Message Forums

Quote: Originally posted by busymumof2 on 14/6/2010

---

He certainly must. Something I will never try after my escapade. Actually beginning to wonder if there is something wrong with our tent having spoke to many people now. Even the camping shop said they had never heard of mildew on an Outwell. Proving it though is something entirely different!!

---

The camping shop is talking five star bollocks, as my OH would say. There's nothing magical about Outwell tent canvas that makes it more resistant to mould than any other brand of tent and belive me there have been plenty of reports of mildew in Outwells here on UKCS. It's a fact of life that packing away a tent in anything other than a bone dry state and leaving it like that for an extended period of time is just asking for mildew, full stop.

Can I ask which camping shop told you that particular gem of wisdom btw? I would love to go and visit them.

We have had our Outwell Montana 6 for 2 years, camping for a month each August and one or two long weekends, it has been packed and unpacked numerous times wet or damp and only a few spots of 'mildew'? noticed. Used dry brush, then stuff called 'Chomp'. Only difficulty is on the roof spots, as they are inside and out. (I am 5' 8''!)

If our problem is mildew, then the 'couple of dry days in the garden' should work fine next time, however having the tent in the house is not an option (too big) and anyway indoors you can't get a breeze blowing through, plus moisture from cooking, shower and bath, etc.

Just thought, even though tent goes away dry, the guy lines are often very damp, and you did not say where you keep it when packed? 

Quote: Originally posted by campingworld1 on 25/9/2011

---

Unfortunately mildew issues are one of those clear cut issues that are simply not a manufacturing issue - they only happen through incorrect storage.

Best way to avoid it is to always take down the bedroom pods, regardless of whether they can be kept in, and make sure everything is aired fully. Do not strike your tent right at the end of the day as dew and condensation may have formed. If in doubt air it twice.

Personally I often drape everything in my garage with tent if I have any inkling that damp might remain as turning a few times over the next couple of days always sorts it out and you can rest safe in the knowledge that your tent will be okay next year.

Treating mildew: really this is a terminal prognosis for your tent, but like with illness it can be kept at bay with dilute milton solution. Make sure you wash off fully after, dry, and then re-treat with waterproofer and seam sealer where necessary

---