Last year, I took a backpacking trip through Spain. When you’re on the trail with just a backpack, you learn to get creative about staying clean. I had a few shirts, and every so often I’d find a sink and wash one out the best I could. It felt good enough. I’d put it back on and keep going. Then I stayed at a hotel and finally ran that shirt through a real washing machine. When I pulled it out, I couldn’t believe the difference. I had been wearing it, thinking it was clean, but it wasn’t even close. The same thing happens in the tent rental world. I hear it all the time from people who buy our washing machines. They’ll say, “We’ve been hand-washing for years, and we do a great job. That’s not why we’re buying this.” Then a few months later, I’ll get a call from them saying, “I can’t believe how clean our tents get.” A BETTER WAY T How Clean
NATURE VS. NATURE
How to Use Plants and Scents to Repel Insects
There’s nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks don’t need an invite, and before you know it, you’re scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you don’t have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. Choose Loose Clothing Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose- fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It’s specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active. Use Natural Aromas Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil), then spritzing it on your skin or clothes. Just make sure you’re cautious with essential oils around pets and kids. Smoke Them Out Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it’s an easy, low-effort way to keep them off your picnic table. Watch Your Scents Surprisingly, it’s not just about what repels bugs — it’s also about avoiding what attracts them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it’s smart to go unscented when heading outdoors. Keep Your Space Clean If you have standing water on your property, it’s a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you’re entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff that out fast. 2
When you’re washing by hand, you might think you know what clean looks like. But until you see what’s possible, you don’t know what you’re missing.
Our tent washers were the perfect solution for washing this duct line. Before & After
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