Tent Care Tips

Why should you care for your tent?

Cleaning and waterproofing your tent will ensure that it lasts longer and performs better in the elements.

Exposure to UV rays and the elements can be devastating to your tent. Simply two weeks of UV exposure may lead to a 50% reduction in the tear strength of your tent’s fabric!

Also, over time, dirt and dust build-up will attract water to the tent fabric, making it absorb water.

What should you do?

Before your camping trip, set up your tent to check its waterproof condition. This is also the perfect time to give your tent a little extra love by cleaning it with Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarWash. Tent & Gear SolarWash not only cleans, but adds UV protection to your tent, ensuring it holds up under the sun’s shining onslaught

If you notice your tent is no longer repelling water, treat it with Tent & Gear SolarProof. Tent & Gear SolarProof provides superior waterproofing and also doubles the useful life of fabrics by protecting against UV damage.

nikwax tent cleaning and waterproofing

How should you do it?

  • Tents are best cleaned, waterproofed and UV protected when pitched. Never machine wash or tumble dry them!
  • Place the tent in an area that will drain easily and is free of excessive dirt or dust.

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Cleaning & UV Protection

  • Spray Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarWash evenly over the outside of the fabric.
  • Rub in well with a damp sponge or cloth, paying attention to excessively filthy areas.
  • Rinse with clean water.
  • Allow to dry naturally (if not applying SolarProof). Ensure it is completely dry before packing the tent away.
  • Don’t forget to sweep/ shake out the inside of the tent.
spray on tent cleaning
waterproofed tent

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Waterproofing and UV protection

  • Apply the Tent & Gear SolarProof to a wet, clean tent ensuring that you pay particular attention to any seams.
  • Wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.
  • Allow to dry naturally

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WANT TO SEE IT IN ACTION?
Then go check out THIS VIDEO!

NEED TO CLEAN OR WATERPROOF OTHER CAMPING GEAR?
Click one of the following:

Sleeping bags!

Backpacks!

Hiking Boots!

14 thoughts on “Tent Care”

  1. I’m on a water meter. What happens to the tent if you don’t rinse the tent after the tech wash and just add the solarproofer straight away?

    1. Hi Teej,

      Sorry for the delayed response! You definitely need to rinse before adding the waterproofing. A quick hosing will do the job, or, to save as much water as possible, fill a bucket and use a sponge to squeeze clean water over your tent.

  2. Hi, does the Tent and Gear solar proof work on canvas. I have a new tent and the seams have dripped on the first rain, I tried to season with the hose but maybe not well enough, cheers
    Rainey

    1. Hi Rainey,
      Tent & Gear Solarproof is designed to work on synthetic materials. For cotton we would recommend Cotton Proof. You would dilute it and paint it on your tent.
      Hope that helps!

  3. I’ve heard great things about this product for waterproofing rain fly’s, but will this work on a tent floor?

    1. Hey Mike! Our Tent & Gear products can be used on a tent floor, but we always recommend treating the tent walls and rain fly first, and if you have any T&G left over, then hitting the ground-side of the tent floor. If you have a tent footprint, then that is typically sufficient for staying dry, if the walls have been treated with T&G products. If you floor is leaking heavily due to the PU coating being eroded, being torn, or needing replacement, then T&G is not going to solve those problems. Hope that helps! – Brennon

  4. Hello. I have a 2 person Vango tent with an inner tent and an outer tent – do I waterproof them both? with Tent & Gear SolarProof

    1. Hey Chloe!

      If the tent is fairly new and in good shape, then waterproofing the outside should be sufficient. Since Nikwax does NOT inhibit breathability at all, you can certainly waterproof the outside of both layers, if you would like. Also, remember that SolarProof adds protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun, in addition to waterproofing. Again, if it is newer, your tent’s inherent waterproofing layer can often still function properly if cleaned regularly and properly. For cleaning, we recommend Nikwax SolarWash. Hope that is helpful! – Brennon

  5. I used Nikwax tent and gear solarproof on my tent set up inside. There is some reside on my laminate floor. What is the best way to clean the Nikwax off the laminate?

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