What’s a camping trip without that vital component that is camping chairs? Personally, I love reclining in the sun with a drink in one pocket or enjoying the fire from the comfort of my seat.
Needless to say, I feel like camping chairs inevitably become a bit of a casualty in the cleanliness department, particularly towards the end of a trip.
This is exactly why I’ve taken it upon myself to research the best way to clean them during or after camping.
Table of Contents
How to Clean Camping Chairs
Clean the worst of the dirt off using a soft-bristled brush. Then, using either a mild detergent or a mixture of water and vinegar, spray your chairs and wipe them down with a clean cloth. For stubborn dirt, a gentle scrubbing brush will do. Rinse away the debris with warm water and dry it in direct sunlight.
Preparing your Camping Chairs for Cleaning
So, you’ve returned from your camping adventure, and it’s time to clean. When it comes to your camping chairs, set up shop outside in a warm, dry spot.
To begin, you want to remove any dust, dirt, or debris from your chairs.
This is easily achieved by brushing down the chairs with a soft-bristled brush, effectively dislodging any easy-to-remove bits and pieces.
If your camping chairs have removable fabric covers, these can be removed too in preparation for the wash.
If you’re cleaning your chairs while you’re still camping, leave the covers attached.
Preparing and Applying your Cleaning Solution
To preserve the integrity of your camping chairs for as long as possible, you’ll want to clean them with a substance that is effective but non-abrasive.
For this purpose, you can use a mild liquid soap detergent mixed with warm water. For more stubborn dirt, dilute one-third part warm water with two-third parts white vinegar.
To clean your chairs, wipe down the legs and frames with your cleaning solution using a sponge or soft cloth.
Gently massaging the cleaning agent over stubborn dirt should be sufficient to remove it. If all else fails, use a little bit of rubbing alcohol.
You can also wipe down the canvas cover of your chairs with your vinegar or soap mixture but apply it sparingly to avoid staining.
Once your chair is cleaned to your satisfaction, wipe down the entire thing with warm water and a soft brush before setting it in the sun to dry.
Washing Fabric Covers
The covers of most camping chairs are washing machine friendly, and this is a great way to get them as clean as possible. Simply remove the cover from the chair and pop it in the wash.
If you don’t have access to a washing machine, you can also hand-wash your covers with a mild detergent.
In both cases, ensure that you allow them ample time to dry out as completely as possible.
If your chair has a fabric component that cannot be removed, consider cleaning it with a steamer.
Removing Mildew or Mold from Camping Chairs
Life happens, and sometimes camping chairs get a little moldy or stained from being exposed to the elements or if they’re stored incorrectly.
Fortunately, this is quite easily rectified.
A diluted mixture of hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleach can be used to scrub away mildew. When working with these substances, ensure you’re outdoors in the fresh air and keep your face and hands protected.
Once your cleaning process is complete, allow your chairs to dry thoroughly.
Types of Camping Chairs
Of course, there are a variety of camping chairs out there, and while the cleaning regime for each is more or less similar, there are one or two things to look out for.
When dealing with folding chairs with a canvas overlay, you can clean the frame and wash the fabric covering quite easily.
Stadium chairs and the like, which may have some padding, might need a bit more consideration.
You want to be careful not to trap moisture inside the thickest part of the chair, thereby increasing your risk of developing mold or mildew.
Some chairs are made only of metal or steel or have fabric components that cannot be removed. In these cases, it’s best to clean them as regularly as possible to prevent build-up or staining.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Clean Camping Chairs
What should I look for when buying a camping chair?
When purchasing any camping equipment, consider purpose and convenience. What type of camping do you usually embark on? Will you be stationed somewhere, or will you be moving a lot? What size are you looking for? These factors should all be considered before you buy your camping chair.
Can camping chairs get wet?
Camping chairs are made to withstand being outdoors, and a little rain or water won’t destroy them. The only thing to note is that you don’t store your camping chairs wet, as this can result in mildew or mold growth.
What kind of metal are folding camping chairs made of?
Generally speaking, camping chairs are composed of rust-resistant metals like aluminum or steel, and each has its perks. Aluminum is lightweight, making it easier to carry, whereas steel can withstand quite heavyweights.
Conclusion
If you’re an avid camper, you’re going to want to keep your gear looking and feeling as good as possible for as long as you can.
An integral part of achieving this is looking after your equipment, including your camping chairs.
Don’t slack off. Clean your chairs as soon as you can, either during or after your trip, to ensure they retain their quality and integrity.
