If you love tent camping, there's nothing better than inhaling clean mountain air with your family and closest friends. But who wants to crawl into a stinky tent at the end of the day? How can you keep things fresh?
Tent odors can arise for a number of reasons. Fortunately, you can pinpoint the right cause and banish that bad mood. Here's how to keep your tent smelling fresh after camping and keep it smelling as sweet as the outdoors you want to explore.
What's making your tent stink?
Your first task is to determine the source of the funk. There are three common culprits:
- Bacteria
- Mold and mildew
- Polyurethane breakdown
Bacteria are everywhere. They flourish on your skin and in the natural environment, and problems arise when too many of them gather and multiply in an enclosed space. It's easy enough to prevent bacteria buildup—airing your tent properly after each trip is enough.
Mold and mildew can damage your tent fabric and your health. Fortunately, there are several removal methods that protect your investment and your lungs, which we'll describe in detail below.
Finally, when chemicals like polyurethane begin to break down, they produce a vomit-like odor that is distinctly unpleasant. Getting rid of it requires removing the old coating and applying a new seal.
How to Make Your Tent Smell Fresh After a Camping Trip
To make your tent smell fresh after a camping trip, you need to air it out. Follow these steps after each outing:
- Make sure the weather stays warm and sunny for a few hours. A stiff breeze is even better.
- Find a clear, dry spot to pitch your tent—setting it up on your deck creates airflow from below.
- Open all doors and windows and let it air out for at least an hour or until all surfaces are completely dry. Never store a wet tent, as it can encourage mold growth.
Some people hang their tent over a clothesline to ensure the bottom dries out, although this can allow moisture to collect elsewhere. As long as the ground is dry, shake it out and open it up. If you expect bad weather to last a while, consider setting up your tent in your home and using a dehumidifier.
How to Get Rid of a Stubborn Moldy Smell in a Tent
Mold and mildew can affect your health, worsen allergies, and cause problems for those with weakened immune systems. Plus, they produce a persistent musty smell. How can you get rid of that lingering smell from your tent? Luckily, it's not hard to clean it with one of these methods.
1. Bleach
Bleach is often a go-to for removing mold, but it can damage tent fabric, which is why many campers prefer to avoid it. If you choose this route, do a patch test in an inconspicuous area to make sure you won't end up with discoloration.
Use one part bleach to 10 parts water. Apply the solution to the affected area with a spray bottle and let it soak for 10 minutes before rinsing and drying.
2. Vinegar and Baking Soda
Many campers prefer vinegar and baking soda. The standard recipe is one part vinegar to one part water, though you can increase the concentration without harming most fabrics. Spray on the affected area and wait an hour. You can also cover the treated area with baking soda after applying the vinegar to further absorb the odor.
3. Enzymatic Mold Removers
There are a number of enzymatic mold removers on the market. Look for a brand formulated specifically for your tent's fabric and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some work with spot applications, though many require you to soak the entire tent.
How to Make an Old Tent Smell Better
Have you noticed that your old inflatable tent has started to stink like vomit, even though you've never gotten sick on a camping trip? How can you make your tent smell better if you've always aired it out and it doesn't have mold? The problem could be a breakdown of the polyurethane that many manufacturers use to waterproof tents, which produces a distinctive unpleasant odor after sufficient exposure to the sun's UV rays.
To fix the problem, you first need to remove the old coating. You'll need a tub large enough to soak your tent for two to three hours in soapy water. Scrub the treated areas, such as the fly screens and the tent floor, with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol, water, and a few drops of clear dish soap. Let it dry completely before applying a fresh protective coating. Consider one of the new plant-based polyurethane formulations for less odor and greater sustainability.
Prevent Tent Odors from Happening
Once you get rid of odors in your tent, how can you keep it fresh and make it smell better? Following the tips above helps, but modern technology can provide answers, too.
For example, many campers today carry portable power banks with them. Aromatherapy vaporizers use essential oils, and the heavenly scent quickly permeates a small space. Even those who prefer to stay unplugged in the wild can use a rechargeable fan with an aroma diffuser to distribute a eucalyptus or citrus scent.
What if you're so hardcore that you avoid all technology other than a compass and a can of bear spray? Dryer sheets have long freshened things stored in tight spaces. Some people also use activated charcoal bags.
You might also consider forgoing the bag battle. It can feel impossible to get your tent back inside most of the time, so save that bag to store your poles. Instead, roll and tie the tent loosely to prevent odors from building up in the first place.
How to Make Your Tent Smell Fresh After Camping
Part of the joy of camping is the clean mountain air. Learning how to make your tent smell fresh is part of the trip.
Use the tips above to eliminate odors from your tent regardless of the cause. A little ingenuity and proper maintenance make your tent smell better and enhance the enjoyment of your favorite pastime.