Step-by-step plan for cleaning and impregnating the awning
Our proven cleaning method is simple. You only need three cleaning agents, which take all the work off your hands. Follow the steps below and even the dirtiest tent canvas will look like new again.
Step 1: clean the awning with Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo
- First clean with lukewarm water. Do this with a soft brush.
- Apply the Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo to the tent canvas.
- Brush the cloth somewhat firmly. Apply the product evenly with a plant sprayer.
- Allow to dry for about 20 minutes after application.
- Remove the shampoo and dirt with brush and water. Rinse well so that no shampoo remains.
- Let the fabric dry.
- Repeat the above process if (a lot of) dirt is still visible after drying.
Step 2: Remove heavy pollution with Power Cleaner
- Apply Power Cleaner to the awning and rub in with a soft brush. Use a plant sprayer again.
- Let the product act for about one hour. Don't see any change? Then repeat the process as often as necessary and let the product take effect.
- Rinse the tent well with cold or lukewarm water.
- Let the tent dry until it is completely dry.
Step 3: impregnate the awning with Sprayhood & Tent Protector
- Apply Sprayhood & Tent Protector liberally and evenly. Also include the underside of the roof. This prevents mold and weather from condensation inside.
- Do not apply Sprayhood & Tent Protector to windows or paintwork. Remove the agent immediately with a damp cloth.
- Let the fabric dry thoroughly and repeat the treatment if necessary.
- Are there drops of (dried) impregnating agent on the windows? Wipe this off with a little bit of benzene.
- Use Ultramar Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo to clean the windows.
Why clean the awning?
Even if you only camp occasionally, you will notice that your awning gets dirty quickly. Camping for a few weeks is enough for stains. You often see this only in the next season. That is why it is also important to take preventive measures, after use or at the end of the season. Both cotton and synthetic textiles are susceptible to mold, green deposits and bird droppings. Not a pretty sight, but also bad for the condition of your awning. Therefore, always clean it at the end of the season and let it dry thoroughly. Not only does this look nicer, but it is also important for preserving the fabric. With the right precautions and proper maintenance, tent fabric can last for decades in good condition.
Prevent mold and condensation
The biggest threat to the preservation of your awning is mold. Mold affects the quality of the fabric over time, so prevention is the motto here. Awnings are prone to mold because they get damp. Via precipitation and dew on the outside and condensation on the inside. Moisture will hardly adhere to well-impregnated fabric. However, you cannot prevent this completely. Therefore, always ensure adequate ventilation. Also while camping.
Tips against condensation
- Do not dry clothes in the (front) tent and preferably let them dry outside.
- Use a tarp under the groundsheet to make it less dirty. Pay attention! Make sure that this tarp is no more than the same size as the groundsheet, so that no water runs under the tent.
- Do not cook in the awning or do this only with an open side. Cooking creates condensation. Odors can also penetrate the fabric.
- Close the tent as well as possible during the day and let it ventilate at night.
Leaks in tent
There are roughly two types of leaks in tent cloth: leaks due to cracks and leaks due to insufficient impregnation. The first kind requires repair, but is also relatively rare. Moisture usually leaks through intact tent canvas. A lot of tent fabric is not 100 percent waterproof, but rather highly water resistant. This can drain a certain amount of water per surface. This decreases over time, making (re)impregnation necessary. Regardless of the impregnation, the tent cloth is most waterproof if it is under even tension. So make sure that the awning is well and taut and make sure that things in the awning are always clear of the side walls.
Impregnate tent cloth
Impregnation keeps the tent cloth water resistant for a long time. By impregnation we mean a special treatment that forms an invisible water-resistant layer around the fabric. Technically, this isn't waterproofing a tent, but done right it comes down to the same thing. Sprayhood & Tent Protector is a very suitable product for this. Well-impregnated fabric can be recognized by the way water drips off it. This happens in whole droplets, which are barely absorbed by the substance below.
It is important that you apply the impregnation agent evenly and allow the fabric to dry thoroughly after application. The easiest way is to set up the awning. This allows the fabric to dry best. Depending on how often you impregnate, it is advisable to impregnate several times. Always let the awning dry in between and prevent the impregnation agent from forming drops on the fabric.
Awning cleaning products
It is important that you clean your tent with a specialized product. For example, the products we recommend in our step-by-step plan. Many cleaning products in your kitchen cupboard are unsuitable for use on textiles. Sometimes because they are too aggressive and can damage the canvas. But also because some cleaning products, such as green soap, for example, contain oils that ensure that the target attracts more dirt. Textiles require a soft hand and specialized products.