken and missing poles, and if the inner bedrooms and groundsheet is in-tact. Missing components are easy to replace in the shop but not when your on the campsite already. There's nothing worse than arriving at the campsite with a pole missing!

Practise makes perfect

Always practise putting up and taking down your tent before leaving on your camping trip. We've all watched Mike's YouTube videos pitching in minutes and thinking we can do the same, but practise makes perfect and you'll be a whizz in no time! Its also a good idea to take note how each part goes back in the bag - stress-free packing after your amazing trip!

Don't forget erecting in rain and wind isn't the easiest, so take time to understand how each component fits for a stress-free camping trip. When your ready to leave, take time putting it away.

Cleaning and Drying

After a long camping trip its important to remember to clean and dry your tent ready for the next camping trip. Vacuuming and using a dust pan and brush will usually get rid of the dust and dirt on the fabric. A wet cloth or sponge will easily get rid of mud and bird-poo leaving your tent looking spick and spam!

It is essential you dry your tent before packing away. You can shake the tent flysheet to disperse water droplets and leave the tent out in the garden to dry. If a garden is not an option, hanging from a washing line is also suitable. A tent will dry quicker if its pitched, but you don't have the space then dry the tent in small sections.

Why does it need to be dry? Drying your tent after use will prevent mould and stop a musty smell from filling your tent fabric. Like everything, looking after your tent with care will increase the life span of your tent. Plus, once it is in the fabric, it can't be removed; the only option is to stop is growing.

Reproofing your tent

Tents don't say waterproofed forever. If your tent needs reproofing you will notice water is no longer beading on the surface of the fabric and condensation is building up inside. Is easy to do and just requires space and time. Simply purchase a reproofing agent and paint or spray onto the fabric of your tent and let dry.

The best way to think of waterproofing, is like sunscreen, You apply the waterproofing solution to your tent to make it waterproof, and to also protect it from UV rays, which also degrade the fabric over time.

You can purchase a reproofing agent in our camping superstore.

an image shot inside a tent showing the centre beam and open door with open window. scene seen through the tent is of a green grass field with paved path.

Storing Your Tent

Storing your tent correctly will maximise the life span of the tent. Store the fully dried tent in its tent bag in a cool dry area of your garage or loft. Try not to put things on top, nobody wants damaged fabric or poles!

Check out Mike's handy YouTube Video for how to pack your tent away correctly here

Tent Care Checklist

  • Replacement Tent pegs
  • Duct Tape / Repair Tape
  • Tent Footprint
  • Tent Repair kit
  • Seam Sealant
  • Replacement Tent Poled or Air Tube

A final note from us

By following these simple aftercare tips, you can ensure that your tent remains in excellent condition, ready for your next adventure. If your in any doubt contact our showroom for advice on 01242 742233. Make sure you're following our social channels to stay up to date with all things Attwoolls Outdoors!

Header photo from Pexels