Look at the sides of the tent too—if the water just beads up and rolls off, you’re good to go. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to reproof it to prevent leaks. If you find any rips or tears, patch them up before you start the waterproofing process. Checking your gear several days or even a week in advance gives you plenty of time to fix any issues. You don’t want to be scrambling if there’s a problem!
Use unscented soap—fruity or floral fragrances will attract bugs, adding frustration to your next excursion. Always waterproof a clean tent—otherwise, the dirt will flake off and take your waterproofing with it.
If you’re particularly sensitive to fumes, you might want to wear a mask and gloves as well.
Reseal your seams at least once a year to keep them water-tight and prolong the life of your camping equipment. For extra strength, wait a couple of hours for the sealant to dry, then apply a second coat right on top of the first. [5] X Research source You can also use seam sealant to patch very small holes in the fabric of the tent. [6] X Research source
If the sealant on the floor of your tent has come off completely, it might be time to go ahead and replace it with a new tent. [8] X Research source
Read the instructions on your DWR carefully—some products require you to get the tent completely wet first.
You might also want to do another test to make sure the sealant works. Just set up your tent outside on a sunny day and spray it down with a hose. If the water beads up and rolls off the tent, you’re good to go! Never store your tent while it’s still wet—it could grow mold. [12] X Research source
