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TenCate Outdoor Fabrics canvas is provided with a mould, dirt and moisture repellent treatment from the factory.
However, pollution and mould may still occur through external causes and that is why good maintenance is important.
We have tips to keep the canvas in good condition and to make it last longer.
Below one can find the most important maintenance, storage and cleaning tips. The full instruction scheme one can find on the right sids of this page.
Tips & Information
10 tips coated canvas (All Season Touring, All Season Residential)
1. The fabric is provided with a mould, dirt and moisture repellent treatment from the factory. However, external causes such as dirt, cooking steam and spores can lead to mould. Good ventilation and dry storage are essential for preventing this.
2. Regularly clean with lukewarm water and a cloth or soft brush.
3. Never use detergents to clean the tent (not even environmentally friendly soap).
4. Do not leave water (puddles) on the tent.
5. Avoid abrasions.
6. Do not hang wet laundry over the tent or guy lines.
7. Never touch the fabric with greasy hands.
8. Always ventilate the tent.
9. Preferably cook outside the tent.
10. Pack up the tent clean and dry.
10 tips uncoated canvas (Cotton, PolyCotton, Campshield)
1. The fabric is provided with a mould, dirt and moisture repellent treatment from the factory. However, external causes such as dirt, cooking steam and spores can lead to mould. Good ventilation and dry storage are essential for preventing this
2. Wipe dry tent canvas regularly with soft brush
3. Never use soap products to clean the tent (also no environmentally friendly soap)
4. Do not leave water (puddles) on the tent
5. Avoid abrasions
6. Do not hang wet laundry over the tent or guy lines
7. Never touch the canvas with greasy hands
8. Always ventilate the tent
9. Preferably cook outside the tent
10. Pack up the tent clean and dry
7 tips storing tent
Check the following before storing:
• Check the tent for any possible damage.
• Store the tent in a clean and dry place. Also check the frame before storing: is everything complete? are there any parts missing or damaged?
Tips for storing your tent and frame:
1. Pack up the tent clean and dry. Weather and mould stains due to damp storage are very difficult to remove.
2. Unpack a wet tent at home immediately and let it dry out completely.
3. Use a breathable storage bag, such as cotton.
4. Store the tent in a separate storage bag.
5. Store the frame, groundsheet, curtains and guy lines also separately.
6. Ventilate the room where the tent is stored.
7. Have you camped on the coast? Then wash the tent well with clean water and let it dry properly. Salt residues can attract moisture, even in a 'dry' storage place.
FAQ Maintenance
Is it a problem if camping tables or other such items are placed against the tent cloth?
Abrasions must be prevented. Your tent is made of textile, which can wear and tear.
For your tent to have a longer life-span it is advisable to avoid possible abrasions.
If the tent canvas has been treated against dirt, mildew and mould and is water repellent, why do I still have to maintain the canvas?
Influences from outside, such as bird droppings, spores, cooking steam, grease and soap from hands or laundry will reduce the effect of the protective agents.
Maintenance and stain removal are necessary if you want to enjoy your tent for longer.
Is it harmful if water is on the roof of the tent or canopy?
Yes, remove the water from the roof. A water puddle can stretch the canvas and make it less waterproof.
Water can also cause extra pollution.
Why can I not hang laundry on the tent?
The soap in wet laundry dissolves the chemicals that protect the tent canvas from mildew and mould.
FAQ Storage
Can I store my awning in the caravan?
A caravan is (almost) always ventilated. Your awning can therefore be stored in the caravan for the next season.
The awning must be completely dry to prevent damage to the tent and your caravan.
Can I store my tent wet?
No. If the tent is packed up wet, unpack it at home so it can dry out as soon as possible. A wet tent that remains packed up will quickly become mouldy.
Also a tent that is almost dry will have to be dried out properly at home to prevent mould occurring.
Can the tent remain closed if we do not stay in the tent for some time?
No. Always provide some ventilation to prevent possible mould growth.
Although the tent canvas has been treated with a mould repellent, steam from cooking or other dirt can form a breeding ground for mould. Ventilation lowers the chance of pollution and fungal growth.
FAQ Cleaning
Cleaning of uncoated canvas
The approach for cleaning heavily contaminated canvas:
- In the case of heavy contamination, use only cleaning agents that are suitable for the specific application.
- TenCate's tried and tested cleaning agents include Isaclean/Deva/123products/HG/Ultramar.
- ALWAYS follow the instructions of the manufacturer when using cleaning detergents. After cleaning uncoated canvas with these agents, re-impregnation is necessary.
- Frequent use of these cleaning agents can affect the strength of the fabric over time. Please use sparingly. Always seek advice from the specialist.
- The cleaning of the entire tent by a specialist is an option in the case of heavy contamination.
Cleaning of coated canvas
The approach for cleaning heavily contaminated canvas:
- In the case of heavy contamination, use only cleaning agents that are suitable for the specific application.
- TenCate's tried and tested cleaning agents include Isaclean/Deva/123products/HG/Ultramar.
- ALWAYS follow the instructions of the manufacturer when using cleaning detergents. After cleaning coated canvas by these means, re-impregnation may be necessary.
- Frequent use of these cleaning agents can affect the strength of the fabric over time. Please use sparingly. Always seek advice from the specialist.
- The cleaning of the entire tent by a specialist is an option in the case of heavy contamination.
There is mould in my tent. How can I clean it?
Clean the canvas with water containing 1:10 chlorine-water.
If this does not work, use a cleaning agent according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the tent is made of TenCate canvas it has not been coated, so please follow the instructions for 'cleaning uncoated canvas'. After cleaning uncoated canvas with these agents, re-impregnation is necessary.
There is algae growth on my trailer tent. How can I clean it?
First try to remove the algae growth with lukewarm water and a cloth or a soft brush.
If this does not work, use a cleaning agent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Trailer tents made from TenCate canvas have not been coated, so please follow the instructions for 'cleaning uncoated canvas'. After cleaning uncoated canvas with these agents, re-impregnation is necessary.
There is dirt on the canvas of my trailer tent. How can I clean it?
First try to remove the dirt with lukewarm water and a cloth or a soft brush.
If this does not work, use a cleaning agent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Trailer tents made from TenCate canvas have not been coated, so please follow the instructions for 'cleaning uncoated canvas'. After cleaning uncoated canvas with these agents, re-impregnation is necessary.
There is mould on my awning. How can I clean it?
Clean the canvas with water containing 1:10 chlorine-water.
If this does not work, use a cleaning agent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Awnings made from TenCate canvas have been coated, so please follow the instructions for 'cleaning coated canvas'.
There is dirt on the roof of my awning. How can I clean it?
First try to remove the dirt with lukewarm water and a cloth or a soft brush.
If this does not work, use a cleaning agent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Awnings made from TenCate canvas have been coated, so please follow the instructions for 'cleaning coated canvas'.
There are bird droppings on the roof of my awning. How can I clean it?
First brush the bird droppings off the roof.
Try to remove the stain with lukewarm water and a cloth or a soft brush.
If this does not work, use a cleaning agent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Awnings made from TenCate canvas have been coated, so please follow the instructions for 'cleaning coated canvas'.
There is algae growth on my awning. How can I clean it?
First try to remove the algae growth with lukewarm water and a cloth or a soft brush.
If this does not work, use a cleaning agent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Awnings made from TenCate canvas have been coated, so please follow the instructions for 'cleaning coated canvas'.
Download
Here you can download the tips & information flyer. For the best maintenance tips for your tent canvas.