Tent Care Guide: How to Maintain & Store Your Tent Properly

Learn how to clean, store, and maintain your tent to extend its lifespan

A well-maintained tent lasts longer and performs better, keeping you dry and comfortable on your camping trips. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to outdoor adventures, following proper tent care practices helps prevent damage, leaks, and mould.

This guide covers essential tent maintenance tips, from pre-trip checks to storage and reproofing, ensuring your tent stays in top condition for years.

👉 Browse Our Full Tent Collection

Tent Care Checklist: Essentials for Maintenance

Before we get into the details, here are some essential items to help maintain your tent:

• Tent Footprint – Protects the tent floor from moisture and damage.

• Duct Tape – A quick fix for minor rips or broken poles.

• Dustpan & Brush – Helps remove dirt before packing up.

• Reproofer – Restores waterproofing when water no longer beads on the fabric.

• Seam Sealant – Fixes leaks by resealing stitched seams.

Having these on hand will make it easier to prevent wear and tear over time.

Pre-Trip Preparation: A Key to Longevity

💡 Proper preparation reduces wear and tear on your tent, ensuring it lasts longer.

Test Pitching Your Tent

Before heading out, set up your tent at home to check for any damage. This helps you:

• Spot worn-out fabric, broken poles, or missing pegs.

• Learn how to pitch a new tent properly, making setup quicker at the campsite.

Packing a Dry & Clean Tent

• Ensure your tent is completely dry before packing. A damp tent can lead to mould, odours, and material breakdown.

• Shake off dirt and wipe any stubborn stains with lukewarm water - avoid detergents as they damage waterproof coatings.

Packing Away Your Tent: Step-by-Step Guide

🛠 Follow these steps to pack your tent properly and avoid damage.

Properly folding and storing your tent extends its lifespan. Follow these steps:

1. Remove Debris – Shake out dirt, stones, and leaves.

2. Air It Out – If possible, leave the tent open for an hour before packing.

3. Partially Zip the Doors – This allows air to escape while folding.

4. Collapse the Tent –

   • Poled tents: Push (don’t pull) poles out of the sleeves.

   • Air tents: Open valves to deflate fully.

5. Fold to Fit the Bag – Flatten the tent, pushing air out as you go.

6. Add Accessories – Place poles and pegs on top before rolling.

7. Secure & Store – Tie the tent securely and store it in a dry place.

💡 Tip: Don’t force a wet tent into its bag—this traps moisture and encourages mould.

👉 Read our full guide on How to Pack Away Your Tent

What to Do If You Pack Away a Wet Tent

Sometimes, bad weather means you have to pack up a damp tent. If this happens:

• Unpack it as soon as possible – Ideally within 24 hours.

• Air dry it completely – Pitch it outside on a dry day or hang it in a ventilated space.

• Never use heat sources – Avoid direct sun, radiators, or tumble dryers, as these can damage waterproof coatings.

👉 How to Remove Mould & Mildew from a Tent

Storing Your Tent Correctly

Once your tent is clean and dry, follow these storage best practices:

✔ Store in a cool, dry place – Avoid damp garages or sheds.
✔ Keep it flat – Laying the bag flat prevents stress on the poles.
✔ Loosen compression straps – This helps the fabric breathe and prevents creases.

👉 Read our full guide on How to Store Your Tent

Reproofing Your Tent: When & How to Do It

Over time, waterproof coatings wear down, especially if your tent has been used in heavy rain or extreme sun. Signs you need to reproof:

• Water no longer beads on the fabric.

• The tent feels damp inside after rain.

• Seams start to leak.

How to Reproof Your Tent

1. Choose a tent reproofer – Trusted brands like Grangers work well.

2. Clean the fabric – Use lukewarm water and a soft sponge.

3. Apply reproofer evenly – Spray or brush it onto the tent’s exterior.

4. Let it dry fully – Avoid packing until it’s completely dry.

👉 Read our full guide on How to Re-proof Your Tent

Repairing Tears & Fixing Leaks

Small damage can be easily fixed before it worsens:

Fixing Small Rips & Holes

• For temporary fixes, use duct tape.

• For permanent repairs, apply self-adhesive tent patches.

Sealing Leaky Seams

• Apply seam sealant to any loose or peeling taped seams.

• Allow to dry for at least 12 hours before packing.

Replacing Broken Tent Poles

• Fibreglass poles can snap under stress—consider carrying a spare pole section.

• If needed, cut a replacement pole to size and secure it with shock cord.

👉 How to Fix a Broken Fibreglass Tent Pole

Keep Your Tent in Top Condition

Regular tent care and maintenance ensures your tent lasts for many adventures. By keeping it dry, storing it properly, and reproofing when needed, you’ll prevent common problems like leaks and mould.

👉 Explore Our Tent Collection for the Best Tents & Accessories