Cleaning Your Camping Gear

Before heading off for a camping trip with family and friends, it is important to make sure your equipment is clean and in good working order. Below are a few tip to make sure your trip is successful.

Tent -First you need to set up the tent in a shaded area outside. Next, using a sponge or a damp cloth, try washing the tent with plain water first to see if the dirt disappears. If this does not get the fabric clean, try using a non-detergent soap like Nikwax Tech Wax. It is important to not use detergent soap, as they leave a residue that will not rinse away. This residue attracts water and reduces the repellency of the fabric, which as a result causes the fabric to deteriorate. As you are cleaning, remember to clean the zippers, as embedded dirt will wear them out over time. Once you are finished washing, rinse your tent out very thoroughly with a hose. It is important to make sure all of the soap is rinsed off in order to prevent sticky residue attracting extra dirt. Next, let the tent dry thoroughly outside before packing it away. This is also an excellent time to check for leaks and tears throughout the tent. Finally, wipe all tent stakes and poles with a dry cloth in order to remove any excess dirt and moisture.

Cooking Stove -While cleaning the burners on the stove, you should make sure they are all unclogged and the fittings are tight. In addition, it is important to replenish your fuel before using it.

Camper & RV -If part of your RV involves fabric (i.e. a tent trailer or pop-top camper) you should look over the material and make sure there is no evidence of mold or mildew. If either is present, you must clean the fabric with a mildew stain remover that falls within the cleaning guidelines of the fabric manufacturer (check your owner’s manual). Next, it is important to inspect every system in the RV including:

• Freshwater storage and delivery system
• Waste-water tanks
• 12-Volt DC and 120-Volt AC systems (make sure it holds a charge)
• Propane system
• Furnace
• Refrigerator
• Stove/Oven
• Roof Air Conditioner

For the interior of your RV, make sure to take a vacuum nozzle to all of the tight spaces and clean out any cobwebs, leaves, and dust that may have collected while in storage. In addition, make sure all interior equipment works such as:

• Lights and switches function properly
• Fans operate corretly
• Windows open and close easily

For the exterior of your RV, make sure to check the tires, brakes, and exterior lights (i.e. tail lights, stop lights, turn lights, clearance lights and side marker lights). Also, make sure the exterior patio and storage compartment lights are operating correctly. If your RV is self-propelled, make sure to perform routine maintenance such as:

• Oil and filter changes
• Cooling system service
• Check/replace the belts and hoses

Sleeping Bag -After taking your sleeping bags from storage, make sure to open them up fully and ‘fluff’ them out, as this allows the insulation material to breathe and remain resilient. Next, turn the bags inside out to air them out and do an inspection. In addition, check the zippers for smooth operation, and make sure the fabric has no tears or holes. If necessary, clean the sleeping bags according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you have self-inflating sleeping pads, make sure to open the valve and shake them out. Next, it is a good idea to slightly overinflate the pad in order to inspect for escaping air. Please refer to the manufacturer’s recommended methods for repairing any leaks, if necessary.

Lantern -First check all of the mantels and see if any are in need of replacement. Next, replace any cracked globes with new glass. In addition, make sure the relief valve on the pump is not clogged. Also, make sure to restock any necessary fuel supplies.

Cooler -It is important to check for any signs of mold and mildew before putting it to use. If you find any signs of mold, you should thoroughly clean the cooler with the use of plastic gloves and a small amount of chlorine bleach and mild detergent.

First Aid Kit -Check all of the bandages and medications to make sure all are current, and discard anything that is outdated. In addition, check for any materials that may need to be replenished.