Cleaning Your Gear
I know. You meant to scrub and scour your gear after last campout. But … (insert your excuse
here). Now, set aside one weekend afternoon to get your gear back into action and promise to be
better next time.
TENT
Cleaning
Pitch your tent in a well-vented spot. Shake it upside-down to dislodge dirt and debris, then
vacuum or sweep the interior. If it’s dirty, hose off the exterior with cold water. Wipe down
with a towel and let it dry thoroughly. Never store a wet tent.
Brush away mildew by adding a half cup of bleach to one gallon of hot water (1/32
solution), followed by multiple rinses of hot water mixed with small doses of lemon juice
and salt. For serious funk, you need to deodorize in a tub with special chemical. (McNett’s
Mirazyme. Check mcnett.com)
Scrub off sticky pine sap with a sponge soaked in mineral oil, then rinse the fabric to
remove residue.
Clean balky zippers with a toothbrush and warm water. Lubricants can attract dirt and
grime.
Let your tent dry completely. Store loosely in dry, cool place. (I store my tents loosely in
a cardboard box.)
Replace any missing or worn guylines. Straighten bent stakes.
BOOTS
Cleaning
Wiping away dirt isn’t just cosmetic. Caked-on mud clogs pores in leather, drying it out
and compromising breathability. Use warm water and a stiff brush to remove what you
can; clay and mineralized soils may require mild dish soap. Use a toothbrush for tight
spaces.
Scrub especially grungy footwear with water and soap using a brush.
Dry boots at room temperature. Do not put your boots in kitchen oven or blow with hair
dryer. Let boots dry slowly to avoid cracking.
Restore waterproofing with a coating specific for the boots. (Leather, suede, nubuck, or
fabric) Nikwax Fabric and Leather Waterproofing Spray for Footwear. (About $12)
(Recipe of the Month) Parmesan Orzo Primavera (Serves 4)
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
2-1/2 cup chopped fresh vegetables, (broccoli, carrots, green onion, red peppers)
1/3
cup grated parmesan cheese
Combine chicken broth and pasta in medium saucepan. Stir in 1/3 cup water. Bring to
boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 7 minutes.
Add vegetables; mix well. Cook an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir in parmesan cheese.
Serve with French or Sourdough bread.
