Tents should be stored clean and dry in an area of the house with moderate temperature swings and low humidity; the living space is best, while attached garages, HVAC served basements are next best. Avoid attics and un-dehumidified cellars.

After each trip, tents should be dried away from the sun (uv weakens nylon), debris removed, tears repaired and abrasions covered with nylon tape. Areas of heavy handling and flesh contact such as door openings and the floor at the head of the tent, should be sponged with a mild antibacterial soap and thoroughly rinsed to remove human oils that provide fertile ground for mould and mildew. Aluminum poles should be wiped down and joints lightly lubricated with silicone spray.

Although the stuff sack in which the tent is packed for outings is ok for storage, it is better to loosely stuff the tent in a brown paper grocery bag which will allow air flow thus discouraging the growth of mould and mildew. Every four or five trips it is good to hose the tent down with regular, chlorinated city water and dry thoroughly, and lightly lubricate zippers with silicone.