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A tent is one of the most sizable camping investments you'll make. Take good care of your shelter and it will return the favor. Here are some hard-won tips for maintaining a healthy tent:   Moisture = mildew.  Try not to pack a wet tent into its stuff sack. If weather permits, let it air-dry as long as possible while you pack up the rest of your gear. When it's rainy and you're forced to pack it up wet, pitch it again as soon as you get to the next camp, so it spends as little time as possible in that sodden sack. When you get home, hang it on a line ASAP and let it air-dry before you store it.   Be gentle with your poles.  When assembling poles, don't flick them and snap them together carelessly . . . this will result in nicks along the joints, which can eventually develop into cracks and breaks. Fit each piece together carefully. When breaking down poles start in the middle and work toward the ends. This causes less stress on the shock cord inside. And remember, just because a pole breaks, you don't have to buy a new tent. Contact a pole repair specialist to have yours fixed or a new one made.   Use the stake and pole sacks. Store your tent poles and stakes in separate sacks to avoid ripping or puncturing the tent fabric as you pack up.   Be nice to your zippers.  It sounds obvious, but don't yank on them roughly.  This is how most zippers are damaged.   Beware of UV. Ultra Violet  Over time, too much exposure to direct sunlight can weaken fabric, especially nylon. Don't leave your tent set up in the sun any longer than necessary.   Check the seams.  Seams are where most leaks occur, so make sure any untaped seam is carefully treated with a sealer such as Seam Grip. Every couple of years, you'll want to reseal.   No inside cooking. Avoid cooking inside your tent for two reasons:  1. the carbon monoxide can kill you and  2.  you can easily burn a hole in the tent fabric,  which is fairly flammable.  Cook in the vestibule if you must, but be sure to ventilate well.    Keep it clean. When the dirt gets unbearable, set your tent up in the yard on a sunny day, and wipe it down, inside and out, with a mild soap diluted in some warm water.  Let it air-dry completely before storing. Note: Never put any part of your tent in the washing machine -- the coatings will peel and you can do serious damage to the fabric.   Timely first-aid. Holes and rips happen.  When they do, it's key that you fix them as soon as you get home.  Don't wait until the night before your next trip. When making patches, use tight stitching and be sure to seam-seal your work. Also, use round patches -- they're less likely to peel than square or rectangular ones. Staking tips. Windstorms can wreak havoc on poorly pitched tents. Spare your tent wear and tear and keep it firmly planted by using all the available stake-out points and guy lines. See Staking Your Tent Use a ground cloth.  This prevents sticks and stones from puncturing or scarring the tent floor.  You can use painters tarps  (these are thin clear plastic, and you basically get one use out of them)  and the rolls of plastic sheeting that contractors use  (You can get them at Wal Mart for about $5 per roll.) As a ground  cloth it can be used a couple of times until holes start to develop in it, then just throw it away, and make a new one.            Copyright © 2000 Jon's Images, Inc. All rights reserved    See Gear Tips Disclaimer: DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ - By printing, downloading, or using  any info from this site, you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms by clicking here. Below is a summary of some of the terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. All information on this web site is provided as a free service. Under no conditions does it constitute professional advice. No representations are made as to the completeness, accuracy, comprehensiveness or otherwise of the information provided. This site is considered publishers of this material, not authors. Information may have errors or be outdated. Some information is from historical sources or represents opinions of the author. It is for research purposes only. The information is "AS  IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused by you.