Care And Maintenance - Mec Wanderer 2 Booklet

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Care and Maintenance

PROTECTING THE TENT
Ultraviolet damage is the single largest hazard your tent faces in its lifetime. Fabrics
should not be exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time; this will eventually
result in colour fading and fabric failure. The uncoated fabrics of the tent canopy are
most susceptible to damage from UV and should be covered by the more durable fly. If
extended exposure is unavoidable, cover the tent with a tarp or a sheet of nylon.
LIGHTING YOUR TENT
Using a candle lantern in a tent carries definite risks. Never leave a candle lantern burning
unattended; always watch for fire hazard from overheating fabrics or spilling wax.
Spilling wax can be dangerous, particularly to eyes and other sensitive areas. It is your
responsibility to use candle lanterns wisely and with extreme caution: we do not endorse
the use of any flame or heat source in a tent. Cooking in a tent is strongly discouraged
because of fire hazards and carbon monoxide inhalation risks. Unlike campfire smoke
and other fumes, which cause you to gasp for air, carbon monoxide can render you
unconscious without any warning.
FOOD IN TENTS
Mop up spills promptly with water. Many foods, particularly acidic ones like fruit or
juices, can weaken synthetic fabrics over time. In any case it is best to eat and store
food away from a tent to avoid attracting animals.
CLEANING
Clean the tent by hand while it is set up, using a sponge, a mild non-detergent soap,
and warm water. Rinse thoroughly. Do not dry clean, machine wash, or machine dry.
Stubborn stains like tar can be left in place and dusted with talcum powder to prevent
transfer to other areas of the tent in storage. After cleaning, a spray-on water repellent
designed for synthetic fabrics may be applied to the flysheet if surface water repellency
is weakening. (This is apparent when water droplets no longer bead up on the fabric.)
If the poles are exposed to salt or salt water, rinse them in fresh water and allow them
to dry before storing. (While aluminum does not rust, it can become brittle through
unseen corrosion over time.)
LUBRICATING THE POLES
Occasionally apply a light coating of a silicone-based lubricant like 303 ™ Protectant to
the tent pole connections. If the poles are used extensively in marine environments,
treat them more frequently.
STORING YOUR TENT
Dry the tent and poles completely before storage to avoid mildew or hidden pole
corrosion. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct light.
Mildewed tents can be cleaned as described above, but there is no way to remove the
dark stains without damaging the fabric. Mildew will probably take some time to affect
the waterproof coatings, so the tent should still be usable.
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