Tent cleaning - I have a bucket of water, and I have questions.

[Cappster]

The inside of our tent got all mouldy (prob because we put it away with invisible condensation in - we never, ever pack it away wet). Today we have put it up in the garden (it barely fits in the garden) and I have sponged all the inside with dilute Milton as recommended in various places online.

Now I have this idea that I have to wash the whole thing with this special shampoo I bought.

Is this insane? Does anyone actually ever wash their tents? I know I'll have to reproof it because of the Milton so part of me says I should Do Everything At Once. But then I'm one of those people who is constantly creating jobs for myself that are so big I never get them done.

Tell me, wise people. To wash the whole thing, or just do the bird poo?

[IloveJudgeJudy]

Don't, don't wash the tent, please. It will probably make it un-waterproof (unless it's completely nylon, in which case I don't know).

Can't you just get rid of the bird poo with water? That would be best.

[Cappster]

I had to do the tent with Milton for the mould so the waterproofing issue is a done deal - I've got a big can of waterproofer so I'm ready to go

I just wonder after three years of camping, could it do with a bit of a wash?

[Blu]

Washing the whole thing sounds like a huge job!
And another bird wil only poo on it!
I wouldn't do it, but I am v chore-averse.
And not houseproud, esp about my tent.
But maybe I would be if I had a lovely canvas tent.

Hmmm. Should I buy a canvas tent?
If I did would I need to wash it?

Aaaargh!

[Cappster]

I am not houseproud either, tbh. Have decided to give the thorough washing a miss. Have given the sig a quick mop, since I have lost count of the number of cups of tea/ mugs of milk that have been flung at it.

[5ofus]

Sorry can't help with the tent washing except to say I wouldn't. Has spawned a question from me though - we've had our tent just over a year. It's a nylony Higear thing. When should I re waterproof it? Anyone got any tips? We also had a bird poo incident last year which has left us with a leaky patch.

[Cappster]

Obviously I know nothing! Because I came on here! And I've never waterproofed my tent before!

But I'd reckon (because I am now a do-as-little-as-you-can guru, having decided not to wash the tent) just get some waterproofer to paint over the leaky bit. The rest isn't leaky, so don't do it.

I've been advised by a number of people to get the paint-on waterproofer, rather than the stuff you spray on.

[notwavingjustironing]

Ooh Cappster I'm rubbish at advice with proper tents. I have a lovely nylon one that blows away quite a lot whilst I'm trying to put it up. Hopefully one of the Bell Tenters will come to your rescue.

PS you won't know me, but when I saw that name I wondered if you were who I thought you were, and now I know you are .

Do you think there will be a Twigster and a Codster coming soon (although unlikely to appear in the Camping section really aren't they?)

[Cappster]

I wish I had a bell tent! No, tis just a nylon jobbie... hello to you too! so many old faces!

(that came out wrong. You have a very youthful face)

[notwavingjustironing]

No, you were right the first time - justironing is the creases in my face....

[Blu]

yeah me too (old face )

I'm worried now! Our tent is 7 years old and I have never thought to wash it or waterproof it. It was OK in torrential rain a couple of weeks ago...hope it won't rain this w/e.

it will, won't it....

[Cappster]

you have not let your tent go mouldy, Blu

this is the difference between us

[notwavingjustironing]

No, its going to be lovely this weekend

[Blu]

I may find that that is a difference no longer when I unpack our tent tomorrow, Cappster

I thought our tent was good and dry, but there had been a right downpour in the night....

[Cappster]

Thing is, we have never put it away wet; if it's wet when we go home, we hang it over the washing line for a day or two in the dry. The mould was on the inside - caused by us breathing, I suppose.

Breathing. Huh. Such a mistake.