The cotton must be bone dry before it is stored. Never store away a wet tent. Otherwise, fungus will affect the canvas and cause little black dots that cannot be removed. The canvas has been impregnated with an anti-fungal/waterproof coating, but you should re-proof your tent on a regular basis if you use it often or pitch it in a harsh environment.

Solar radiation can affect the waterproof quality of your tent. After 12 to 25 weeks of use, a waterproof/antifungal agent should be applied on a regular basis. This will extend the lifespan of your tent considerably.

Mildew is caused by moisture and will form if your tent is stored away damp. Mould stains will also appear if your canvas tent is no longer waterproof.

By following the steps below you will prevent the chance of mould or mildew ruining your canvas:

• Never store a damp or wet tent. If you have no other option but to put your tent away wet, then make sure the groundsheet is free of mud and dirt and pitch your tent within two days, allowing it to air dry properly.
• Always store your tent away clean and dry in a well-ventilated space
• When a pitched tent is not in use make sure it is still ventilated by opening the doors and windows to allow air flow.
• Do not hang your tent up to dry as mould may form in the damp folds. The best way to get a tent dry is by re-pitching it.
• Clean and reproof your tent regularly to ensure your tent remains waterproof and enjoys a long life.
• Store your tent in a cotton bag which will allow it to breathe and keep it clean. All our tents come with a cotton canvas bag as standard.
• Make sure you pitch your tent on flat ground free from branches and stones. This will allow the tent to stand correctly and water will slide easily off the canvas.
• Avoid touching the tent when it is raining as this allows water to pass through inside the tent.
• Be careful with creams, lotions, suntan oil, etc. Greasy hands may adversely affect the tents’ waterproofness.
• Never clean the groundsheet with water which contains soap. Use a dry piece of cloth and a sponge to clean it
• Re-proof your tent after 12 to 25 weeks of use to protect it against solar radiation and extend its lifespan
• If your tent is no longer waterproof and/or if black stains have formed on the canvas, you need to dry the tent completely and treat it with specialized products or send this to a company who can professionally do this for you. Get in touch for our recommendations.
• Do not apply laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaners or neat bleach to the canvas as they will damage the canvas treatments. Dirt or mud can be dry-brushed off with a very soft brush.

Always store your tent away dry or mildew will form on the canvas after 2 - 3 days.

Getting the tent cleaned professionally is the best way to get mildew and mould spots off your canvas. This will guarantee a clean tent which has been waterproofed and treated for mould and rot. 

When applying a new coating to your tent, take care to do it correctly by following the steps below:

• Pitch your tent and make sure it is completely dry
• Remove all dust and dirt with a soft brush
• Apply the agent evenly with a soft brush
• Make sure the cotton is soaked all over the tent
• Allow your tent to air dry but preferably not in hot sunshine

Bell tents must be stored away completely dry in a dry storage area. Make sure your tent is completely dry packing it away or it can be damaged by mould and mildew.

Bell tents are very easy to pitch and take around 10-15 minutes to put up. Some of the larger tents such as the Emperor and Touareg need two people to pitch comfortably. Instructions will be provided with your tent and we are on hand for any questions you have.