Here’s what you need to hand-wash your tent and fight the funk that builds up after a long time in storage—and what to avoid (like top-loader washing machines).

Cleaning your tent shouldn’t take longer than 45 minutes if it’s moderately dirty, maybe a little longer if you need to seriously spot clean or do a mildew soak.

How to Clean Your Tent 1) Shake it out. To get your tent ready for washing, unzip the doors and turn the tent inside out, shaking out any loose dirt and debris.

All outdoor gear gets grubby, including shelters – here’s how to clean a tent (and how not to) When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.