How to Clean Camping Gear?

If you haven't traveled to warm places, maybe you can at least go hiking? We’ll tell you how to clean your backpack, tent, and other camping gear.

Suitcase
Did you know that suitcases need to be cleaned and washed after every trip? You probably guessed it! And if you previously just didn’t have the time, now it’s essential to prepare your temporarily unused suitcases for future travels.

Start cleaning with the lining, shaking out all the small debris (for example, sand left over from your last beach vacation), and checking all pockets — you might find many interesting and memorable items there. The ideal option is to vacuum the lining and pockets using a special narrow attachment, if you have one. Next, treat the material with a cleaning solution and wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Plastic parts can be cleaned with simple soapy water. Clean the exterior of the suitcase last. For hard-shell models, any absorbent cloth dampened with water or soapy solution will do. For fabric suitcases, use a cloth, sponge, or brush and the same cleaning solution as for the lining. If you have a presentable leather suitcase, be sure to use special leather cleaning products to avoid deforming the material, leaving streaks, or drying it out. By the way, it’s best to store a leather suitcase in a fabric cover to protect it from dust.

Don’t forget to thoroughly wipe the suitcase wheels with wet wipes if you haven’t done so after your last trip.

Backpack
Backpacks require even more care, as they are usually used more frequently than suitcases, and the conditions while hiking can be quite harsh. Of course, hiking backpacks are mainly made from special water-resistant materials, but this fabric still needs cleaning.

To prevent the backpack from losing its shape, avoid washing it completely every time; it’s better to spot clean each stain separately using a mild cleaner. If washing is necessary, it’s best to do it by hand, as many backpacks are coated with a special protective layer. Clear the backpack of debris, dust, and sand, then fill a bathtub with warm water and add liquid soap or a special cleaner for camping gear (for example, Holmenkol Textile Was). Treat stains with a nylon brush. Let the backpack soak for about ten minutes, then change the water and rinse it out. Clean the zippers thoroughly with a narrow brush (life hack: you can use an old toothbrush). Then it’s very important to dry the backpack properly before storing it.

Tent
An experienced camper knows that after every hike, it’s essential to thoroughly clean the tent, shake out debris and sand, and remove stains with a damp cloth. Experts assert that tents also need hand washing rather than machine washing — this will make them last longer. Soak the tent in a bathtub with a cleaning solution for waterproof fabrics, then rinse it in clean water, dry it completely, and only then fold and store it until the next hike.

We recommend checking the fabric and seams after washing: some areas may have worn out, and patches may be needed — it’s better to do this right away than to discover a hole during the hike. Gear Aid patches can help repair your trusty hiking companion, and they can be purchased at specialized stores. Before the hike, it’s best to treat the tent with a water-repellent spray, paying special attention to the zippers, using sprays for water and UV protection.

Sleeping Bag
The same rules apply as with the tent. Sleeping bags should be washed by hand or on a gentle cycle in the washing machine. However, it’s still better to spot clean individual stains with warm water using cleaning agents to avoid full contact with water. You’ll be surprised, but delicate fabric cleaners for wool and silk work perfectly. The sleeping bag should be dried not on a radiator but in the air. Very rarely can a sleeping bag be machine washed on a delicate cycle and dried at low heat. If the bag is down-filled, to ensure even distribution of the down, you can place two or three tennis balls in the drum of the machine. For storing the sleeping bag, a case made of natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton, is best.

Reliable companies provide a warranty on sleeping bags, so if you find serious damage, it’s better not to try to fix it yourself with patches but to consult professionals.

Hiking Shoes
Many people wash fabric shoes in the washing machine — don’t do this! While lightweight canvas sneakers with rubber soles might survive a gentle cycle (though it’s still not advisable), hiking boots will suffer significantly. Remember: you can only wash the shoelaces in the machine!

Wash the boots by hand in warm water with a special cleaner — for example, products from Nikwax, which offers not only cleaning solutions but also lotions for waterproofing and giving shoes water-repellent properties. Be sure to rinse the insoles separately, and then dry them separately. Shoes should be completely dry after washing before being put on the shelf. Again, avoid heating devices — it’s better for the shoes to dry slowly but naturally.

Cleaning camping gear should become a habit after a hike — then packing for a new trip will be faster, easier, and more enjoyable.

MISCELLANEOUS