How to Clean a Tent with Mold

In this article, we help you differentiate mold from dirt and stains, as well as provide several cleaning methods you can use to address a mold problem your tent might have.

We also give recommendations so you can prevent molds from growing on your tent in the future.

How to Identify Mold

Before you try to clean your tent of mold, you must first be able to identify what they look like so that you can take action on the right areas.

To differentiate stains or dirt marks from mold, try to wipe them first with a damp cloth. If the spot doesn’t come off, the next step is to check its appearance. Mold usually has a fuzzy appearance and tends to grow in a circular pattern. Mold also usually comes in darker shades of color, including black, green, blue, and grey. Another sign that you might be dealing with mold is if there’s a musty or foul smell.

You might also observe mildew, a fungus just like mold, and usually comes in lighter colors, including white, yellow, and brown.

What Equipment Do You Need?

The usual setup you’ll need when cleaning a tent with molds includes:

• Lukewarm water
• Bathtub or large basin
• Non-abrasive sponge, clot, or soft-bristled brush
• Cleaning agent (i.e., non-detergent soap, lemon juice, Concrobium)
• Non-porous gloves

Some Methods for Cleaning Your Tent of Molds

The following are some of the most common methods of dealing with molds on tents. We’ve included some homemade solutions and commercial products that you can use, depending on your preference.

An important note to consider is that you should first try spot cleaning to ensure your tent doesn’t get stained or damaged whichever way you choose. If the fabric does get affected, try going with another method.

Home Products/Solutions

Soap and Water

The first step is to fully set up your tent outside and remove its rainfly. Pitching your tent outdoors makes it easier to clean it and helps prevent mold spores from getting into your house. Next, mix some mild, non-detergent soap with warm water. Then, soak a soft sponge or cloth in the mixture and gently scrub on the parts where there is mold.

After you’re done with the cleaning, rinse the tent of the soap with clean water. Finally, let your tent dry completely. If there’s a clear sky, you can leave your tent to dry outside, as the sun’s rays also help prevent mold growth and kill bacteria as well.

Repeat the above steps until you no longer see any molds. Also, make sure you don’t use a washer or dryer, as they are generally not compatible with tents and can cause damage to the fabric instead.

White Vinegar

Another easily accessible home product you can use for cleaning your tent of mold is white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can kill over 80 percent of mold species, making it quite effective.

Like with the soap-and-water method, the first step is to fully set up your tent outside. Next, mix a quarter cup of white vinegar with one cup of warm water. Then, use a soft sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush and gently scrub on the areas where there are molds.

To make it easier to apply the vinegar solution, you can pour the mixture into a spray bottle. You can then spray the spots with molds before gently scrubbing them. After you’re done cleaning, you can leave your tent out to dry. Make sure not to rinse it with water so that the vinegar can stay effective.

Repeat the above steps until you no longer observe any molds.

Lemon Juice

For this cleaning method, you will need one cup of lemon juice, one cup of salt, and a gallon of water. After mixing the above ingredients, you can pour the solution into a spray bottle for a more straightforward application on the tent.

After pitching your tent, spray your mixture on areas of the fabric with molds. Allow the mixture to sit for a time. Then, gently scrub the moldy areas using a rag, soft sponge, or soft-bristle brush. After you’re done with cleaning, leave your tent to dry outside totally.

Like with the vinegar method, make sure not to rinse off the lemon to maintain its effectiveness. Repeat all of the above steps until you don’t see any more molds.

Commercial Products

Mirazyme

An effective commercial product you can use for getting rid of molds on your tent is Mirazyme. Mirazyme has active enzymes that help eliminate fungi spores or molds while also getting rid of the musty smell they produce.

The first step is to fill a bathtub or large basin with lukewarm water. Then, add half an ounce of Mirazyme to it. Next is to let your tent soak in the Mirazyme solution for around 15 minutes. Afterward, take your tent out, and without rinsing it, hang it out to dry outside totally.

Concrobium Mold Control

Another excellent commercial product for treating molds is Concrobium Mold Control. Concrobium works as it dries by penetrating the mold spores at the root and crushing them while leaving behind an invisible antimicrobial barrier that prevents future mold growth.

First off, set up your tent completely. Then spray the mold-covered areas with Concrobium Mold Control. Allow the Concrobium to dry completely, as it is during this time that it is killing the molds. After the Concrobium has finished drying, scrub the surface with a cloth or brush dampened with Concrobium to clean up any remaining mold residue. Make sure not to rinse with water.

To prevent any future mold growth, you can reapply the Concrobium Mold Control on the tent surface and allow it to dry.

How to Prevent Mold from Growing on Your Tent

The best way to prevent mold from growing on your tent is to always clean it after every camping trip. Keeping your tent while it is dirty makes it highly susceptible to mold growth, after all. You’ll also want to make sure your tent is completely dry before storing it since mold thrives in damp settings.

The storage space of your tent is an equally important consideration to help prevent mold growth. Choose a location that is dry and has a well-regulated temperature. Some of these areas can include your closet, top of a cabinet, garage, or shed.

Conclusion

Ridding your tent of molds can be a very straightforward process. You can use items you have at home, or you can buy commercial products specific for molds themselves. But even though there are several ways you can go about cleaning your tent, it is always better to avoid mold growth in the first place.

Always clean your tent after use, keep it dry, and store it in a moisture-free environment. In this way, you not only prevent molds from forming, but you also help increase your tent’s lifespan and keep it in top condition for your next camping trip.