If you’re worried about the bottom of your tent getting dirty, you can place your tent on a tarp or drop cloth so it’s not touching the ground. Read this article for help setting up your tent.

If you’re using a broom, you can either brush the debris outside the tent or collect it in a dustpan for disposal in your trash.

If there’s debris that won’t come off, brush it off with a clean, dry cloth. Dirt will turn to mud when you add water, so it’s best to get the dirt before you start the washing process.

If you’re using tent cleaner, follow the directions on the bottle.

Rinse your toothbrush when it looks dirty. If your water starts to look dirty, replace it with fresh soapy water so you can clean your tent fly more easily.

If you’re using a tent cleaner, soak the tent for the amount of time specified on the label. Don’t use fabric detergent because it’ll actually leave residue on your tent, which can break down the coatings.

It’s okay to use a water hose for this if you soaked your tent outside in a plastic tub.

You can hang it on a clothesline or drape it over something, like a clean sawhorse.

Make your own mold cleaner, mix 1⁄4  c (59 mL) of white vinegar into 1  c (240 mL) of warm water. In a spray bottle, mix 1  c (240 mL) of lemon juice and 1 cup (273 grams) of salt into 1 US gal (3. 8 L) of warm water. Then, add the diluted vinegar to the lemon juice-salt-water mixture. [15] X Research source Don’t use bleach to kill mold on your tent. Not only can it discolor your fabric, it could also dissolve your waterproof coating.

Rewet your rag or sponge as needed. Remove large amounts of sap by freezing them overnight, then pulling them off.

Vinegar is pretty smelly, but the scent will dissipate quickly. Your tent will smell fresh and clean the next time you use it.

Read the instructions on your water repellent before you use it. If you prefer, set up your tent on a tarp or drop cloth to protect the ground. Apply water repellant spray every 1 to 3 years.

If your product says something different, follow those instructions instead so your product sets correctly.

For small rips and holes, you can also use seam grip. Use round patches because they stick better. Pointy corners have a tendency to peel up.

If the teeth on the zipper get bent, you may not be able to repair the zipper. In that case, you might have to get a new tent.