After The Festival: Cleaning And Storing Your Gear

Here is post-festival gear care, broken into clear, simple steps. None of it needs expensive gear. Here is a practical look at post-festival gear care for music fans.

Before you go

Tents need to be completely dry before storage, since damp fabric can grow mildew and develop a bad smell. Set the tent up in the yard or hang it over a line, shake out dirt and sand and brush off mud once it dries. Wipe the floor and walls with a soft sponge and mild soap, rinse well and let it dry again fully.

Small details like a spare bag for wet clothes make a big difference.

Step by step

In practice, check poles, stakes, zippers and seams. Count the stakes, straighten any that are bent and look for cracks in poles. Lubricate sticky zippers with a product made for them and patch modest holes with a repair kit. Wash sleeping bags and mats according to the care label, and store sleeping bags loosely in a large bag, not compressed in a stuff sack.

What to check

Clean cookware and coolers thoroughly. Wash pots, pans and utensils, then dry them well to prevent rust. Wipe the cooler inside and out with a mild soap solution, leave the lid open to air out and store it with the lid slightly ajar. Check the fuel canister and stove, and keep fuel stored safely according to its instructions.

On the day

Worth keeping in mind: finish by making a checklist for next year. Note what broke, what you wished you had and what you never used. Store everything in labeled bins in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and pests. Charge and store batteries properly. When the next festival season comes, you will be ready to pack in an hour.

Afterwards

Worth keeping in mind: the weekend is over, but your gear still needs care. Treating it well right away makes it last for many seasons. Do a quick sort when you get home. Separate tents, sleeping bags, chairs, cookware, clothing and electronics, and lay them out so you can see what needs cleaning, drying or repair. Do this before everything gets buried in a closet.

Practical tips

Some practical points to keep in mind:

• Bring earplugs made for concerts.
• Pack layers; nights outdoors get cold quickly.
• Check the event's official rules before you pack.
• Carry a small power bank for your phone.

The bottom line

Take it one event at a time. The best festival is the one you enjoy from start to finish. Start with the basics and build from there.