Short answer: Absolutely not.
A tent in the dryer is how you turn a perfectly good shelter into a melted, twisted, $150 tortilla. The heat can ruin waterproof coatings, warp fabrics, destroy seams, and in some cases… literally fuse the material together.
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Why You Should Never Use a Dryer
Tents are made from nylon or polyester with waterproof coatings (PU or silicone). A dryer’s heat can:
- Melt or warp synthetic fabric
- Crack or peel waterproof coatings
- Shrink certain components
- Damage seam tape
- Destroy mesh panels
Twenty minutes in a dryer can wreck what your tent manufacturer spent years engineering.
How to Dry a Tent Safely
- Hang it up in a garage, barn, tree, porch, or over a clothesline
- Spread it out on a picnic table or clean surface
- Turn it occasionally so moisture doesn’t stay trapped
- Keep it out of direct sun for long periods (UV is brutal)
Air-drying is the only correct method — tents need patience, not heat.
Why Proper Drying Matters
Packing a wet or damp tent leads to:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Nasty smells
- Fabric rot
- Permanent staining
Once mildew sets in, the tent will never fully smell right again.
Can You Use a Fan?
Yes — fans are fantastic for speeding drying without damaging anything. Point one at the tent and let it do its thing.
What About a Dryer on “No Heat”?
Still risky. The tumbling alone can rip mesh, or stress seams. Don’t put tents in machines, period.
Final Verdict
Putting a tent in the dryer is a fast way to ruin it.
Air dry it every time, even if it takes longer. Your tent — and your wallet — will thank you.