Cleaning and maintenance

IMPREGNATION

If the awning gets damaged causing leaks, there are all possibilities to remedy this. In most cases, the damage can be repaired with AquaTex impregnation spray - a carbon dioxide-driven spray that is completely harmless. It is important that the tent is well cleaned and completely dry during treatment. The impregnation does not adhere to a dirty tent. Generally, one sprays from the inside of the tent, as it is usually less soiled than the outside. On tent fabric that is a bit more worn and therefore somewhat brittle, it may be necessary to spray from the outside as well. REMEMBER! Cleaning is very important, especially if one smokes in the tent. Smoking leaves a residue on the fabric that makes impregnation impossible. Nicotine breaks down the impregnation. A bottle of Aqua-Tex impregnation spray is very handy to have when camping: For stiff zippers: Spray a little and they will slide easily again. Tent rail: The tent fabric becomes easy to pull if you spray a little. Oil stains: Can disappear with a bit of spray.

TENT FABRIC AND WINDOWS

First and foremost: CLEANING AGENTS OF ALL KINDS ARE PROHIBITED. Use a hose and rinse off the tent. Then brush with a soft brush while allowing the water to run and wash away the dirt as it loosens. Exposed areas, such as the roof, gables, and corners, should be washed extra carefully. Finally, rinse with water. This cleaning should be done a couple of times each season. The windows are cleaned as above. Window cleaning agents or spirits must absolutely not be used. The above applies to acrylic tents. The curtains in Isabella awnings should be washed at 30 degrees. NOTE! Must NOT be tumble dried.

IXL/CARBONX-FIBRE FRAME

Most models from Isabella can be equipped with a fibreglass frame. This frame requires no special maintenance, apart from regular washing and cleaning. If the tension fittings tend to slip, they can be cleaned internally with spirits. Rubber seals are mounted as on the steel frames.

STEEL FRAME

The standard frames are made of hot-dip galvanised steel tubing with nylon connectors and corners. A spring holds the frame tubes together in the upright position. Be careful when assembling and disassembling, so that this spring does not become stretched. Take care of the frame as carefully as you would your car: of course, dirt and soil should be removed, but also treat the surface with, for example, car wax. This protects the frame tubes and keeps them in good condition. Rubber seals are factory-fitted on the spikes in the corners and crosses. These sit between the frame and the tent fabric and ensure that water does not penetrate. If desired, these rubber seals can be purchased and fitted from the outside as well.

LIGHT SPOTS ON THE BASE

Under certain conditions, it may appear as if the base changes structure and develops lighter spots. After careful investigation, we have concluded that this is due to small insect eggs laid in the depressions that are normally always present in the plastic material. If one studied the surface with a magnifying glass, one could even pick off the eggs with the tip of a fine needle. The best way to remove the eggs is to apply Aqua-Tex tent impregnation and then wipe clean with a damp cloth. It may also be necessary to brush with a soft brush. A treatment with Aqua-Tex will also prevent future infestations. Insects thrive on both PVC/polyester and, for example, acrylic, but the eggs are most visible on a PVC/polyester surface.

ZIP FASTENERS

Isabella now only uses spiral-type zip fasteners, as these provide the neatest appearance in the rounded corners. On this type of zip fasteners, the sliders also glide more easily without catching on the teeth. Unfortunately, it has been found that the sliders tend to wear out. This is especially true for Penta tents, which are typical long-stay tents where the same door is always used. However, there is no need to replace the zips just because the sliders have worn out, as the sliders are very easy to replace. Once the relevant side has been removed from the tent, there are two sliders on the tent and two on the loose part. For now, slide both sliders all the way to the other end of the zip, where they can be easily removed. Then swap the positions of the sliders so that the unused ones end up where the worn ones were and vice versa, thus extending the lifespan of the zips by many years. Remember that the sliders must be turned the right way. If it is difficult to close the zips on the awning, it may be because the tent is not properly tensioned. Never use force - instead, try moving the pegs in the corners. This helps in most cases. The zips must not be lubricated with oil! We recommend instead Aqua-Tex impregnation spray or rubbing with a piece of paraffin.