How to look after your canvas tent
Canvas tents are great because they are made from natural fabrics, this means that the tents are highly breathable. This great feature goes a long way when you are on a camping trip, in any extreme of weather. In the summer, it keeps the tent at a cool temperature and on the colder days, it retains heat.
Camping with our bell tents can be an amazing experience, but keeping the tents in the same pristine condition can be rather difficult. You need to look after your tent to keep their amazing look, but also to ensure you get a longer life on the tents.
Tents can last you a number of years, but if you follow our little tips to your tent care and aftercare routine you will be able to extend the life of your tent.
Learn how to heat your tent HERE!
We understand that Boutique Camping bell tents are a long-term investment, therefore we wanted for our customers to keep them as long as possible. This is why we have changed our fabric from 100% cotton canvas to Polycotton.
The Polycotton tents have the benefits of cotton canvas. But it also has the added durability and ease of care associated with Polyester. The Polycotton tents are more durable and less likely to rip than cotton.
These tents are more mildew-resistant than a cotton tent. Fully breathable just like a cotton canvas but with added benefits. The tents are quick-drying and hold colour better. The Polycotton tents feel just like a traditional cotton canvas, but they are less prone to creasing.
Top Tips on How to Look After Your Canvas Tent
Prep, prep, prep
As soon as you get your package with your tent, make sure you have received everything. Then make sure you practice pitching the tent before going on your first trip. Make sure you lay everything out, and make sure you do not over tighten the guy ropes. Try to do this every so often, or if you have packed the tent away for the winter, make sure before your first trip you have checked the tent for any signs of wear and tear. Check the tent, the poles, the guys and pegs to avoid any issue whilst your away. Also, ensure your tent is bone dry before packing away.
Set up the tent properly
The set up of your bell tent is crucial, you need to ensure that you follow the instructions exactly. Also, make sure the ground you’re setting up on is even (or as even as can be). This can cause issues with the stressing fabric, by over-tightening of the guy ropes.
Groundsheet protector
A bell tent groundsheet protector can save lives. Well, perhaps not lives, but it can prolong the lifespan of your bell tent.
We have them available from 4m – 7m, and it’s suitable to be used with our tents. They help fight against dirt, uneven surfaces, tears, and excessive water.
It comes with a drawstring bag, and we have several colours. The classic Sandstone colour, our amazing Purple rain, and colourful Aztec design.
Zipper care
In order to limit damage to the zippers, make sure you, close all the zippers before setting up your tent. Handle the zippers with care. Zips are essential for your tent, treat them with care.
Things to do: Zip door closed when tightening tent. Not to over stress, dry out your tent completely.
Bell tent cover
Our bell tent protector cover is great for your bell tent to be used all year round. It’s ideal for protection against the elements like the sun, rain, and wind. You can prolong the lifespan of your bell tent with the protector covers.
They are made from 100% polyester, it’s very hardwearing against the elements, light, and quick to dry. The protector cover can also add another layer of insulation for your bell tent in lower temperatures. The best part is that it can be used as a super handy freestanding tarp or shelter, all you need is poles!
Weathering, rain caps, and stains
Canvas when new, let some air through and leak around the seams. After the canvas has been wet once this will no longer happen because of the cotton expanding, this is method is called weathering.
Mildew can grow onto your canvas caused by moisture and condensation. This is why it’s important to store your tent dry, to avoid mildew growing onto your tent. When cleaning your tent use a soft brush or sponge and a lot of fresh water, to get it cleaned.
You can also use specialised tent cleaning products to remove difficult stains, as other chemical products can cause the cotton to leak. You should get your tent reproofed, with Nikwax or Fabsil.
Packing away
If you don’t have any space to dry out your tent outside, hang your tent up indoors so that air can circulate. After airing your tent and making sure its dry. It’s best to store your tent in a dry cool and well-ventilated place. If you pack away a cotton tent when its still damp, mildew start forming immediately.
Also, keep pegs in their own bag so you don’t lose them, and check on their condition, if they are damaged make sure to replace them and the guy ropes.
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