How do I clean my bell tent?

Cleaning your bell tent regularly will help keep it looking its best and significantly extend its lifespan. The good news is that premium cotton canvas is easy to care for, and with a little routine maintenance, your tent can provide many years—even decades—of adventures.

After every camping trip

Before packing your tent away:

• Brush off any dirt, leaves, grass or debris.
• Wipe away bird droppings or tree sap as soon as possible.
• Ensure the tent is completely dry before folding and storing it.
• Sweep or vacuum the groundsheet to remove dirt and grit.

Keeping your tent clean after each trip helps prevent stains, mould and unnecessary wear.

How do I clean the canvas?

For most cleaning, all you’ll need is:

• A soft brush or broom.
• Clean water.
• A sponge or soft cloth.

Gently brush away loose dirt before rinsing the affected area with clean water. For stubborn marks, lightly wipe with a damp sponge.

Avoid scrubbing aggressively, as this can damage the canvas fibres or remove the protective water-repellent finish.

Can I use soap or detergents?

We generally recommend avoiding household soaps, detergents, bleach or pressure washers.

Many cleaning products can strip the canvas of its waterproof treatment or leave residues that attract dirt and moisture.

If a deeper clean is required, use a cleaner specifically designed for cotton canvas tents and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

What if my tent develops mould?

If your tent has been packed away damp and mould has developed:

• Pitch the tent in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Allow it to dry completely.
• Gently brush away any loose mould spores.
• Use a canvas-safe mould treatment if required.

The best way to prevent mould is simply to never store your tent while it’s damp.

How should I clean the groundsheet?

The heavy-duty PVC groundsheet can simply be swept, vacuumed or wiped clean with water and a soft cloth. Mud and dirt are easiest to remove once they’ve dried.

Does my tent need re-waterproofing?

Over many years of use, particularly if the tent is exposed to frequent rain or cleaned regularly, you may wish to apply a canvas waterproofing treatment to restore its water repellency.

This is part of normal long-term maintenance and helps maximise the life of your canvas.

Looking after your investment

A quality canvas bell tent is designed to last. With regular cleaning, correct storage and occasional maintenance, your tent will continue to perform beautifully for many seasons to come. Unlike many lightweight synthetic tents, canvas tents are made to be maintained, repaired and enjoyed year after year.