Cleaning a Marmot Tent

[porsche4life]

I have a Marmot Early Light 2 tent that got some spots of chicken grease on it... Some jackass thought it would be funny to wake me up by banging a spoon in an empty pan over my tent, he just didn't think to grab a clean pan...

I have washed the tent with SportWash and the spots are still there. I don't care so much about the look, but I am worried about the potential for smells. I will take this tent into bear country this summer.

My dad has suggested spot washing with Simple Green?

[masraum]

Have you tried spot cleaning with dish soap, or possibly a mechanics style hand cleaner (preferably with no pumice).

Dish soap is really geared towards cutting grease as is hand cleaner for when you've been working on your car.

My only concern would be what the cleaners might do to the water resistance of the tent. But maybe I'm just thinking about the crappy old canvas tents from when I was in the boyscouts. I haven't been in a tent in many, MANY years.

[porsche4life]

This area of the tent is not waterproof. The fly was not on and it is on the nylon and mesh. I'll post pictures later. I am worried about what other cleaners might do to the fabric

[masraum]

If it's nylon, it should be pretty tough WRT most solvents. I'd be worried about Simple Green. I know using it full strength will eat up your hands, and it's not supposed to be used full strength on allow metals.

Hopefully, some other folks will chime in one way or the other.

[RPKESQ]

Woolite, dish soap, diluted Simple Green will all take out the grease. If you have a REI store around, they do sleeping bag, tent, backpack cleaning. I believe they offer this service mail-order too.

[9dreizig]

Sidney, It's grease therefore simply dish or laundry soap will get it out. I'd secure the cords so they don't get tangled up and throw it in the washing machine. You'll have to seam seal the bottom but you do that before you go out anyway.
T

[VINMAN]

Id just try spot cleaning it with Dawn dish soap.

[gr8fl4porsche]

Yep, Dawn is the best.

[RWebb]

call Marmot!

re bears, you might try some Dr. Bonner's peppermint soap - works on most animals, unless you get a bear that is unduly curious...

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by NotaBRG

I think you need a new tent. You'll never get the smell out to the extent that a bear can't smell it.

Since I have no plans to tent camp in bear country, I'll buy it from you. How's $20 sound?

Considering I've only slept in it about 10nights... Even if it gets replaced, I will keep it...

I will try dawn after a call to Marmot in the AM.

[azasadny]

"Nice Marmot"... (Big Lebowski reference), although in the movie it is actually a ferret in the bathtub with the Dude, not a Marmot!

[porsche4life]

Just to give you an idea of what I am dealing with...

[Tishabet]

First thing i would do is call Marmot and see what they have to say, they are a great company and i love their gear although ive never tried any of their tents or packs.

For chain grease on bike clothes (which are nylon) the usual recommendation is gojo, rinse, dawn, rinse. Get the gojo and dawn only on the affected areas, don't get any on your bathtub floor as that area is coated and may delaminate especially of you use hot water.

[RWebb]

it's on the netting?

[chocolatelab]

I was reading this thinking " big deal a spot of grease who cares "

You buddy jacked up your tent.

I agree on the check with Marmot idea.

Thats good gear and you certainly dont want to retire it too soon.

Let us know what they say.

[chocolatelab]

How to Clean a Marmot Tent | eHow.com

check this out

[porsche4life]

Yup, on the netting... it was a clear night, I didn't have the fly on.

He is not a "buddy" so much as someone who runs in the same circle, I wouldn't have invited him on this trip...

I won't completely retire this tent, it just won't get to go bear country. My scout troop has some Kelty tents I can take into bear country if I have to.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by Tishabet

First thing i would do is call Marmot and see what they have to say, they are a great company and i love their gear although ive never tried any of their tents or packs.

Grant, I would encourage you to try a tent next time you are in the market. This one is excellent, I have been very pleased. They are a little higher, but most come with the ground cloth and gear loft, which puts them right on par with everyone else.

I also have a Marmot Thunderlight Jacket, I love it. The gear is pricey, but the quality shows.

[RWebb]

you know, Sidney, I spent years studying marmots and have published several papers on them, but I don't think I've ever seen one use a tent.

also... even if they did... that one looks too large to be a marmot tent

[porsche4life]

Well, I have gotten to be rather furry over the last few months....