How to Clean, Dry & Store Your Marquee (and Stop the Mould)
A marquee is an investment, and the difference between one that lasts a few seasons and one that lasts many years comes down to how you clean and store it. The number one killer is packing it away damp, which leads to mould, musty smells and stained covers. Here's the simple routine that keeps yours looking new.
The golden rule: never store it wet
If you take one thing from this guide: always dry your marquee completely before storing it. Even a slightly damp cover folded into a bag for a few weeks will grow mould and mildew that's hard to remove and can permanently mark the fabric. If you have to pack it away wet on the day, unpack and dry it fully within 24 to 48 hours.
Cleaning the cover
- Brush off loose dirt and leaves while the marquee is still up.
- Wash with warm water and mild soap (dish soap is fine). Use a soft sponge or cloth, never harsh solvents, bleach or a stiff brush, which can damage the coating and seams.
- Spot-treat marks gently. For bird droppings or sap, soak first, then wipe, don't scrub hard.
- Rinse with clean water to remove all soap residue.
Dealing with mould
If mould has already appeared, mix a mild solution of white vinegar and water (about 1:3), apply to the affected area, leave for a few minutes, then wipe and rinse. Avoid bleach on coated fabrics. Then dry fully in the sun, sunlight helps kill remaining spores. Prevention beats cure: keep it dry and it won't happen.
Drying properly
- The easiest method is to leave the marquee standing on a dry, sunny day until every panel, seam and corner is bone dry.
- If you can't leave it up, hang the cover over a railing, fence or line, don't bunch it.
- Pay attention to seams, hems and roof valleys, water hides there longest.
Folding and storing
- Fold loosely rather than cramming, sharp repeated creases weaken the fabric over time.
- Store the cover and frame in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, a garage shelf or cupboard is ideal.
- Keep it off concrete floors where damp can wick up, use a shelf or pallet.
- Check the frame too: wipe it down, make sure it's dry, and store poles together so nothing bends.
Quick maintenance checklist
- Brush and wipe the cover after each use.
- Dry completely, no exceptions, before packing away.
- Fold loosely; store cool, dry and off the floor.
- Check pegs, ropes and weights are all back in the bag for next time.
- Inspect the frame for bends or rust before the next set-up.
Built to last in the first place
Good storage keeps a good marquee going for years, and it helps to start with one built properly. Every marquee in our range is event-grade, with waterproof covers and solid frames, not a throwaway pop-up. New to choosing one? Start with the buying guide or the size calculator.
Brisbane Marquee Sales, free delivery Australia-wide, dispatched in ~2 days. Care questions? Email support@brisbanemarqueesales.com.au.
Common questions
How do you stop a marquee going mouldy?
Never store it wet. Always dry the cover completely before packing it away, even a slightly damp cover folded in a bag for a few weeks will grow mould. If you must pack it wet, unpack and dry it fully within 24 to 48 hours.
How do you clean a marquee cover?
Brush off loose dirt, wash with warm water and mild soap using a soft sponge, spot-treat marks gently, then rinse with clean water. Never use harsh solvents, bleach or a stiff brush, which damage the coating and seams.
How do you remove mould from a marquee?
Mix white vinegar and water (about 1:3), apply to the affected area, leave a few minutes, then wipe and rinse. Avoid bleach on coated fabrics, then dry fully in the sun, which helps kill remaining spores.