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Cleaning
Cleaning your tent is not necessary unless it has an
offensive odor or becomes heavily soiled. If heavily
soiled, the pressure from a regular garden hose will
remove most loose dirt. For more serious cleaning, set
up your tent and hand wash it with warm water, a
sponge, and mild, non-detergent soap. Do not use
dishwashing liquid, detergent, bleach, pre-soaking
solutions, or spot removers. Rinse well. Leave your tent
set-up until dry. Never dry clean, machine wash, or
machine dry your tent. Any of these methods can
remove all the waterproof coatings from the fabric.
Sun & Ultraviolet Rays
UV light is one of the most damaging elements for your
tent. Though tents are often used in the sun, extended
and prolonged exposure will cause fabrics to fade, lose
strength, and eventually tear. The effects are more rapid
at higher elevations. If possible, pitch your tent out of
direct sunlight and use your rainflies to help protect the
more fragile netting and uncoated nylon. UV damage is
not covered by warranty.
Animals
To prevent damage from animals chewing holes in the
fabric, never store food in your tent.
Seam Sealing
Superior fabrics and construction make your tent
extremely waterproof. If any problems develop, seam
seal the specific area only. Follow the instructions on the
seam-sealer tube. Seam seal the inner, coated, shiny
side of the area only. Use a syringe for accuracy. Allow
the seam sealer to dry, then apply baby or talcum
powder to prevent the seam sealer from sticking to the
rest of the tent.
Condensation
Condensation is the buildup of moisture inside your tent
due to differences between the inside and outside
temperature. In your tent, it is caused by three main
sources:
• Weather conditions: High humidity, low
temperatures, and rainy conditions create the most
condensation.
• People: We produce about 1-2 pints of moisture in
a night through breathing and skin evaporation.
• Wet environment: Wet ground or wet gear stored
inside the shelter will increase condensation.
The key to reducing condensation is ventilation. Fresh
air has to flow into your tent, and warm, moist air has to
escape. The tent manufacturer has designed a variety of
features and options that allow for interior ventilation.
First, tent bodies and ceilings are made of breathable
fabric and MicroMesh™. This allows moisture to
escape, so condensation will be on the waterproof
rainfly, not inside the tent. Unfortunately, no tent
design will totally eliminate condensation in all
conditions, but providing good ventilation using any of
the above tips will help in reducing it.
Zippers
Environments where sand and grit get in the zipper
teeth can cause abrasion and damage to your zipper
sliders. If you use your tent in these conditions, keep
the zipper teeth clean by rinsing them out with water.
The pressure from a regular garden hose will push out
small sand particles from inside the zipper coil.
Handling your zipper slider with care can also prolong
the life of the zipper. Just like a zipper on a duffle bag
or piece of luggage, align the tracks before sliding the
zipper. If you do not camp in the type of conditions
described above, your zippers should last indefinitely.
Fabrics & MicrowMesh™ Tears
Unfortunately, sometimes damage does occur to your
shelter. Seam sealers are a good option for small
holes, and duct tape can be used for minor, temporary
field repairs. If you use duct tape, be sure to remove it
as soon as you are through with your trip. Otherwise,
the adhesive will eventually eat away at the fabric and
you will end up needing a larger patch. We
recommend carrying at least one emergency repair
item as a precaution.
INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
INTERIOR ODOR
New campers may have a strong odor and even cause
eye irritation when closed up in hot weather. This is
due to glues used in the cabinetry and paneling. This
condition passes with time but in an extreme condition
open the entry door and all windows and allow the
inside to air out for several hours.
UPHOLSTERY AND DRAPES
Draperies, mattress covers, upholstery and wall pads
are manufactured from quality materials and should be
dry cleaned only. Some dry cleaning methods will
damage vinyl or plastic found on cushions and drapes.
Be sure to consult your local cleaners. Frequent
vacuuming or light brushes between cleanings will help
prevent accumulation of dirt and grime. Use of water
based or detergent based cleaners may cause
shrinking. Water stains may become permanent. Minor
spills should be cleaned up quickly to avoid staining.
The affected area should be blotted, not rubbed, to
prevent the stain from working deeper into the fabric.
On vinyl upholstery, remove dirt and dust with a
vacuum cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a soft cloth and
dampen in a solution of mild soap and water. Use the
same solution with a soft-bristle brush on more difficult