With proper care and maintenance, your Coleman propane lantern with provide years of camping enjoyment. Cleaning your propane lantern is a very simple process and following these easy suggestions can prolong the life of your camping lantern. A clean lantern casts more light and runs much more efficiently, so make a habit of cleaning yours on a regular basis.

For the best usage of your Coleman propane lantern, you should clean and inspect the lantern after each camping trip. Use warm water and a mild soap, like dish detergent, to wipe down the globe and the outside of the lantern. Bugs are usually attracted to the warm, soft light of a camping lantern and a wooded campsite may mean leaves or other debris has gotten inside the lantern so it is important to clean out the burner area as well. Allow the camping lantern to totally dry before putting it away to prevent rust or other damage.

You will also want to inspect the mantles after each use. Most Coleman propane lanterns use an insta-clip mantle that is easy to replace. If you find any cracks, tears, or other disfiguring marks on the mantles, replace them before your next camping vacation. Inspect and clean the connecting valve for the propane canister before putting your camping lantern away as well.

At the end of the camping season, do a very thorough inspection of your Coleman propane lantern and clean each part of the lantern very well. If any cobwebs or spider webs have accumulated around the burner, you should disassemble the lantern and clean out any tubes that may have become clogged. A small, wire bottle brush works well for this task.

Once your camping lantern is clean and you've replaced any necessary parts, dry the lantern and store it in an airtight plastic bag to prevent insects and debris from getting inside and clogging up openings. When camping season rolls back around, your Coleman propane lantern should be clean and ready to use if it was stored properly. Give the lantern a quick inspection to ensure no bugs have gotten in and you'll be ready to go camping.

Cleaning a Coleman propane lantern is much easier than caring for a camping lantern with a fuel tank. If you own a fuel lantern, remember to always empty the fuel tank if you will be storing the lantern for more than a couple weeks. Fuel, especially unleaded gasoline, will build up inside the tank and cause the lantern to operate less efficiently. If you have a fuel camping lantern that was stored with fuel inside, the best way to clean the tank before using the lantern is to rinse it with a small amount of alcohol or fuel and then fill it about 75 of the way full, prime the tank, open the valve, and close it again, then light the lantern and you're ready.

Cleaning your Coleman propane lantern after each camping trip takes less time than unpacking! Proper care will ensure a long-lasting camping lantern that continues to provide a bright, consistent light for many years to come.