Washing Tents

[Emanresu]

What is the best way to wash a modern tent? Can you use a washing machine on a tent with taped seams?

[David]

That's a nice question... can we extend it to include those old patrol tents? I tried washing a few with some friends using a hose, sponges etc, but there was still a lot of dirt 'ground in'.

[Digby]

I always wash mine in pure soap (not detergent). In the UK you can get it in most supermarkets under the trade name 'Grannies'. Fortunately, you don't need to be an old woman to be able to buy it or use it (I know a few old women of both sexes and differing ages who use it regularly). Rinse off all the soap afterwards and the waterproffing should be completely unaffected. Don't use detergent as it will probably remove any waterproofing surface treatments.

[Emanresu]

Wow that was a quick response! Thanks chaps for answering so quickly.

[Marmot]

few old women of both sexes !!!
Would you still be using it in a washing machine?
When cleaning ropes you put them inside a pillow case to stop them being damaged by the inside of the washing machine - might be an idea to do that with other delicate items too

[Ollie]

I'm sure somewhere I've seen specially designed 'net' bags designed for washing things like that... it may even have been in an outdoors store?

Quite a cunning idea, although I think the last time I washed a tent it was in the bath. I should add that I wasn't in said bath at the time? :)

Ollie

[Digby]

I would not use a washing machine for tents.

[Marmot]

Why not?

[Digby]

I would never hear the end of it from my wife! :(

Also, folds of waterproof tent material filled with water can get very heavy. Throwing them around in a washing machine would put great stress on both the seams, and the washing machine. This is not a problem with normal clothing, as the water can move through the fabric as it tumbles.

[Marmot]

i think yer, i would avoid doing it with the waterproof outer - cause about weight, and the fact that a waterproof outer can be just as easily cleaned with a sponge and some water. but i thin it would work well with the inner - as there is a smaller surface or waterproof material

[Superslogger]

I have seen a good tent ruined by a washing machine!

[Taff Craven]

sorry, but every time I see this thread in the new posts I keeping thinking there are posh buggers on here who have a seperate tent to wash in, when they get up on expeditions.:o :)

[Superslogger]

Washing tent?
Toilet tent?
Kitchen tent?
Dining shelter?
TV and pool tent?

Don't we all take these when we go backpacking?

Superslogger
(Posh Bugger)

[David]

I can't fit all those in any more because of the rocks (hope you enjoyed that, Taff)

[Ollie]

Oooh, nice come back :D

[Taff Craven]

I can't fit all those in any more because of the rocks (hope you enjoyed that, Taff)

Yeh well mate, while everyone else is roughing it in their various tents you will have built your own bothy with on-suite bathroom;)