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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: How do I wash my CCS tarp?

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jhb8426

07/29/2017 08:35PM

While on this subject, how do you remove pine sap from a tarp? I usually use a rag dipped in a mild detergent, scrub it, rinse and then just leave it age until it dries enough to turn white and powdery. Then I repeat the process and it's usually gone. Bird poop is orders of magnitude easier. Smoke, don't care, that's part of having a fire.

kennk

07/24/2017 07:36PM

In my opinion washing tent and tarp material is just too hard on it to justify the wear unless something really really bad has happened to it. Hang it indoors safely away from direct UV light and from possible damage from rodents (if in a garage or basement) and just let it air out. Then just enjoy the memories that whatever odor is left brings to mind.

If you do HAVE to wash it use a non-detergent product specifically listed for tent material or you can allow Ivory bar soap to dissolve in water (faster if you use a hand shredder on the bar), and use that solution with slightly warm water to LIGHTLY wash the material. Make sure to rinse it very well and dry it completely before putting it away. Be careful!!

DanCooke

07/24/2017 08:57PM

Machine Washing a tarp will destroy it.

The Ivory soap method with minimal hand agitation or Mc Nett Mirazyme.

I just do multiple rinses in clear water to knock the smoke smell to a tolerable level.

Dry completely before storing loose.

Flashback

07/25/2017 07:37AM

Since I am usually base camping on most of my canoe trips these days; I use
this very simple method................

While the tarp is still hanging; I wipe the tarp clean with a damp rag. I wring the rag I'm using if it shows any signs of tree sap, or dirt. Pointless to wipe a rainfly/tarp
down with a dirty rag. Any moisture that is left will usually air dry in minutes, while
I'm loading other gear, canoes, etc.

No worries about smoke; I never rig my rainfly over a firepit; it is typically at least 25
feet away from any fire. I don't cook over a fire. Kitchen is set up under the rainfly.
If it's raining hard enough to put out a fire without a rainfly covering it, then it's
time for me to get under my (non fire shelter) rainfly, or move inside the tent.

When I get home I check the rainfly & guylines to assure they're bone dry. If necessary
I hang them in the garage(shade) to finish air drying. I don't hang a rainfly in the sun to dry, due to UV ray damage over time.

BOB

PaddlinMadeline

07/24/2017 07:03PM

My CCS tarp was a little close to the fire and smells like smoke really bad. I tried airing it out and it doesn't help. Can you machine wash them? I looked on there website and couldn't find any info. Thanks

Grandma L

07/24/2017 08:59PM

What Dan said... CCS

Savage Voyageur

07/24/2017 09:24PM

If my tarp get a smoke smell on it I do two things. First I put it in my bathtub with a gallon of white vinegar and let it soak overnight. The vinegar will break down any smell know to man. Then I use mild dish soap to clean my CCS tarp. I spread it out on the grass and wash it there. Then I just hose it off and hang to dry. Very easy to do. After it dries it only smells like a tarp, not vinegar or soap.