Are you wondering how to clean a tent with mold? Well, there are various methods that you can follow. You will find out the details as you read further.
Who would love to use a thing that has molds? It doesn’t only look bad; it also smells so bad.
Since a tent is prone to molds (usually due to a wrong way of storage), you should know how to clean it. Without a doubt, it can get dirty easily, especially if you anchor the tent on the ground.
If you want to ensure your tent’s longevity, you have to understand how you should keep it clean.
Without further ado, let’s get to the details.
How To Identify Molds
Before you should know how to clean a tent with mold, you need to understand what mold is.
Here’s what you should do:
After every use, you have to check if there are any molds to deal with these properly.
It’s vital, especially if you frequently use a tent for events.
I know- you don’t want your visitors to inhale mold particles at your next event!
Just like any other considerations, you also have to make sure that the tent is clean.
In case there are suspicious spots, try to wipe them with a damp towel. Identify whether they’re plain dust and dirt or molds.
You will know what the spots are if they come off or not. If they don’t, then there are molds.
Molds usually look like small green, blue, or black specks on the tent’s fabric. Sometimes, they look fuzzy.
On the other hand, they are mildew if they appear gray, white, or yellow.
What’s stinkier about these?
They come with a musty smell, and I’m sure you will not like it!
Now, it’s time for you to know how you can clean a tent that comes with molds.
Methods Of Cleaning A Tent With Mold
Do you see molds in your tent? It’s time to clean, then.
There are various options that you can opt for.
If the issue is not severe, try the first two selections.
Anyway, here are the methods of cleaning your tent:
#1. Water and soap
As simple as using water and soap, you can clean your tent with molds.
But before you should do so, test whether or not these won’t stain your tent.
Some fabrics used in tents are sensitive to soap, so it’s best to check if the soap doesn’t damage your tent.
Here’s what you can do when cleaning your tent:
Step #1. Pitch your tent first
It’s easier to clean an installed tent. That’s why you have to pitch your tent before you start cleaning it.
Step #2. Get warm water and mix it with soap
Mix a non-detergent soap with warm water.
Make sure that the soap is mild or free from any fragrance.
Why so?
Fragrant ones may attract insects (and that’s another problem!).
Step #3. Brush the affected area
You just can’t put the soap directly to the affected area; you need to brush it off.
You can use a cloth or maybe a soft-bristled brush.
But remember:
Do this process as gently as possible.
Use the mixture you did in the previous step.
Step #4. Rinse and dry
After you scrub off the molds, you should rinse it with water.
After this, dry the tent in the shade.
Warning!
Don’t place it under the scorching heat.
#2. Lemon or vinegar
Here’s another excellent method that you can try.
It’s an “or,” so you can choose between lemon and vinegar.
Here’s what you should do:
Step #1. Make a solution
If you use lemon, mix it with salt and hot water.
If you want to use vinegar, mix it with warm water.
Step #2. Please place it in a spray bottle
After making the solution, please place it in a spray bottle.
Step #3. Spray the affected area
All you have to do is to spray the solution into the affected area.
Step #4. Let it stay
Don’t rinse it immediately; instead, allow it to sit for some minutes.
After this, scrub it.
Step #5. Rinse and dry
Now, rinse the solution, and let it dry in a shady area.
#3. Spray-on treatment
If the first two methods are not effective, you may need an effective mold and mildew killer product.
Just like the steps mentioned above, all you need to do is to get a spray-on treatment, of course. Then, spray it on the affected area.
#4. Deep cleaning
If all the methods mentioned above are not effective, this option should be your best and last resort.
Since I say “last resort,” it means that you should try the previous methods first.
Now, place lukewarm water in a huge container or your bathtub. Then, mix an enzyme cleaning solution (the measurement depends on the product’s instruction).
Hopefully, this method will work!
Conclusion
Molds can look and smell awful.
If you don’t want your tent to have molds, prevent their occurrence.
Otherwise, you need to know how to clean a tent with mold.
Although the methods above mentioned are straightforward to execute, it’s still best to know how to clean, store, and dry your tent before storage to avoid mold issues.
Hopefully, you’ve learned, A LOT!