HOW TO CLEAN YOUR FOOTWEAR

Best way to regularly clean your hiking and running shoes

If your footwear becomes damp and covered with mud, clean them immediately after use, do not leave them dirty to dry. Natural chemicals such as acids and alkalis which are found in different soils and dirt can work their way into the material and start to slowly decay and rot them thus weakening the overall strength of the

Ignoring cleaning breaks down your boots in a couple of ways:

Every time your boots flex, particles of dirt, grit or sand creep deeper into their leather and fabric, grinding away like sandpaper.

Mud sucks moisture from leather as it dries, leaving your boots’ leather less pliable and speeding up its aging process. This also prevents damage to any waterproof linings and membranes that may be inside.

The most effective way to clean your footwear is to immediately rinse them under clean tap water with a soft bristled brush. If possible, remove the insole inside the shoe and let them dry naturally. Do not under any circumstances put them in a clothes dryer, on top of a heater, near an open flame, or leave in direct hot sunlight.

Removing stains from hiking and running shoes

Generally a mild dishwashing detergent can remove most stains. For oil, grease, ink, sap or gum, 100% acetone or isopropyl alcohol will work best as a spot cleaner and can safely remove stains from many fabrics and leather that aren’t affected by soap or detergent.
To remove stubborn stains, moisten a cotton cloth with a few drops of 100% acetone or isopropyl alcohol. First test the alcohol on an inconspicuous part of the boot and allow it to dry. If there isn’t any discoloration, repeat and rub the stain, but do not saturate the fabric. Allow it to dry. Using a toothbrush or light bristled brush, clean the stain with a drop of dishwashing detergent and scrub until the stain disappears. Rinse the boot in warm water and damp dry with a clean towel. Fully let dry naturally!

Reapplying waterproof finishes on hiking boots and shoes

Most waterproof  breathable materials are treated with a water repellent finish, which keeps the outer material from becoming saturated with water so the breathable barrier can do its job. This coating needs to be reapplied every so often. A simple water drop test can be performed to see if the boot should be re-coated. If water no longer beads up on the outside of the boot, it’s time for another surface treatment. There are several spray products on the market that can restore water repellency. Whichever you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Before these treatments can be applied and effectively work, the footwear should be clean and dry.

And More Ways To Keep Your Tent Dry

There are a number of tent waterproofing products on the market - but are they necessary? That depends on the tent.

Tent with waterproof walls

Some tents have waterproof walls and mesh roofs.

This type of tent comes with a small rainfly that covers just the mesh roof.

Since the walls of the tent are mostly unprotected, it's important that the tent walls are completely waterproof.

These tents may need regular tent waterproofing with sealant sprays.

Read the manufacturer's directions and apply a recommended waterproof sealant product when needed.

Dry Guy Waterproofing can waterproof not only your tent, but your boots and backpacks too!

But wait! If you don't have a tent yet, read this!

There's another, better way to ensure you stay dry in your tent!

For family camping, you want to be able to stay dry in any weather. A tent with a small fly will not keep you dry in a downpour - even if you waterproof it.

The interior of this tent got wet on this rainy day!

Some campers drape tarps over their tents on rainy days.

This isn't an ideal solution. In a downpour, your gear and bedding may still get wet, and the interior of the tent will get very stuffy and humid!

Read on to learn about a tent that will keep you dry no matter what!

A tent with a full fly 

A good quality, waterproof tent has two pieces:

A breathable inner tent with an attached waterproof floor

With this type of tent, the tent walls are not designed to be waterproof. More than that - they are not supposed to be waterproof! Never use tent waterproofing on the inner tent. It is made of nylon, which allows air to flow freely through. This keeps the tent from being unbearably humid and stuffy.

The floor of the tent, on the other hand, must be waterproof. 

A waterproof fly 

The tent fly is what keeps you dry in a rainstorm.

When the tent is set up correctly, and pegged out securely  - like this:

the rain flows down the fly and away from the tent.  Inside the tent, you stay dry and warm.  It's important that the fly does not touch the tent.

Notice that the fly is several inches away from the tent.

Do I ever need to use tent waterproofing on a tent that has a full fly? 

A quality tent will have factory-sealed seams in the floor and on the fly.

These seams have a waterproof covering applied over the stitching. When the seams 

get old, you may notice that they begin to peel.

How to waterproof the seams. 

• Get a tube of seam sealant and apply it generously to the seams. (It's sort of like using a glue stick.) 

• Follow the manufacturer's directions.

• Allow to dry for at least 24 hours before packing up the tent. 

• To prevent the sticky sealant from adhering to the tent fabric, sprinkle the treated seams with talcum powder before putting the tent away. 

More things to consider

Should I put a tarp under the tent?

You may hear recommendations about putting a tarp under the tent to keep the tent off the wet ground.

If it rains, you may wish you hadn't.

Rain will fall on top of the tarp, run under the tent, and pool there.

Best-case scenario:

The floor is completely waterproof. There is a cold puddle underneath the floor. You lie on top of the cold spot all night. (Aren't you glad you have a good quality sleeping pad?)

Worst case scenario:

There is a hole in the floor. Maybe it's just a tiny pinhole. The water seeps in and soaks you and your bedding.

If you insist upon using a tarp, be sure to tuck it well under the tent so that no part of it protrudes. That's easier said than done. Even if a tiny smidgen of tarp sticks out, that's enough to catch the rain.

What about a tent footprint?

Some tents come with custom-sized "footprints" that serve the same purpose - but these too can collect water in a downpour.

We have a tent footprint, but we have learned through experience that it isn't particularly helpful. We use it only to protect the tent floor when we camp on very rocky or sharp ground.

It's a better idea to set up the tent on a well-drained site, and to trust in the waterproofing of the floor.

But what if the floor isn't waterproof?

If you're not sure that your tent floor is completely waterproof and you want extra protection, put down a tarp inside the tent, not under it.

It's common to notice moisture on the inside of the fly. You may wonder if your tent has a leak.

Not at all! This moisture is condensation from your breathing.

A good quality tent is designed to deal with this. The moisture passes through the breathable walls of the tent, and collects on the underside of the fly. If the tent is pegged out correctly so that the walls are taut, the moisture runs down the fly and away.

This is not a problem!

The bottom line

Buy a good quality tent with a full fly, set it up correctly, take care of it and it will keep you dry no matter what the weather. When it gets old, a bit of tent waterproofing on the seams will extend its life for many more years!

Caring for Retractable Awnings During Winter

For homes with retractable awnings, regular maintenance is crucial. This is particularly true in the winter months. When the temperatures begin to drop, it can be easy to forget about taking care of this part of a home. However, not taking the proper precautions can result in damage. The following are some tips to keep them in great shape during the winter. 

Inspect for Mildew   
A major issue for outdoor fabric surfaces is the build up of mildew. It is to be expected with retractable awnings since they are constantly exposed to the elements. It is important to identify mildew and clean it as soon as possible. Carefully inspect the fabric for any mildew stains or other discoloration.

 
Use the Proper Cleaners
Keeping retractable awnings clean is one of the easiest ways to ensure they last for years. Snow and rainwater can build up and cause mildew, so regular cleaning is key. However, it is important to use the right type of cleaner designed for outdoor surfaces in order to get it as clean as possible. Spray the inside and outside as it rolls to allow the cleaner to distribute properly along the fabric surface. Allow it to soak, and then spray it clean with a hose. Avoid scrubbing the surface as it can remove the water-resistant finish.
 
Check for Tears
Another thing to look for is a tear in the awning. Check the edges and seams to ensure there are no rips or tears anywhere in the fabric. If there is damage present, patch it with a kit that can be obtained from the manufacturer to prevent any further damage.
 
Consider Storing for the Winter
It may be beneficial to store retractable awnings for the winter to prevent mold or damage from snow and rainwater. For homeowners in particularly cold climates, it is especially beneficial since they are likely to spend little time outdoors. If storing them is an option, be sure that it is completely dry to avoid any mold or mildew growth or other damage.
Storing them during the cold months can also prevent damage caused by animals. Small animals and birds may like to make the awning into their home for the winter, and this can often result in damage or stains.
 
Retractable awnings are a great addition to any home and are often a large investment. Keeping them in the best condition will yield many years of enjoyment. Wintertime is harsh on any outdoor surface but is particularly harmful to fabrics. Taking these steps can guarantee that the awnings will be highly useful for years to come.