If you camp regularly, then you know that sometimes camping gear mold happens. Unfortunately, if you don’t take steps to clean it up, you can end up ruining valuable gear. There’s no such thing as a maid service in the woods, so it’s up to you. Here are some simple tips and suggestions:
Items Needed to Prevent Camping Gear Mold
- Towels
- Tooth Brush
- Vinegar and Water
- Dish Soap
- Non-Chlorine bleach
- Disinfectant Spray
Avoid the Rain
The easiest, most effective way to keep camping gear mold and mildew at bay while camping is to avoid outdoor excursions during the rainy season. Understandably, this isn’t always possible, but if you can postpone a trip due to storms, you’ll save yourself some hassle in the long run.
Pack Lots of Towels
If you’ve ever been camping in the rain, then you know how critical it is to have towels on hand. Even with the best water proof tents, if it’s pouring outside, the interior of your tent and a majority of your camping gear going to get wet.
As soon as it starts raining, place dry, clean towels around the edges of your tent. Also, make sure to move all of your luggage and other valuables as far away from the tent walls as possible.
Tighten Your Tarps
The tighter your tarps and rain guards are; the less rain will collect on or near your tent. Make sure to stake them down thoroughly, in case there are gusts of wind. Rain bounces off of a taught tarp, but collects in puddles with extra slack. This can be the start of camping gear mold.
Dry Off Everything When Breaking Down
A majority of camping gear mold happens because we rush camp breakdowns. After a long weekend, it’s tempting to just pack up the tent as quickly as possible, throw it in the bag, and then head down the mountain.
If the tent, tarps, or any of your other camping gear is wet though, it’s going to collect mold. Remember: There’s no maid service to get things done for you, so dedicate a few extra hours for the sun to dry everything out if you can. Once the poles and stakes are removed, flip the tent upside down and let it dry out entirely.
It is Raining Out!
Of course if it is raining when breaking down camp you will have to pack everything wet. Once you get home you will need to dry everything to ward off camping gear mold. You can do this by setting up your tent and laying out any gear in your backyard. If it is raining at home, you may need to dry things off the best you can in the garage. Then on the next sunny day set your camping gear out in the sun.
Don’t Wait to Remove Trouble Spots
If you’re on an extended camping trip and notice that mold has started to form on your tent or another piece of camping gear, you’ll want to nip it in the bud right away. After all, there isn’t a maid service to help out, and putting it off only allows the problem to grow.
You will need to pack a camping gear mold cleaning kit: an old toothbrush, some distilled vinegar and baking soda, and a sponge. Grab the toothbrush and carefully scrub off as much as the build-up as possible. Once that’s done, mix the vinegar and baking soda to make a paste. You can use just the vinegar also. With a washcloth or sponge, scrub the area with your cleaning solution. Now, let it air dry.
Waterproof Sprays
Finally, you may want to consider investing in some kind of waterproofing spray. While it’s time consuming and costly to spray down the exterior of your tent, it will help with camping gear mold. The benefits of serious waterproofing technology take a lot of the stress away.
By following these simple tips, you’re sure to keep the camping gear mold away. Enjoy your time in the great outdoors.
We recommend thisĀ The Glamping Guide.