A clean tent is not only pleasant to look at and lie under, it also makes the tent fabric last longer. Especially after a vacation full of adventure, rain and nature, stains can develop on the canvas.
Coated vs uncoated tent fabric
Holtkamper folding trailers come standard with uncoated TenCate tent fabric, a top-quality fabric made in the Netherlands. This breathable fabric ensures a comfortable indoor climate, prevents condensation, and contributes to the unique camping experience that Holtkamper offers.
In the past, Holtkampers were also manufactured using coated or sealed TenCate tent fabric, also known as polycotton. That is why we will cover both types in this blog post.
The difference between coated and uncoated tent fabric is easy to feel: coated fabric feels a bit stiffer and smoother, somewhat like plastic. The coating makes it waterproof, but it doesn’t breathe as well. Uncoated fabric, on the other hand, feels more natural, is more flexible, and offers an excellent balance between waterproofing and breathability. This makes it perfect for comfortable days and nights while camping.
Stain removal on uncoated TenCate tent fabric
Uncoated cloth is more fragile and difficult to clean than coated cloth. Therefore, prevention is always better than cure.
The basics
- Never use soap-based agents.
- Use a soft brush, not a sponge.
- Never brush hard, as this may damage the cloth or color.
- Gently brushing is usually enough to remove light dirt.
- In most cases, the sun takes care of the rest!
- If you use water, let the cloth dry thoroughly first; otherwise, you might actually rub the stain into the cloth.
Common stains
Bird droppings and berries
Let the stain dry completely and then gently scratch it off with a spoon, for example. Sunlight will cause the stains to fade over time.
Resin or candle wax
Allow to solidify first and then carefully scrape off. You can possibly use a special resin remover, for example from drKeddo. Note that this is only suitable for uncoated cloth.
Algae and mold
For uncoated cloth, do not use chlorine, which can cause discoloration. Instead:
- Mix cleaning vinegar with water in a ratio of 1 to 1.
- Apply the mixture with a soft brush and do not scrub hard.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Heavily soiled cloth
Use only agents specifically for uncoated tent fabric. TenCate-tested brands include Isaclean, Deva, 123products, HG and Ultramar.
Note: Use these agents sparingly and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
After intensive cleaning, it is important to re-impregnate the fabric for continued protection.
Tip: Is the canvas heavily soiled? Then consider having your tent professionally cleaned through a reputable tent cleaning and maintenance specialist.
Removing stains from coated TenCate tent fabric
Coated tent fabric is easier to clean, but also requires careful handling.
The basics
- Never use soap-based agents.
- Preferably remove stains immediately with lukewarm water and a soft cloth or brush.
Common stains
Bird droppings, berries and coffee
Remove these stains as soon as possible with lukewarm water.
Resin or candle wax
Allow to solidify and gently scrape off with a spoon.
Note: Do not use resin removers on coated cloth, they can damage the coating.
Algae and mold
- Use a light chlorine solution of 1 part chlorine to 10 parts water.
- Let this soak in briefly.
- Brush gently.
- Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
Note: Do not use cleaning vinegar on coated canvas. This is only suitable for uncoated tent cloth.
Heavily soiled cloth
Use only cleaners specifically designed for coated tent fabric. TenCate-tested agents include Isaclean, Deva, 123products, HG and Ultramar. When using cleaning agents, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. After cleaning coated fabric with these agents, re-impregnation may be necessary.
Please note that frequent use of cleaning agents can eventually affect the strength of the tent fabric. Therefore, use these agents in moderation and always consult a specialist when in doubt.
Is the canvas heavily soiled? Then you can also choose to have the entire tent professionally cleaned. Several specialists offer appropriate solutions for this.
Mold removal: here’s how to do it
Mold is usually caused by moisture and inadequate ventilation. Fortunately, it is easy to deal with.
Algae and mold can usually be removed with a light chlorine solution in the ratio of 1 to 10 of chlorine and water. If this does not work sufficiently, use a suitable cleaning agent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Does your tent have uncoated TenCate canvas? Then follow the instructions under the section on cleaning uncoated cloth. Note that re-impregnation is always necessary after cleaning uncoated cloth.
In conclusion
Proper maintenance keeps your Holtkamper tent canvas beautiful and strong, season after season. Are you unsure about which agent to use best? Or is the canvas seriously soiled? Feel free to contact one of our specialists. We will be happy to think along with you.