Putting your tent or awning away for winter is about more than getting it back into its bag. A little care after your final trip can help you avoid finding damp fabric, dirty ground sheets or damaged fittings when you next head away.
The key rule is to store your tent or awning clean and completely dry, in a dry location, following the manufacturer's instructions. This guide is a general checklist for UK campers, caravan owners and campervan travellers. Fabric, coatings and air-beam systems vary, so your model's care manual should always take priority.
1. Check the care instructions before you start
Look up the instructions for your exact tent or awning. Check which cleaning products are suitable, how the fabric should be dried, and any specific packing instructions. Do not assume that a cleaner or waterproofing treatment suitable for one fabric is suitable for another.
2. Remove dirt before packing
Empty pockets and sweep out grass, sand and loose dirt. Check corners, doorways and folds in the groundsheet, where debris can collect. Clean pegs and remove mud from poles and other fittings before putting them away.
For the fabric, use the cleaning method recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid household detergents, bleach, pressure washing or machine washing unless your care instructions explicitly allow them. If a specialist cleaner is needed, check both the tent manufacturer's advice and the cleaner's label first.
3. Dry every part thoroughly
If you have to pack up wet at the campsite, treat that as temporary transport rather than storage. Open everything out again as soon as practical once you get home.
Choose a suitable space where you can spread out or pitch the fabric and allow air to circulate. Check the underside of the groundsheet, seams, folds, guy lines and storage bags, not just the outside of the flysheet. Removable inners and groundsheets may need drying separately.
Do not pack the tent away simply because the most visible panels feel dry. Avoid direct heat sources and follow any drying restrictions in your care manual.
4. Inspect it while you can still see it
Before the final pack, check the fabric for damage, inspect seams and guy lines, and make sure zips work without forcing them. Examine poles, pegs, clips and straps. For inflatable models, check the visible air tubes, valves and their protective sleeves using the manufacturer's guidance.
Note any missing parts or repairs needed now, rather than discovering them on your first spring trip. Use repairs and replacement parts approved for your model. Do not dismantle an air-beam system unless the manufacturer instructs you to do so.
5. Pack poles and air tubes correctly
Follow your model's folding or rolling instructions. Avoid forcing fabric into an overfilled bag or trapping it against sharp fittings. Keep pegs and poles protected so they cannot snag the fabric.
Deflate inflatable tents and awnings using the specified procedure before packing. Valve designs differ, so there is no single instruction that suits every model. Keep the pump, adapters and instructions somewhere you will be able to find them next season.
6. Choose a dry storage location
Store your packed tent or awning somewhere dry, away from direct heat and protected from pests. Avoid placing it directly on a damp floor or beneath objects that could crush or damage it.
A garage or shed is only a suitable choice if the conditions stay dry and meet the manufacturer's storage requirements. If it gets damp or suffers from condensation, choose a different location. Check stored equipment periodically through winter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pack a tent away wet?
You may need to do so to get home, but it should not stay packed wet. Open it out and dry it thoroughly as soon as practical before putting it into storage.
Can I store my awning in the garage?
Only if the garage provides suitable dry storage conditions. Check for damp, condensation and pests, and follow your awning manufacturer's instructions.
Should I reproof my tent before winter?
Not automatically. Cleaning and reproofing are different jobs, and treatment requirements depend on the fabric and its condition. Check your manufacturer's guidance before applying any waterproofing product.
What if I find mould or mildew?
Consult the manufacturer for the appropriate treatment for your fabric. Do not assume that a household mould remover is safe for tent coatings. Cleaning may not remove every stain or reverse damage.
How should I store an inflatable awning?
Make sure the fabric is clean and dry, then deflate and pack the air system according to the model's instructions. Protect valves and keep sharp accessories separate from the fabric.
Ready for your next camping season?
If you are planning a different setup for your next trip, read our guide to choosing a drive-away awning for your campervan. You can also explore our Sacramento 6 and Iris 500 tent display guide; contact World of Camping to confirm current display availability before travelling.
Need help choosing care products or replacement parts? Contact World of Camping with your tent or awning's brand, model and fabric details so we can help you check suitable options.
