I took out an old Eureka Alpine Meadows (6 person tent) that has been stored for over 10 years. The tent is probably over 30 years old. The tent did not seem to be in bad shape, but had that funky nylon tent smell. I don't want to try to machine wash it, so what suggestions do you to freshen it up?

Either set it up with doors and windows open or hang it outside for a couple days when it is not supposed to rain. Setting it up is better than hanging but not everyone has the space. That should air it out. Air fresheners might work too. I like the pine scent that you hang in your car.

There are some enzyme products that can be sprayed on or soaked in that might work. You can also store the tent with dryer sheets rolled into it - but with any scented produce =- you are just trading one smell for another.
(Kanoes was the one who introduced me to enzyme solutions.)
Enzyme odor treatment

Put it in the bathtub filled with just enough water to cover it. Then pour over the tent a gallon of white vinegar and let it soak overnight. Then set it up in the yard and hose it off and let dry. Works every time and no chemicals were used. The vinegar breaks down the things that makes it smell.

Whatever you do, DO NOT put it in a washing machine. I would try airing it out first then do a wash in the yard with it set up with mild soap and water and then if it still smells after it has dried, go to the tub with some white vinegar or some McNetts Mirazyme. Works great on stinky kayak boots and sandals.

quote Savage Voyageur: "Put it in the bathtub filled with just enough water to cover it. Then pour over the tent a gallon of white vinegar and let it soak overnight. Then set it up in the yard and hose it off and let dry. Works every time and no chemicals were used. The vinegar breaks down the things that makes it smell. "

this would also work with pfd's, sleeping pads, sleeping bags...?

I have machine washed a few tents, only old tents to see if I could get some more use from them. A tent that large needs to be 2 loads mild detergent and gentle cycle. the flys go thru 1 to clean 2nd time with Nikwax Tecwash Old Meadows came out very good. Same with old Walrus. Set both up in yard to dry.

butthead

PS: OldFingers57, did you ever try, bad experiance? I used the Meadows for 2 years after and sold it to a member, still have and use the Walrus. Both went into top loader in gentlest setting, carefully handled when wet. bh

PS: OldFingers57, did you ever try, bad experiance? I used the Meadows for 2 years after and sold it to a member, still have and use the Walrus. Both went into top loader in gentlest setting, carefully handled when wet. bh"

It's not recommended by most manufacturers or by Backpacker magazine and other on line sites.

Familiar with reviews and manufacturers recommendations. Reviewers often have alternative agendas for the things they write, manufacturers are in the business of selling gear. I will make my own judgments for my gear with as much info as available, reserve my own judgment, for my gear. The tents I listed would be tossed by most users, I did wash and re-coat/seam-sealed and put both back into use.
A front loader would be even better, ever do a down sleeping bag?

butthead

PS: Not trying to be contentious but offering experience I have with my gear for OldScout's question. bh

From the campmor tent care Q&A section.
29. My 10-15 year old tent stinks. What is it and what can I do about it?
If the smell is from mold or mildew see question 25. However when tents get to the advanced age of 10 years some of them begin to smell (like stale milk or baby vomit). This is the urethane coating and the fire retardant on the fabric beginning to break down chemically. There is nothing that can be done that we are aware of that will reduce the smell. Washing the tent will lessen the odor but not eliminate it. Campmor scientists are feverishly working on the problem but you might need a new tent. If we come up with any solution we will let you know.

quote butthead: "Familiar with reviews and manufacturers recommendations. Reviewers often have alternative agendas for the things they write, manufacturers are in the business of selling gear. I will make my own judgments for my gear with as much info as available, reserve my own judgment, for my gear. The tents I listed would be tossed by most users, I did wash and re-coat/seam-sealed and put both back into use.
A front loader would be even better, ever do a down sleeping bag?


butthead

PS: Not trying to be contentious but offering experience I have with my gear for OldScout's question. bh"

Yes I have washed by 6 down bags numerous times over the years. Sleeping bags are different though as they are recommended to be washed in a washing machine or hand washed. Although a front loader is a must for them as the agitator can damage the bag.

I usually wash my tents in the fall and set them up either in the yard or at work and hose them down and use a soft brush and some mild soap on them in dirty areas.

butthead: "I have machine washed a few tents, only old tents to see if I could get some more use from them. A tent that large needs to be 2 loads mild detergent and gentle cycle. the flys go thru 1 to clean 2nd time with Nikwax. Old Meadows came out very good. Same with old Walrus. Set both up in yard to dry.

I have Walrus two star tent. Rain fly and tent floor are not waterproof anymore. I saw that you washed fly with Nikwa TX.Direct® Wash-In. What about the floor? Did you also wash the tent with Nikwax? And do you need to use any seam seal when two part of fly (or floor) are sewed together? Thanks.

"panorama" old thread but here goes (in case ya didn't get my email, I'm on the road). Floors in the Eureka had been seam sealed twice, Walrus never, neither leaked, washed both in NikWax top loader with the agitator removed.Set both up to dry. Wet down with hose and applied NikWax Tent SolarProof spay. Have since Sold the Eureka to another member and donated the Walrus to my grandsons.

Did not reseal the floors or seams.

butthead