How to Clean a NEMO Tent or Shelter

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Identify fabrics and remove accessories

Read the instructions for the exact NEMO tent, rainfly, footprint and pole set. Remove loose gear and detach lighting controllers, batteries or other electronics as their manual requires. Note tears, peeling coating, broken poles or separated seam tape before washing. A clean tent still needs repair if its weatherproof structure is compromised.

Step 2: Shake and brush out dry debris

Pitch the tent on a clean shaded surface or turn the unpitched body carefully to empty sand and leaves. Use a soft brush or gentle vacuum on the floor, mesh corners and zipper areas. Do not drag coated fabric over concrete or force grit through mesh. Dry removal prevents mud and abrasive scrubbing later.

Step 3: Spot-clean small marks first

Use cool or lukewarm water and a clean sponge on local soil. For a stubborn spot, add a little compatible technical wash and blot rather than scouring. Household laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, bleach and solvent can damage waterproof coatings or leave residue, so do not use them as convenient substitutes.

Step 4: Pitch and dampen for a deeper wash

When the whole shelter needs cleaning, pitch it securely as NEMO describes and wet the fabric gently. A pitched structure supports panels and exposes the fly and body evenly. Do not put the tent in a washing machine, use a pressure washer or submerge an electronic lighting system. Protect or remove every powered component first.

Step 5: Apply technical tent-and-gear wash

Spray or apply the approved technical wash as its label directs, then distribute it across the damp fabric with a soft sponge or cloth. Work lightly over the rainfly, lower body and floor, giving attention to grime without hard rubbing. Avoid saturating mesh, pole sleeves and seams more than required.

Step 6: Clean zippers and poles separately

Brush grit from zipper coils with a soft toothbrush and mild soapy water only if the care guidance permits, then rinse. Wipe pole sections and hubs with a damp cloth and dry them, keeping sand out of ferrules. Do not oil zipper teeth or pole joints with a household lubricant; use only a named gear product when NEMO approves it.

Step 7: Rinse thoroughly

Use gentle clean water to remove technical wash until runoff is clear and surfaces no longer feel soapy. Prevent water from pooling in the floor and support wet fabric. Do not scrub peeling coating or seam tape; mark that area for repair after drying rather than trying to clean it back into place.

Step 8: Dry pitched in shade

Leave the tent pitched in moving air out of prolonged direct sunlight until the fly, floor, mesh, sleeves and guy-out points are completely dry. Wipe pole and hardware moisture separately. UV exposure ages fabric and coatings, while folding even one damp floor corner can create mildew and delamination in storage.

Step 9: Inspect and store cool and loose

Examine the clean shelter for pinholes, worn coating, seam failure, zipper damage and bent poles. Use NEMO's repair or re-waterproofing guidance rather than applying a random household sealer. Store the bone-dry tent in a roomy breathable sack in a cool, dry place, not compressed in a hot vehicle or attic.