Protect Your Investment
A premium inflatable tent is built to last β but like any quality gear, it rewards good care. With the right maintenance habits, your inflatable tent can deliver years of reliable performance across countless adventures. Here's everything you need to know to keep it in top condition.
1. Always Dry Before Packing Away
This is the single most important rule of tent care. Packing away a wet or damp tent is the fastest route to mould, mildew, and fabric degradation.
- After use, open all doors and windows and allow the tent to air out fully
- If you're packing up in wet conditions, set the tent up again at home as soon as possible to dry it out
- Never store a tent in direct sunlight for extended periods β UV exposure weakens fabric over time
2. Clean It Properly After Each Trip
Dirt, mud, and debris left on the fabric can break down coatings and cause abrasion over time. Cleaning is simple:
- Use lukewarm water and a soft sponge or cloth
- For stubborn marks, use a mild non-detergent soap β avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or solvents
- Pay attention to zips, valves, and seams where dirt tends to accumulate
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before storage
Never machine wash your inflatable tent β it will damage the waterproof coating and air beam system.
3. Inspect the Air Beams Regularly
The air beam system is the heart of your inflatable tent. Keep it healthy with regular checks:
- Inflate the tent and inspect each chamber for slow leaks by listening carefully or applying soapy water to joints and valves
- Check valve caps are secure and undamaged after every trip
- If you find a small puncture, most inflatable tents come with a repair kit β patch it promptly before it worsens
- Avoid over-inflating: always follow the manufacturer's recommended PSI
4. Look After the Zips
Zips are one of the most common failure points on any tent. A little care goes a long way:
- Keep zips clean and free of grit and sand
- Apply a zip lubricant or beeswax periodically to keep them running smoothly
- Never force a stuck zip β work it gently and check for debris first
- Close all zips before packing to prevent snagging
5. Store It Correctly
How you store your tent between trips matters as much as how you use it:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Avoid compressing the tent tightly for long periods β loosely folding or rolling it reduces stress on the fabric and air beams
- Keep it away from sharp objects that could puncture the material
- Store valves in the open position to prevent the rubber seals from sticking
6. Re-Waterproof When Needed
Over time, the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on your tent fabric will wear down, especially with heavy use. Signs it needs refreshing:
- Water no longer beads off the outer fabric and instead soaks in
- The tent feels damp inside even though the seams are intact
Apply a spray-on DWR reproofing product to the clean, damp outer fabric and allow to dry. This restores water repellency and extends the life of the waterproof membrane significantly.
7. Handle Guy Ropes and Pegs with Care
- Rinse and dry pegs before storing to prevent rust
- Check guy ropes for fraying or damage after each trip
- Store ropes loosely coiled β avoid tight knots that weaken the fibres over time
Quick Maintenance Checklist
- Dry completely before packing
- Clean fabric, zips, and valves after each use
- Inspect air beams for leaks
- Lubricate zips periodically
- Store loosely in a cool, dry place
- Re-waterproof when DWR wears off
- Check and maintain pegs and guy ropes
A Well-Maintained Tent Lasts a Lifetime
A few minutes of care after each trip adds years to your tent's lifespan. At Bestyle Camping Store, our inflatable tents are built with premium materials designed to go the distance β and with the right maintenance, they will.
Shop our range of inflatable tents and accessories, including repair kits and care products, to keep your shelter performing at its best.