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Subject Topic: Need to wash a Vango Force Ten Post Reply Post New Topic
Personandy1983
30/3/2022 at 3:47pm
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Hi,

I've aquired a Vango Force Ten Mk5 ST - so the cotton fly and inner version.

It basically smells horrible - and this is the problem. I don't know what's given it the smell (I dread to think!)

I've got two other force Tens (Mk2 and Mk4) and they have that nice old tent smell that's not offensive in any way; This new tent is something else!

So my proposal is to run it through the washing machine with a load of washing powder at 40 degrees. then put it up to dry it out and treat it with some of that Fabsil stuff.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone ever washed a Force Ten and did it go to plan?
2. Is there anything better than normal washing powder that will actually tackle the smell?
3. Any other good ideas?

Basically if this smell can't be removed I cant use the tent - so I need something aggressive to eliminate the odors.

Hopefully someone has had a similar issue and can advise...

Thanks

Andy


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Personseanfdh
30/3/2022 at 4:54pm
 Location: North Devon
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I wouldn't wash and seal it if at all possible. Can you just try leaving it pitched in your garden for a week or so?

-------------
Sean


Personandy1983
via mobile 30/3/2022 at 5:20pm
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Quote: Originally posted by seanfdh on 30/3/2022
I wouldn't wash and seal it if at all possible. Can you just try leaving it pitched in your garden for a week or so?


I’ve put it up this afternoon with that in mind - I thought the rain might help too… Im just anticipating it won’t sort it out to be honest.

Andy


Personlidds0
via mobile 31/3/2022 at 6:06am
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I'd pitch it and get the hose on it. Fresh air and clean water should sort it out. I wouldn't wash and re-proof a cotton canvas tent.


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PersonMonty15
31/3/2022 at 9:17am
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If you put it through any kind of 'wash' with a detergent, you will almost certainly ruin it's waterproof properties for ever and no amount of re-proofing will recover it's waterproof properties to original levels.

Detergents contain 'Surfactants' which purposely destroy water resistance to assist the removal of dirt from fabric, they don't wash out easily and pretty much permanently change the fabric. It's the reason just about every item of waterproof clothing clearly states 'DO NOT WASH WITH DETERGENT'! Some waterproof items can be washed with proper soap cleaners (which are chemically different from detergents) which don't leave a residue of surfactants, but they do require proper reproofing after the wash. In my experience, anything that has been washed never regains it's original waterproof properties no matter how specialist the washing soap or re-proofer!

Your washing machine will have residual amounts of detergent from previous washes, and even with a proper soap for the tent wash, that may be enough to damage it.

The pitch in fresh air technique is undoubtedly the best. Old tents often have a musty smell after storage, which generally clears with a good airing. Have you considered that the smell from your tent may be from a reproofing product used on it? Even the water based ones leave a rather 'chemical' smell. Again a good airing should reduce or remove the smell.

The very last thing you want to do with any tent is use any kind of chemical cleaner on it, plain water and fresh air are pretty much the only safe things.


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Personandy1983
via mobile 31/3/2022 at 5:25pm
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Thanks for the responses, on reflection I do agree that washing powder was a bad idea.

It’s been airing outside, and had a few soakings from rain/snow now. The fly sheet now seems to smell ok. I’ve taken that off so that the inner gets the same treatment. The inner canvas already starting to smell better. I’ve hosed the inner down with a hosepipe to accelerate the process.

What has now become apparent is the smell seems to be coming from the groundsheet. I’ve hosed this and scrubbed with a sweeping brush. I’m thinking a Milton solution might be worth while on this. No idea what’s been on it.

Andy


PersonTimCESmith
01/4/2022 at 6:11pm
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You could wash the inner with a Nikwax or Granger product but not the fly, if it's the groundsheet that's the problem.


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Personsuns
02/4/2022 at 9:49am
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Grangers tent Clean if needed. Milton ration: 10 parts water to one part Milton.


PersonCaligula
02/4/2022 at 6:12pm
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1part of me is more than enough! (Surname is Milton........)

As someone who owns and uses several vintage cotton tents, I agree with lidds, Monty and sean above, not to wash if possible and certainly not with detergent. If you do go the wash route, use soap product without detergents (flakes?)

Try also to avoid using re-proofers if possible, or use as last resort, and then by spraying and not brushing on.

Fabulous tent......


Personjoolz1967
02/5/2022 at 10:47am
 Location: Hertfordshire.
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I have a big collection of Force ten's. When I buy one second-hand, I give the groundsheet a good scrub with anti-bacterial soap and hot water, to get any mud from the textured surface on the groundsheet.

Then into a bath of Fabfil Tent and gear cleaner to soak for an hour. Good rinse in clean water as per instructions.
Pitch in the garden on a warm day to day-out.

All should be fine then.



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