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!
- Place ENTIRE tent in a large mesh laundry bag
- Machine wash on gentle, cold using either Revivex Pro Cleaner* or Nikwax Tech Wash
- Machine wash (again) on gentle, cold using either Revivex Wash-In Water Repellent or Nikwax TX.Direct
- 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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