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Tent Use and Care

Pre-Shrinking Your Tent

A new canvas tent may lightly "mist" or feel damp in heavy rain which is normal and beneficial for a new tent. When the cotton fibres shrink, the weave tightens, increasing the water resistance of the canvas. We recommend pre-shrinking your tent before your first adventure (but it’s not a must).

How to Properly Set Up Your Tent

The proper setup and maintenance of your tent—especially in less-than-ideal conditions (think damp and windy)—is critical to maximize tent performance and safety.

You will receive detailed pitch instructions with your purchase, but here are some quick tips:

  • Before setting up your tent, find a stable, firm, and flat spot. Always secure the ground pegs before putting the centre pole in the tent.
  • Once you get the centre pole in, make sure it’s vertical and centered, with the rubber foot making full contact with the groundsheet.
  • Start putting the stakes in the ground, ensuring the guylines are aligned to the tent seams.
  • Put the door frame in before staking around the door(s).
  • Last—but certainly not least—use the tensioners on the guylines to achieve a taut tent. Adjust as needed when the tent begins to loosen. 

Maintaining Your Tent—Keep it Taut!

We recommend adjusting the guylines, using the tensioners, daily or as needed in windy conditions or unstable/rocky earth. This also helps in keeping your tent clean, as debris, water, snow, etc. will roll off a taut tent, versus accumulating on a loose, flappy tent.

If you’re using your tent in the winter months, it’s important to stay on top of snow and ice as it can accumulate and damage the poles and canvas—refer to the Weather and Environment section of our FAQs for more information. If you experience any leaks, it’s most likely because your tent is not taut. 

And remember, the great outdoors are no joke. Stay on top of weather forecasts, never leave your tent unattended, and use common sense.

If inclement weather is on the horizon take down your tent completely; we do not recommend just taking out the centre pole as high winds or snow could rip the canvas if pressed against furniture within the interior. It is your responsibility to protect yourself and your gear against the elements.

How to Safely Store Your Tent

Mold, mice, and mites pose the greatest threats to stored tents. Follow these guidelines to protect your tent during storage:

  • Never pack a wet tent! Your tent, groundsheet, and guylines must be completely dry before storage. If you must take it down while damp, loosely fold it for transport and dry it within 24 hours. If outdoor drying isn't possible, dry it indoors before packing.
  • Store your tent clean. Dirt and vegetation can retain moisture and cause mold. Clean your tent inside and out before folding.
  • Keep it elevated and dry. Store your tent in a cool, dry place, away from damp basements. Avoid storing it on the floor in garages or storage units prone to flooding or pooling.
  • Long-term storage: For extended periods or areas with pests, store your tent in a clean, large plastic container with a lid.

Cleaning Your Tent

Cleaning and re-treating your canvas tent regularly will keep your tent looking new by fending off both UV damage and the potential for any mold.

We recommend cleaning (and re-treating) your tent after 6-10 weeks of use; the harsher and damper the environment, the more frequent we recommend cleaning and re-treating.

Here’s how to clean your canvas tent when your tent is pitched (no shortcuts!): 

  • Clear any debris from the interior and exterior of the tent.
  • Hose down the tent.
  • Apply a 4:1 water:vinegar solution, or better yet the CanvasCare Canvas Cleaner (following the instructions provided).
  • Gently clean the fabric with a soft sponge, if needed, and rinse as you go.
  • Let dry, then re-treat immediately (see below).

We do not recommend any household detergents or bleaches as they could ruin the cotton fabric. High pressure washers and washing machines are also out of the question! That said, we recommend using a hand-held, pump pressure sprayer or the LOW setting on a pressure washer (with vinegar or the CanvasCare Cleaner). Make sure to spot check on the fabric to avoid damaging the tent. 

The groundsheet and poles can be cleaned with any cleaner or disinfectant (so long as there is no bleach involved).

Re-treating Your Tent

Not so fast—now it’s time to re-treat your canvas tent to maintain water, mold, and UV resistance. We recommend using the CanvasCare Canvas Waterproofer (following the instructions provided). 

Here's how to re-treat your canvas tent (when pitched):

  • Let the tent dry out completely after cleaning it (per above).
  • Follow the instructions on the re-treatment product.
  • Apply the re-treatment with a spray bottle or a soft washer (a pressure washer with a nozzle that minimizes the pressure). Let it dry out.
  • If you previously applied a fire retardant, reapply now. 

Repairs and Replacement Parts

At CanvasCamp, we prioritize repairs over replacements to help protect the planet. With proper maintenance and setup, a CanvasCamp tent can last for years without needing repairs.

  • Minor Repairs: Small tears or holes from pets, gear, or environmental factors can often be fixed with a needle and thread or a patch as a DIY project.
  • Professional Repairs (locally): For larger issues, email us with photos, and we’ll collaborate to find the best solution. 

Replacement parts and fabric are available on our website under Care Products. If you need something not listed, contact us, and we’ll assist further.

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