Thread: Washing moldy tent

I've had a small tent stashed out at spot x for a while and I just bought it back home in prep for some summer trips away.

It's a bit manky and probably not very healthy to sleep in anymore. Any advice on cleaning?

Most mold killing google searches use vinegar but I don't want to ruin the waterproofing or nylon.

It' just a cheap freedom mono tent so I'm not too precious about it. Just soak in some detergent and then air dry? Anyone used white vinegar and still have a waterproof tent afterwards?

Stick it though the washing machine mate.

Soak in benzalkonium chloride solution (sold expensively in supermarkets as canesten hygiene rinse, also spray and walkaway), it's a detergent disinfectant which will kill mold. No guarantee it will remove the stain, but what you need is the mold dead and smell gone.

What he said.Just washing it won't kill the mould spores. Gotta kill the buggers or they will make you sick.

Very dilute chlorine would also work well. Air well after drying.


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Originally Posted by SPEARONZ

I've had a small tent stashed out at spot x for a while and I just bought it back home in prep for some summer trips away.

It's a bit manky and probably not very healthy to sleep in anymore. Any advice on cleaning?

Most mold killing google searches use vinegar but I don't want to ruin the waterproofing or nylon.

It' just a cheap freedom mono tent so I'm not too precious about it. Just soak in some detergent and then air dry? Anyone used white vinegar and still have a waterproof tent afterwards?

you could try soaking in Napisan for a day - damn good cleaner - does wonders to my grease stained work gear -

Ah yes I’ve got spray n walk away. Will do a test patch first

If this warm wet weather keeps up over summer, you could do a roaring deal rebranding that stuff in small containers as "Mouldy tent cure"

Originally Posted by Dicko

Very dilute chlorine would also work well. Air well after drying.


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Yes. And exponentially cheaper than benzalkonium chloride, unless you go buy it in a paint shop.

You could always re waterproof it ?

Originally Posted by LilliannaMoreno

Cleaning a moldy tent can be tricky, especially when you want to preserve its waterproofing. While some suggest white vinegar, it's essential to be cautious.
If you're concerned about mold's impact on your health, you might consider a Mold Inspection. Professionals can assess the situation and recommend safe cleaning methods.
For a quick DIY approach, you can try soaking it in a diluted mixture of mild detergent and water, followed by thorough rinsing and air drying. However, it's always wise to prioritize health and safety, especially when it comes to outdoor gear.

Hi Lillianna, welcome to the forum. Please head over to the introductions section, and tell everyone a little about yourself.

Also, these days people are a little cautious about clicking on links embedded in text due to the amount of scams going on, so it's best to include the full link so people can see it: https://rcrmold.com/mold-testing/

wet n forget. kills the spores, doesnt wreck cloth

As aboe, wet and forget worked a trea