• Whether you use it for camping or just in the back yard as shade, a pop-up tent or shelter is an excellent addition to your garden accessories. A pop-up tent, great for camping in the wild or the backyard, is lightweight and self contained tent that can be assembled by one person. A pop-up shelter is also lightweight and can be accessorized and used as a carport, cabana or a screened-in extra porch for those hot summer days. Taking care of your pop-up tent or shelter is especially important when putting it away for the season.
  
  

Pop-up Tent Care

• Pop-up tents are made to be easily assembled and put away. Before storing the tent away for the season, spread the shelter flat and make sure it is completely dry, inside and out. Confirm that there is no dirt or moisture anywhere on the tent cloth, especially the bottom side that rests on the ground. Make sure to wipe down any poles or stakes so they are also clean and dry. Roll the tent up tightly and store it in a cloth or canvas bag in a cool dry place. Making sure that everything stays clean and dry will prevent any mold growth or unpleasant smells.
  
  

Pop-up Shelter

• The canopy is one of the most important parts of a pop-up shelter and needs the most care before storing. After removing your canopy from the form, stretch it out on a dry surface and make sure that it is completely clean and dry. This is also the time that you should spray a water repellent sealer on the canvas if it is beginning to leak. Allow the sealant to completely dry. It is best to hang the canopy over a clothesline, keeping it from the ground, while it is drying out. The canopy should be folded and rolled tightly then placed in a canvas bag to keep clean and dry. Place it in a dry space to prevent any mildew or mold.
  
  Most pop-up shelter frames are made from lightweight metal, often coated with a rust-resistant material. To store your frame so that it will be good to use for years, make sure that the bottom of each leg is completely clean of any grass, dirt or gravel that might have collected during the setup. The rest of the frame should also be clean and dry. Place the folded frame in a canvas or roller bag to keep it clean and dry while storing. The roller bag also allows it to easily be moved whenever needed.
  
  

Accessory storage

• There is a wide variety of accessories available for pop-up shelters and tents that all must be stored properly to allow for the longest use. Canvas and screen sides as well as any skirting must be clean and dry before being folded, rolled tight and placed in a bag or bin. Tent stakes or weights used to keep the shelter or tent from blowing away should also be cleaned and dry before placing in a bin that can be tightly sealed to prevent moisture.