Removing the musty smell from your tent starts with setting the tent up in a yard or other space where you can clean it properly. Make sure you wear a nose mask to keep the mold from entering your lungs. Gather the supplies you will need, including a sponge, an antimicrobial cleanser, salt, lemon juice and a bucket. To mix a cleaning solution, pour 1/2 cup of antimicrobial cleanser into a bucket filled with 1 gallon of hot water. Apply the cleaning solution to the tent using a sponge. Let the solution set on the tent and dry completely.
Next, mix a solution of 1 cup of concentrated lemon juice, 1 gallon of hot water and 1 cup of salt in a container. Apply the mixture to any visible mold using a rag or sponge. Let the mixture dry on the mold. Rinse the mixtures from the tent at least 2 times with warm water to remove all of the cleaning mixtures.
Let the tent dry completely before taking it down for storage. Never take down a wet tent---this leads to mold, mildew and a musty smell developing. Let the tent dry for about an hour in direct sunlight. If you have time, wipe the tent dry with a clean, lint-free towel to speed the drying process. Spray the tent with an antimicrobial spray once has dried.
Storing your tent in a cool, dry clean place after using it to keep mold and mildew from forming. Make sure you clean off any dust and dirt from your tent before closing it up. Store the tent loosely in a cotton bag or cardboard box. Also, don't forget about the poles and fasteners---before storing them, wipe off any dirt and make sure every pole and other part has dried completely.
