Care & Maintenance
Keep your tent in top condition for years to come
Cleaning & Treatment
How to clean, re-treat, and store cotton and poly-cotton tent fabric?
Regular cleaning and re-treatment of your tent will extend its lifespan and is an essential part of maintenance.
Detailed cleaning, re-treatment, and storage instructions can be found on our blog.
How do I clean a Coir Mat or Poly Mat?
Coir Mat
Shake it out regularly and brush it clean with a stiff broom. Avoid water, soap or pressure washers as much as possible, as moisture can damage the natural fibers.
- Spot Cleaning: Let stains dry completely, then scrub gently with a small amount of mild soap mixed with warm water. Blot with a damp cloth to remove residue.
- Deep Cleaning: Lightly scrub with warm water and mild natural soap, rinse well, and let the mat air‑dry fully in a sunny, airy spot.
Poly Mat
Shake, brush, or rinse with water. Mild soap is fine. Always let it dry completely before storing.
Storage
How do I store my tent safely?
Mold, mice, and mites pose the greatest risks to tents in storage. Follow our storage guidelines to properly protect your tent when not in use:
- Never pack away a wet tent! Make sure your tent, groundsheet, and guy lines are completely dry before storing. If it's not possible to dry the tent fully before storage, unfold it for transport and let it dry completely within 48 hours. If drying outdoors isn't possible, ensure the tent dries indoors before packing.
- Store your tent neatly. Vegetation and dirt can trap moisture, leading to mold. Clean both the inside and outside of the tent thoroughly before folding it.
- Close Zippers to all doors, windows, and the groundsheet before packing the tent. This makes folding easier and ensures a smoother setup next time.
- Always make sure you've retrieved all tent pegs before breaking down your tent. Not just for your own sake (so you don't run out next time), but also to avoid leaving them behind for animals or others to find.
- Store the tent parts in their proper bags. This prevents dirt from transferring onto the fabric and makes it easier to find the right part when setting up again.
- We recommend storing the guy lines separately as they tend to dry slower than the fabric. Wet guy lines can leave light-colored stains on the fabric, and they can also get tangled, making storage more difficult.
- Store your tent in the provided canvas storage bag. Since cotton is breathable, this is the best option for packing away your tent. Make sure the bag is zipped up properly to prevent insects from getting in.
- Keep the tent off the floor in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in damp basements or garages, or anywhere that could be prone to flooding or pooling water.
- For long-term storage, especially if mice or insects are a concern, consider storing the tent in a large, clean plastic storage box with a tightly fitting lid.
Repairs & Spare Parts
Repairs and Spare Parts?
At CanvasCamp, we stand behind the principle of repairing instead of replacing or returning – an ethos essential to preserving our planet. With proper maintenance and correct setup, a CanvasCamp tent can last for years without needing repairs.
Minor damages, such as small tears or holes caused by pets, equipment, furniture, or environmental factors, can often be easily repaired with needle and thread or a patch. These are typically DIY repairs. For situations requiring professional repair, we can refer you to a reliable repair shop.
Many replacement parts are available in our webshop. If you cannot find the part you need, feel free to contact us. We may have it in stock and would be happy to assist you.
Does your tent need repair? Send us an email with a few photos, and we will work with you to find the best solution for your specific situation.
Can I replace just the canvas or the groundsheet without buying a full new tent?
Yes, you can replace the canvas or the groundsheet on many CanvasCamp tents.
However, not all models offer this option.
To check if replacements are available for your tent or to request a quote, please email us at info@canvascamp.com and our team will help you out.
Mold Prevention
Mold prevention?
Mold is the biggest threat to cotton and polycotton tents.
Our canvas tents are treated to enhance resistance to rain, UV rays, and mold. The products used for these treatments are biodegradable, meaning that the protective layer on the cotton fibers gradually breaks down due to environmental factors such as humidity, UV exposure, airborne vegetation particles, and mold spores. As a result, susceptibility to mold increases over time.
For occasional campers or glampers, following the cleaning and re-treatment instructions is sufficient. Always ensure your tent and all accessories are completely dry before storing them. This is the only way to prevent mold.
Detailed cleaning, re-treatment, and storage instructions can be found in the FAQ and on our blog.
If you set up your tent for an extended period or use it as shelter, that's great! As a nature enthusiast, you value high-quality gear. Here's everything you need to know to prevent mold growth:
- Regularly inspect your tent for mold (a good time is when tightening the guy lines).
- Quickly remove dirt such as dead leaves, insects, bird droppings, etc.
- Set up your tent in an open area and prevent vegetation from growing against it.
- Ensure adequate ventilation. Open vents, windows, doors, and even roll-up walls to let fresh air circulate.
- Clean and re-treat your tent according to environmental exposure.
Mold is everywhere and can affect anyone, but being informed helps:
- Identify it: Mold appears in various forms and colors, usually as small black, blue, or green spots on the canvas.
- Clean it: Use CanvasCare Stain Remover.
Some cleaning methods and products can permanently damage your tent. Never use a pressure washer, washing machine, bleach, all-purpose cleaners, detergent, or dish soap.