Upon returning from an outdoor adventure, most want to rest and bask in their relaxed mood for a little more.
Here’s the thing, though. Suppose you want a repeat of your wonderful experiences without purchasing a new set of essentials. In that case, you must add some cost-saving measures to your post-trip routine, like cleaning camping gear, drying them well, and storing everything correctly.
In this article, we will share practical tips that will teach you how to clean camping gear. We also highly encourage following these guidelines to ensure everything is safe and hygienic after buying a second hand tent or other camping equipment and supplies.
5 tips on how to clean camping gear
These five tips will help you preserve the integrity and prolong the life of your camping investments. Whether you got a brand-new limited-edition model or a pre-loved item, you should not skip or ignore the following pointers. And remember, they might seem tedious initially, but the more consistent you are, the easier things will be for your next adventures.
1) Don’t wait too long to clean your camping gear after use
As we said earlier, the best time to do this is as soon as possible. The longer you put this off, the harder it will be to eliminate the dirt and stains from your camping equipment.
There is also a chance that small critters or smelly substances on the soiled items. Avoid potential mishaps and discomfort by completing tasks immediately after the trip.
2) Wash your items separately
Some people prefer taking shortcuts, assuming that the saved time and effort will not cause significant harm in the long run. Refrain from following this approach when it comes to cleaning camping gear.
Applying the same process to all items can damage them. Since the level of dirt is not consistent, some might remain grimy, too. Take the time to learn how to clean camping gear properly to keep you from spending more than necessary.
3) Read the label for washing instructions
Most manufacturers tag the items or provide manuals detailing the washing instructions. Pay careful attention to this information before cleaning or drying any camping gear. Otherwise, it will become damaged, and if it’s under warranty, the manufacturer will refuse to replace it or refund your money.
In case you got a second hand gear wherein the washing instructions have faded, or the manual wasn’t available anymore, seek the details from the seller or check with the manufacturer.
4) Try to keep your waterproof gear waterproof
No matter how high-end it is, the waterproof layer protecting your tent or other camping gear won’t last forever. The more you use it, the more erosion occurs. Similarly, certain cleaning and drying methods can weaken the coating.
Therefore, your post-trip routine should also include waterproof testing. This can be as simple as pouring liquids or submerging the item and checking if the inside will become wet. If it does, reapply the protective coating before storing it for the next trip.
5) Let your gear dry properly
Cleaning camping gear does not end with washing and scrubbing the item until it looks spotless and smells fresh again. You must also make sure that every nook and cranny is dried thoroughly.
Damp surfaces are perfect for moulds and mildew to grow and spread. Aside from ruining the item, these unsightly spots can become significant health risks when you touch or inhale their spores.
How to clean, dry and store tents and tarps
A significant portion of the trip’s budget goes to these items, especially among first-timers. Exerting more effort in cleaning camping tents and tarps will allow you to get the best value out of this investment. Your goal is to ensure that no abrasive substances, moulds, or mildew will wear off its protective properties.
How to clean tents and tarps
Removing dirt from these items requires more than just a quick wash with soap and water. Here are three tips on how to clean camping tents and tarps:
- Gently brush away the mud, sand, debris and bugs on the surface. These tiny particles can cause abrasions that harm the material’s integrity and waterproofing.
- Sanitize and eliminate stubborn stains and foul odours using lukewarm water and non-detergent soap.
- Observe if water beads and slides off easily from the material. Check also if moisture does not seep through the seams.
How to dry tents and tarps
Drying is a critical step in the proper maintenance of these camping essentials.
- If the weather is clear, pitch your tent and lay down the tarp under the sun so that water will evaporate faster.
How to store tents and tarps
Once everything is spotless and dry, follow these storage tips for tents and tarps:
- Avoid packing a tent or tarp in a tight bag or container. Doing so might cause the special coating to break down into a sticky substance and cause the material to stick to itself when you unpack it.
- Go for a large bag or box that can fit a loosely rolled tent or tarp.
How to clean, dry and store sleeping bags
Should you hand-wash a sleeping bag, or can you save time and effort by throwing it in the washing machine? Will the material affect its care and maintenance? How can you make it feel nice and soft after washing and drying? Below are the most important things to remember when cleaning this camping essential.
How to clean sleeping bags
Make your sleeping bag cosy and breathable once more by following these tips:
- Don’t use a top-loader washing machine. You will likely end up with a lumpy or torn sleeping bag afterwards.
- Front-loader machines with cycles for wool or silk may be suitable for a sleeping bag filled with down or synthetic material, but it’s much safer to hand-wash it instead.
- Clean your sleeping bag using laundry detergent designed for down or synthetic filling.
How to dry sleeping bags
Sleeping bags can be laid down or hung to dry. However, this process can take three to five days to remove all moisture from the filling.
- Most sleeping bags can be dried using the lowest setting of a dryer machine.
How to store sleeping bags
You will know that the sleeping bag is ready for storage by patting it all over and looking for any damp spots. In case you found none:
- Fold or roll a sleeping bag into a plastic bag or box.
- Store it in an area of the house that doesn’t get much sunlight or humidity to avoid mould growth.
How to clean, dry and store sleeping liners
As you have just learned, the care and maintenance of sleeping bags can be challenging. You can lessen the burden by using a machine-washable sleeping liner whenever you go camping. It’s far easier to clean and sanitize, and the drying time tends to be much quicker. Just pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions to make them last longer.
How to clean sleeping liners
Cleaning this camping accessory is a straightforward affair.
- Shake the sleeping liner to dislodge any dirt or debris.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended machine instructions.
- Please don’t use a fabric softener since it can leave harmful chemical residues.
How to dry sleeping liners
Drain the excess moisture by doing this:
- Hang dry the sleeping liner in a spot with no direct sunlight.
How to store sleeping liners
A bone-dry sleeping liner is ready for long-term storage.
- Fold it evenly and place it in a cloth bag.
- Store it in your closet or linen closet, but not in a humid garage, to prevent mould development.
How to clean, dry and store sleeping mats
A sleeping mat does a lot of heavy lifting to keep us comfortable and safe from the cold or wet ground. That’s why it can also accumulate grime during a camping trip. Fortunately, figuring out how to clean, dry and store this camping accessory is easier than you might expect.
How to clean sleeping mats
Here are some tips on how to care for your sleeping mat upon your return from camping:
- We recommend keeping this item inflated for one day at most before cleaning to reveal holes.
- Don’t use a washing machine because it will damage the material.
- Remove dirt by brushing it gently and wiping away the stubborn stains.
How to dry sleeping mats
If your sleeping mat has any damp spots:
- Make sure it is completely deflated before hanging it on your clothesline to dry. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
How to store sleeping mats
Storage of sleeping mats depends on the type:
- Sleeping mats that require pumps can be folded evenly and loosely. Leave the valve open before storing it away.
- Self-inflating sleeping mats must be laid flat to prevent permanent creases from forming. Weigh it down and keep the valve open, too.
How to clean, dry and store camping pillows
This item comes in different forms, sizes and materials. Regardless of your preference, it would help if you learned how to clean camping pillows to make all your outdoor trips comfortable and hygienic. It will also keep you from having to buy one over and over again whenever you plan to explore nature.
How to clean camping pillows
The process of cleaning a camping pillow largely depends on its material.
- Cotton or polyester camping pillows require water and non-detergent soap.
- If your pillow has mechanical or electronic parts, carefully remove them before washing.
- An inflatable camping pillow should be deflated first before wiping it down.
How to dry camping pillows
Here’s a quick trick to effectively dry your pillow:
- Sprinkle some baking soda all over the pillow to quicken the drying process and minimize mould development.
How to store camping pillows
We suggest storing camping pillows in their original packaging. If that’s not available anymore:
- Roll and fold it lengthwise before squeezing it into an airtight, resealable bag.
- Place it in a dry area with low humidity.
How to clean, dry and store backpacks
Backpacks can take a lot of beating during a camping trip. They can become soaked with our sweat, and they are magnets for dust, mud, and insects when we go trekking or place them down on the ground. Though dirt won’t be a big issue immediately, don’t wait until things start falling apart before cleaning your camping backpack.
How to clean backpacks
Here’s how you can maintain your backpack in tip-top condition:
- Never use a washing machine in cleaning camping backpacks. Hand-wash it in your sink instead.
- Use a soft cloth, mild soap, and lukewarm water to preserve the waterproof layer.
- Brush the zipper gently to dislodge the dirt or debris stuck there.
How to dry backpacks
Damp backpacks should not be stored to keep them free from moulds and mildew.
- Hang the backpack upside down with all the zippers open. Let it air-dry away from the sun.
How to store backpacks
When you’re sure that no moisture is left, follow these storage tips:
- Use a plastic hanger or lay the backpack flat on a cabinet shelf to preserve its shape.
- Zip all the compartments and pockets to prevent bugs or dust from getting inside.
How to clean, dry and store camping boots
Cleaning camping boots should be done regularly to reduce wear-and-tear and maintain personal hygiene. Skipping this will not only result in smelly feet, but it will also diminish the effectiveness of the boots in keeping us safe from the perils of sharp protrusions on the ground, freezing weather or prolonged exposure to water.
How to clean camping boots
Once you have removed the shoelaces and insoles, proceed with the following:
- Brush away the accumulated dirt on the boots, laces, and insoles.
- Scrub everything with lukewarm water and mild soap. Use a toothbrush to clean the hard-to-reach corners.
- Reapply the waterproof coating and leather conditioner to prevent cracking.
How to dry camping boots
Don’t reassemble your boots yet until each pair is dry.
- Your camping boots should be placed in a spot with excellent air circulation and no direct sunlight.
How to store camping boots
After a day or two, check if there’s any moisture left before going ahead with the final steps:
- Put back the laces and insoles into the camping boots.
- Store them in a shoe box or bag with a pack of desiccants.
How to clean, dry and store camping stoves
Proper maintenance of camping stoves is necessary for an enjoyable and safe trip. Ignoring grease and food stains can pose a severe risk to your safety because the stove will become riddled with rust and combustible material. It will also lower the overall fuel efficiency, and the flame level will be harder to control eventually.
How to clean camping stoves
Don’t wait until you’ve returned home to clean your camping stove. You can do it right away through the following:
- Disassemble the gas canister and hose to avoid fire hazards.
- Scrub away food or fluids using a sponge, dish soap, and warm water.
- Brush the inside corners with a special grease remover.
How to dry camping stoves
Once there are no more stains or grease to clean, wait until the stove is completely dry.
- Turn it upside down carefully to ensure that all the leftover moisture inside will slide down to the ground.
How to store camping stoves
Here are the proper ways to store this camping equipment:
- Place the stove inside a sealed plastic bag. This will prevent debris or insects from clogging it.
- For long-term storage, choose a dry location to keep it from developing rust.
How to clean, dry and store kitchen utensils
Avoid getting sick by learning to maintain kitchen utensils properly. Any leftover food on these supplies will turn them into the optimal breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Fortunately, cleaning camping kitchen utensils is just as simple and quick as how we should do it at home.
How to clean kitchen utensils
All you need for this entire process is water, a sponge, and dish soap.
- Wash away the food bits and sauces with running water. For sticky or tricky debris, soak the utensils for a few minutes.
- Scrub each utensil gently until no more food particles are left.
- Rinse well to remove all soap residues.
How to dry kitchen utensils
You have two options when it comes to drying:
- If you’ve got time, leave the utensils to air dry on a clean surface. To lessen the drying time, wipe each piece using a paper towel before air-drying them for a few minutes.
How to store kitchen utensils
Here are a couple of tips on storing sanitized kitchen utensils:
- Keep them in a cloth bag or container so they won’t collect dust.
- If you won’t reuse them soon, store the utensils in a dry area, like your kitchen cabinet or drawer.
FAQs about How to Clean Camping Gear:
You should first shake off any potentially abrasive substances, such as sand, wood chips, or pebbles. Double-check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to determine if it should be done by hand or machine. Regardless of the method, look for soap or detergents made specifically for cleaning camping gear to eliminate all dirt and off-odours while preserving the protective coating.
First, use a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris on the surface carefully. Then, wash it with lukewarm water, a sponge, and a cleaning product designed for your fabric type. Rinse until all the suds are removed. Don’t forget to check for any rips or holes so that you can repair them, too. When the fabric is completely dry, fold it and store it for future use.
While this might sound like an efficient solution, we don’t recommend cleaning camping tents in a washing machine. Most cycles are too rough on the mesh or inner fabric, creating rips or holes. Gentler cycles can also damage the taped seams, which prevent moisture from leaking or seeping inside.
Make the Most Out of Your Camping Investments
Whether you enjoy shopping at your local camping gear store or browsing through the selections on websites for second hand tents, you will likely get the maximum value from your purchase by learning how to clean camping gear.
The processes involved in cleaning, drying, and storing tent don’t require special skills or tools. We have also shared cost-efficient methods so everyone can fit this post-trip routine into their budgets.
By embracing this habit, every item will last as long as promised. It will also minimize the risks posed by dirty or faulty camping equipment to your health and safety during the trip.