Cleaning And Storing Your Family Tent
By Charles Kassotis, Fri Dec 9th

If you have a family tent that goes with your familyeach year, you probably want it to last as long as possible.Since it may be used just a few days in the summer, or perhaps afew weeks at most, with proper care and storage your tent maycontinue to be a source of fun and wilderness protection formany years to come. But if the tent receives little or noprotective care, it can quickly disintegrate and stop providingvalued safety and coverage from the elements.

When setting up the tent, remember to follow the owner's manualguidelines for erecting it the proper way. Carelessly placedpoles or improperly secured tent pegs will not only lead toaccidents and tent breakage, but this type of treatment alsowill cause the equipment to break down more quickly. Handle andplace each piece correctly and carefully so it will continue todo a faithful job, year after year. Don't let the kids or thefamily dog toss around the pieces in play or otherwise use themcarelessly. Store unused pieces in their protective carton orcasing to keep them safe and available for the next time theyare needed.

While using your tent on a expedition, treat itcarefully. Don't place the portable cooking stove too close toyour tent. Zip or button flaps so they don't wave wildly in abreeze and perhaps get broken, or become soggy or muddy during athunderstorm, especially if you will be away from the campsiteand unable to secure it if a storm blows in. Avoid letting kidswrestle

in or near the tent, and don't let them hang heavy itemson its sides or interior, which could snag or tear the canvaswalls. Also be careful about setting anything on top of the tentthat could cause it to sag or tear. Wipe up each stain promptly,using the recommended materials that are indicated in theowner's manual.

As your trip comes to a close and you take down your campingtent, make time to correctly disengage each piece rather thanpull it down hastily and perhaps lose or break importanthardware. Fold the tent as indicated, making sure it is firstdry. Rub it clear of any rain or twig and leaf debris so that itgoes into storage clean. You can wait to give it a thoroughcleaning at home, if you prefer. Store the tent as suggested ina cool, dry place. Try to keep it in an area that doesn't leakor one that is unlikely to attract insects that could nest inthe canvas material or eat through it during the winter. Avoidusing pesticides or other chemicals on the tent or near it, asthe residue could later be toxic to kids and pets.

At home, don't lay heavy items on the tent that could cause itto break. Then it will be ready when you are for the nextcamping trip.

About the author:Learn more about how to keep your tents in great shape byvisiting the Tent Spot at http://www.tentspot.com