ToddTex Cleaning Process for Bibler, Black Diamond Tents

[Brett Lloyd]

I have a Bibler Ahwahnee tent that wets out any time the weather turns damp. I have reached out to Black Diamond for suggestions and (shocker!) haven’t heard anything back. Whereas the tent is made from 3-layer waterproof / breathable ToddTex fabric, I wonder if I can clean and renew it like other gear made from similar fabric. Other than being a tent, and not a jacket made from Gore-Tex (for instance), wouldn’t the same cleaning + renewing approach work since they’re both 3-layer PTFE fabrics?

 

One approach is outlined below, and I am really keen to hear the group’s input!

 

1. Place ENTIRE tent in a large mesh laundry bag
2. Machine wash on gentle, cold using either Revivex Pro Cleaner* or Nikwax Tech Wash
3. Machine wash (again) on gentle, cold using either Revivex Wash-In Water Repellent or Nikwax TX.Direct
4. Set up the tent and allow to air-dry completely

* Revivex Pro Cleaner, FKA McNett Mirazyne, was recommended by Black Diamond for cleaning ToddTex tents; see below for Black Diamond commentary on cleaning ToddTex. It seems like the Nikwax products are equally well-suited, but I’m curious if anyone has direct experience with Revivex or other options.

 

Thank you in advance for your thoughts on this. I love my Ahwahnee and would love to use it for many more years.

 

– Brett

 

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Links to Cleaning, Renewing Products:

 

Revivex Pro Cleaner

https://www.gearaid.com/products/revivex-cleaner-pro

 

Revivex Wash-In Water Repellent

https://www.gearaid.com/products/revivex-water-repellent-wash?variant=12133533450309

 

Nikwax Tech Wash and TX.Direct

https://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/cleaning/hardshell-duo-pack/

 

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I found this in an old blog post, purporting to be Black Diamond recommendations for cleaning tents made from ToddTex:

 

Do not dry clean or machine wash your tent. If lightly soiled, the floor and exterior walls can be sponged clean with warm water and, if necessary, Mirazyme cleaner (available from BD Mail Order). Never use detergents or liquids of any kind as they may cause the fabric to lose waterproofness. K2R spot remover can be used on the outside of the ToddTex™ fabric to remove grease or stains.

 

ToddTex™ is a three layer PTFE laminate. Like similar fabrics, it is important to avoid contamination of the PTFE film. Taking care to keep your tent clean and away from oils, grease, and solvents, including sunscreens and mosquito repellent, will be rewarded with years of good service. In order to protect the fabric, remove all dirt and debris from inside the tent before storing.

 

To Wash: If it becomes necessary to wash the entire tent, be sure to avoid hot water, bleach, dishwashing liquid, or any type of liquid detergents. Hand wash in a bathtub using only cool water and a product called Mirazyme, made by McNett Corp. This wash-in product does a wonderful job of cleaning, eliminating odor, and even helps to remove mildew. It is available directly from us for $4.95 (2oz bottle). Be sure your tent is totally dry before putting it away. This may take 24 hours or more.

 

DO NOT SPRAY OR WASH YOUR TENT WITH ANY WATER REPELLENTS OR CLEANING AGENTS OTHER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED BY OR RECOMMENDED BY BIBLER TENTS.

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[dirtbag]

Sorry can’t help you with your question. However.. If it comes time to replace your beloved ahwahnee tent I would recommend you check out Black Diamond Hilight 3p tent. Its pretty much the newer version of Ahwahnee tent. I recommend the 3p over the 2p because, well.. More room in there if you are tent bound during a storm and on the 3p, BOTH sides fully open up 100%!  Its a bomber 4 season palace that would be a nice upgrade to the tent that you love. Hopefully it works out for you with your Ahwahnee though.. Good luck.

[Jerry Adams]

I don’t think WPB for a tent works, but its more expensive and heavier

You need a difference in humidity or temperature across the fabric, like you get with a jacket

Any water that evaporates off you will be carried away by ventilation

[JVD]

I used Revivex on a Toddtex bivy, but not any kind of Water Repellent.

I used this bivy regularly for some years but it found its way into a plastic tub for some more years. When I decided to try it early this year, it smelled pretty moldy. Revivex wash took care of that. I hand washed it in a bathtub, not a machine.

Soon after, I slept in it a heavy downpour with temps in the upper 40s. The Toddtex did not leak or produce noticeable condensation.

[Brett Lloyd]

Thanks everyone who weighed in. JVD I appreciated hearing how you handled your similar situation. I think I’m going to try the process how I described it in this post and will follow up with a new post letting everyone know how it worked out. I know I’m taking a chance I’ll damage the tent, so my logic is:

1. I’ve used the heck out of the tent and I have already accepted I may just need a new tent; and,
2. I think of myself as heroically taking a risk so that others may learn if the process I’m using is safe :-)

I’ll let you know how it goes!

– Brett

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