Washing Tents/ Mold and mildew stains

[kjbjette]

I have a nice 2 person 3 season backpacking tent. A couple 4 years ago i was forced to put it away in the rain then i had a two day car ride through the rain, so needless to say it didn't get washed out and dried in a timely manner. Now there are little round dark spots everywhere and it kind of smells bad no matter how many times I wash with soap and water. Any suggestions on how I might be able to take care of this problem.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin

 

[sp1936]

Click here.

I haven't tried it, but the guy seems pretty confident.

Steve

 

[jjmcgo]

You can shorten that process by putting the tent in a kiddie pool, submersing it in water, then adding about a pint or so of bleach and stir. Use rubber gloves to protect yourself and use a sponge to rinse off the mildew spots. The lemon juice would give it a nice lingering smell so I can't see using the juice before the bleach.

You could even lay the tent flat on concrete, soak it with water, fill a bucket with soap and water, add sufficient bleach and wash it with a mop and/or sponge.

Either system, let dry in sunlight.

The key is getting rid of the black spots.

 

[imarchant]

You can shorten that process by putting the tent in a kiddie pool, submersing it in water, then adding about a pint or so of bleach and stir.

Add the bleach to the water before the tent. The concentrated bleach before it is fully mixed eith the water could damage the tent.