{"id":2051,"date":"2026-09-13T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-13T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rokimi.com\/?p=2051"},"modified":"2026-09-14T09:35:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T07:35:09","slug":"hoe-controleer-je-of-een-tent-opnieuw-geimpregneerd-moet-worden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rokimi.com\/en\/hoe-controleer-je-of-een-tent-opnieuw-geimpregneerd-moet-worden\/","title":{"rendered":"How do you check whether a tent needs re-waterproofing?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A tent that gets wet from the inside, or where rainwater no longer rolls off the fabric in neat droplets, is a clear sign that something is wrong. But how can you be sure whether your tent actually needs re-waterproofing, or whether there\u2019s another issue at play first? In this article, we\u2019ll take you through, step by step, how to reliably check the water-repellency of your tent fabric, what the results mean, and when you should proceed with re-impregnating your tent.<\/p>\n

A proper assessment does not start with a bottle of impregnating agent, but with a thorough inspection. By following the correct sequence, you can avoid wasting time and money on a treatment that doesn\u2019t solve the problem, or worse still, impregnating a soiled cloth and trapping the dirt inside.<\/p>\n

Four quick tests to measure water repellency<\/h2>\n

Before you jump to any conclusions, carry out a few simple tests that will only take a couple of minutes. These tests will give you an accurate picture of your tent\u2019s current water-repellency.<\/p>\n

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  1. The drop test:<\/strong> Pour a small amount of water onto the tent fabric and see what happens. Water-repellent fabric will cause the water to roll off immediately in round droplets. If the water spreads out and is absorbed into the fabric, its water-repellency has diminished.<\/li>\n
  2. The swab test:<\/strong> Run your hand over a wet section of the fabric. If the fabric is properly impregnated, you will feel hardly any resistance and the fabric will remain dry to the touch. If it feels sticky or wet, the protective layer has been compromised.<\/li>\n
  3. The interior test:<\/strong> If it has been raining, or after watering the tent, check whether the inside of the fabric feels damp or has any droplets on it. This indicates that water is seeping through, which means that the fabric has largely lost its water-repellent properties.<\/li>\n
  4. The visual test:<\/strong> Examine the tent fabric at eye level against the light. Discolouration, greasy patches, green deposits or a dull appearance are signs that the fabric is soiled, which directly affects its water-repellency.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Make a note of which tests the fabric fails. If the water does not bead up and run off but does not soak into the fabric, cleaning alone may be sufficient. If the water actively soaks into the fabric, the tent will almost certainly need to be re-impregnated, but cleaning it first remains the correct first step.<\/p>\n

    Check the fabric for wear and dirt<\/h2>\n

    Thoroughly inspect the tent fabric for physical wear and tear and dirt before taking any further action. Dirt and wear and tear look different and require different approaches.<\/p>\n

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    1. Look for green or black patches; these are signs of algae or mould that have taken hold in the fibres of the fabric.<\/li>\n
    2. Check seams, corners and folds particularly carefully, as this is where dirt accumulates most quickly and where mould spores are most active.<\/li>\n
    3. Check whether the fabric feels stiff, brittle or thin in certain places, as this may indicate material fatigue or UV damage unrelated to the waterproofing treatment.<\/li>\n
    4. Watch out for greasy or oily stains, as these can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the waterproofing treatment if they are not removed first.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Wear and tear on the fabric itself cannot be remedied by waterproofing. However, dirt \u2013 however stubborn \u2013 can almost always be removed using the right cleaning products. Only proceed to the next step once you have a clear idea of what is on and in the fabric.<\/p>\n\n

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      Ready for your next adventure?<\/h2>\n

      Discover Rokimi\u2019s professional cleaning and protection products and keep your tent fabric, awnings, boat covers and other outdoor equipment looking good for longer.<\/p>\n