How to Clean and Waterproof a Tent: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning your tent without losing its waterproofing is entirely achievable — as long as you follow the right order. Start by cleaning the fabric, then tackle any stubborn stains if needed, and finish by applying a water repellent treatment suited to your tent material. This article explains how to do it properly, what to avoid, and when it's time to reproof.
How do I clean my tent without damaging its waterproofing?
A tent's water repellency comes from a treatment applied to the fabric, not from the fabric itself. Harsh cleaning products, the wrong techniques, or high temperatures can all damage that treatment. That's why you should never use household cleaners or detergent residue on tent fabric.
Always use a mild cleaner specifically designed for outdoor textiles. Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo works on both synthetic tent fabrics (polyester, acrylic) and on cotton and polycotton. It cleans the fabric thoroughly without unnecessarily stripping the existing water repellent finish.
How to hand wash your tent:
- Lay the tent flat or hang it up in a shaded spot.
- Apply Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo to the fabric and spread it using a soft brush or sponge.
- Work it in gently using circular motions, without pressing too hard.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean, cold or lukewarm water.
- Allow the tent to dry completely in the open air before storing or reproofing it.
Can I put a tent in the washing machine?
We don't recommend it. Washing machines spin, and that mechanical stress is too much for seams, coatings, and pegs. Even on a gentle cycle, a washing machine can cause damage that isn't immediately visible — but will become very obvious the next time it rains.
Hand washing, or cleaning outdoors with water and a brush, gives you more control and is far gentler on the material. If you have a large tent or an awning that's difficult to hang up, lay it flat on a clean patio or lawn and work in sections.
Stubborn stains: when should you use Fabric Power Cleaner?
After cleaning, some areas may still show marks that the shampoo couldn't shift — deep-set discolouration or ingrained dirt that has had time to set. In those cases, apply Fabric Power Cleaner directly to the affected spot.
How to use it:
- Apply Fabric Power Cleaner only to the stained area, not across the entire fabric.
- Leave it to work for a maximum of 15 minutes.
- Loosen the stain with a soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
Fabric Power Cleaner is a stain remover for step two of the maintenance process. Use it only when regular cleaning isn't enough — never as a substitute for the shampoo.
Do I always need to reproof my tent after cleaning it?
Not always, but in many cases yes. Cleaning removes dirt that may have been masking the water repellent treatment. Once that dirt is gone, you can properly assess whether the fabric still repels water or not.
Once the tent is dry, carry out a simple test: sprinkle a few drops of water onto the fabric. Do they bead up and roll off? Then the water repellency is still working. Does the water soak into the fabric? Then reproofing is needed.
You should also reproof if the tent has been outdoors for an extended period without any maintenance, or if you notice water starting to seep through the fabric during light rain.
Which water repellent should I use for my tent?
That depends on the material your tent is made from.
Synthetic tent fabric (polyester, polycotton, acrylic): use Sprayhood & Tent Protector. This proofer is specially developed for synthetic outdoor fabrics and restores their water repellency.
Cotton tent fabric (traditional canvas tents, safari tents): use Canvas & Cotton Protector. This product is formulated for natural fibres and keeps the fabric breathable.
Not sure what material your tent is made from? Synthetic fabrics typically feel smooth or have a smooth coating. Cotton feels softer and heavier. The material is almost always listed on the label or in the manufacturer's product specifications.
Ultramar water repellent treatments are PFAS-free.
How do I apply the water repellent?
The fabric must be clean and completely dry before you start. Damp fabric absorbs the proofer unevenly.
- Spray Sprayhood & Tent Protector (or Canvas & Cotton Protector) evenly across the fabric.
- Avoid leaving streaks or drip marks — work in sections and overlap slightly.
- Allow the product to absorb and dry naturally in the open air.
- Carry out the water test again: when the treatment has been absorbed properly, water should bead off immediately.
How often should I reproof my tent?
There's no fixed rule that applies to every tent. It depends on how often you use it, how long it spends outdoors, and the conditions it's exposed to. A tent pitched every weekend will need attention sooner than one that goes on a single annual camping trip.
Useful things to keep in mind:
- Run the water test after every thorough clean.
- Reproof at the start of the camping season if the tent has had heavy use over the previous year.
- Reproof whenever you notice the fabric absorbing water rather than repelling it — even if you haven't just cleaned it.
Regular maintenance extends the life of your tent and keeps you dry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular washing-up liquid to clean my tent?
We don't recommend it. Household cleaners can leave residue in the fabric and damage the water repellent treatment. Use a cleaner specifically designed for outdoor textiles, such as Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo.
My tent has a stain that won't come out with the shampoo. What now?
Apply Fabric Power Cleaner directly to the affected area — don't spread it across the whole fabric. Leave it for a maximum of 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Can I use Sprayhood & Tent Protector on the plastic windows of my tent?
No. For transparent plastic windows or insect mesh, use Clear Plastic Cleaner & Protector. Never apply a fabric proofer to plastic components.
Do I need to treat the inside of the tent as well?
No. Sprayhood & Tent Protector is designed for the outer surface of the fabric. The inside serves a different function and does not need to be treated.
Can I reproof the tent if it's still slightly damp?
No. The fabric must be completely dry. Damp fabric absorbs the proofer unevenly, which means the protection won't work as well.