The last thing you want to do at the end of an epic camping trip is clean and store your camping gear. Even though cleaning and coming back to civilization is a bummer, it is crucial that your camping gear is taken care of properly or it could be ruined.

Most people don’t know where to start when caring for their camping gear. The garage can be a great place to do this. It is away from the dirt and elements outside, but separated from interior of your home. After you done cleaning and caring for your gear, you can spray out dirt and debris in the garage with a hose. To help you out, we included a few tips on how to care, clean and store your camping gear in the garage.

To start, you should never put your gear away when it’s dirty or wet. Clean the mud, dirt, sand or debris off with water and a little bit of soap. It is key that you allow your gear enough time to dry and air out before you pack it away. This prevents mold, mildew, and rot. Below are the specific steps for maintaining your camping gear in the garage.

Specific Equipment Care:

• Tent: Set up the tent in the garage. Vacuum out the dirt, sand or grass. Clean it out with water and a small amount of soap. Let the tent dry out for a few hours until completely dry. Don’t forget to wipe down the stakes and poles as well. It’s also wise to have a dehumidifier in the garage to aid in the drying process.

• Sleeping bag: Clean the exterior of the sleeping bag with a wet rag. Air it by hanging it by a hanger from a hook or shelving in your garage. Keeping a sleeping bag in it’s plastic sack for an extended period of time can ruin the insulation in the interior. To prevent this, let the sleeping bag hang in between uses.

• Back Pack: Start by vacuuming the interior of the backpack. Then wipe it down with a damp rag. Hang-dry your pack and other camping gear in the garage.

• Electronics: Take the batteries out and store them in a plastic bag. This will prevent corrosion, leakage and low-batteries.

If you store and care for your camping gear in the garage properly, your equipment will last for years to come!