How To Clean A Tent With Mold [2023 Guide]

Summertime means camping trips for many people, but if your tent has been stored away since last year and you find mold when you take it out to use this year, your fun trip may be ruined. Don’t worry though, there are ways to clean a tent with mold and bugs and have it ready for your next outdoor adventure! 

This guide will show you how to clean a tent with mold safely and effectively. Follow these simple steps and your trusty camping companion will be good as new in no time!

6 ways of Cleaning Mold from a Tent

1. Soap and water 

1. Clean the moldy area with a soft brush and soapy water.
2. Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air dry.
3. Use a mild bleach solution to disinfect the area (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
4. Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air dry.
5. Apply a waterproofing treatment to the area to help prevent future mold growth.
6. Allow the treated area to air dry completely before using your tent again. 

2. Vinegar and Lemon Methods:

If you do not have bleach on hand or prefer not to use it, you can also clean mold from a tent with vinegar or lemon juice.

1. Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and shake to mix.
2. Spray the moldy area generously with the vinegar solution.
3. Scrub the area with a soft brush to loosen the mold.
4. Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air dry. 
5. Apply a waterproofing treatment to the area to help prevent future mold growth.
6. Allow the treated area to air dry completely before using your tent again. 

To clean mold from a tent with lemon juice, follow steps 2 through 4 above, using lemon juice in place of vinegar.

3. Spray-On Treatment Method:

If you want to avoid scrubbing and water-rinsing, you can also use a spray-on waterproofing treatment to clean mold from a tent. This will help to prevent future mold growth and will also waterproof the area. In order to use your tent again after having treated it, please allow the treated area to air dry completely before using it again.

4. Deep Cleaning Method:

If your tent is extremely moldy, you may need to deep clean it to remove all the mold and mildew. This method should only be used as a last resort, as it will strip the waterproofing from your tent.

1. Set up your tent in a well-ventilated area.
2. Spread out a tarp or old sheet under your tent to catch any dripping cleaner.
3. Mix a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water in a bucket.
4. Using a sponge or brush, apply the bleach solution to the moldy areas of your tent.
5. Scrub the area gently to loosen the mold.
6. Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air dry.
7. Apply a waterproofing treatment to the area to help prevent future mold growth.
8. Allow the treated area to air dry completely before using your tent again. 

5. Removing the Smell of Bleach:

If you have used bleach to clean your tent, the area may smell of bleach for a while afterwards. This can be eliminated by spraying the area with a scented room freshener or air-freshening spray. If the smell persists, you can also try sprinkling the area with < target="_blank" href=“https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_bicarbonate">baking soda and vacuuming it up after a few hours. 

With a little elbow grease and some basic cleaning supplies, you can easily remove mold from a tent and have it ready for your next camping trip. As long as you follow the steps above, your tent will be as good as new within a few minutes of following them.

6. Tea tree oil and warm water Method:

If you do not have any bleach, vinegar, lemon juice or spray-on waterproofing treatment on hand, you can also use tea tree oil to clean mold from a tent.

1. Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the moldy area generously with the tea tree oil solution.
3. Scrub the area with a soft brush to loosen the mold.
4. Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air dry. 
5. Apply a waterproofing treatment to the area to help prevent future mold growth.
6. Allow the treated area to air dry completely before using your tent again. 

Additional Tips and Advice:

• Try to clean mold from your tent as soon as you notice it. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove.
• If possible, set up your tent in a sunny spot when cleaning it. Sunlight will help to kill the mold spores on the surface of the paint and will also speed up the drying process.
• Make sure to ventilate your tent well after cleaning it. As a result, mold growth will be prevented in the future.
• Apply a waterproofing treatment to your tent regularly to help prevent mold growth.
• If you are storing your tent for an extended period of time, make sure to clean and dry it thoroughly before doing so. Mold can continue to grow even when your tent is not in use.

A tent that has mold growing on it can be a real hassle, but with a little knowledge and a few basic supplies, you can easily get it out of your tent so that you can take it camping the next time. As long as you follow the steps above, your tent will be as good as new in no time at all!

Final words 

We hope this guide has helped you learn how to clean a tent with mold safely and effectively. Enjoy your next camping trip without any worries about moldy tents!

If you have any questions about cleaning a tent with mold, please contact us. We are happy to help!