Effective Mildew Removal Guide For Camper Canvas

Pop-up camper canvases are susceptible to mould and mildew, especially if they are closed while still wet. To get rid of mildew on a camper canvas, you should first dry out the canvas in direct sunlight, then scrub off as much mould as possible with a stiff brush. You can then treat the remaining mould with a mixture of vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or tea tree oil diluted with water. Alternatively, you can use a commercial mildew remover, but avoid using bleach, as this can strip the canvas of its sealant.

How to get rid of mildew on camper canvas

Dry the canvas in direct sunlight

The first step in removing mildew from your camper canvas is to dry it out. Unfold the camper and let it sit out in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight helps inhibit the growth of mould spores and will prevent further spread. The sunlight will also kill any live mould spores.

If you can't dry your camper in direct sunlight, you can loosely roll up the tent for transport and let it dry at home in a garage or living room before storing it. If you're storing your camper, it's important to put it away dry to prevent mould.

Once the canvas is dry, you can start treating the mould and stains. You'll want to avoid using bleach and chemicals that contain bleach, as these will strip the canvas of its sealant. Instead, opt for a mild cleaner that is still effective against mould, such as a mixture of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and water.

After treating the mould, you'll need to repair any problems that caused it, such as leaks, and then waterproof the canvas to prevent future mould issues.

Use a stiff brush to scrub off mildew

To get rid of mildew on camper canvas, it is important to dry scrub the canvas using a stiff brush. This is a crucial step in the process of removing mildew and mould from your camper. The canvas is the most susceptible part of the camper to mould and mildew problems, and it takes the longest to clean. Therefore, it is recommended to start by drying and cleaning the canvas.

Begin by unfolding the camper and letting it sit out in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight helps to inhibit the growth of mould spores, killing any live spores and preventing further spread. Once the canvas is dry, use a stiff-bristled brush or a stiff broom to brush and scrub off as much mould as possible. If the mildew problem is not too severe, you may be able to remove a substantial portion of it by scrubbing with a stiff brush. This step is often just a preliminary first step, but it is necessary to effectively remove mould and mildew.

When scrubbing, be careful not to scrub the canvas too hard, as this can damage the fabric. It is important to use a brush with moderately stiff bristles and to apply only moderate pressure. You may need to scrub stubborn stains multiple times, but be mindful not to overdo it, as excessive scrubbing can harm the canvas.

After dry scrubbing, you can proceed to the next steps of treating any remaining mould and stains, and then repairing any problems that caused the mould or mildew in the first place.

Treat mildew with a homemade solution of vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or tea tree oil

To treat mildew with a homemade solution of vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or tea tree oil, follow these steps:

Vinegar

White vinegar is a mild acid that can kill around 82% of mold species. It is a natural and non-toxic remedy that penetrates deep inside mold areas and prevents their growth. It is safer than bleach and is approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).

To use vinegar to treat mildew on your camper canvas:

• Put undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle.
• Generously spray the vinegar onto the mildew-affected area and let it sit for around an hour.
• After an hour, wipe the area clean using water and allow the surface to dry.
• Repeat this process after a few days to ensure a mildew-free surface.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an effective mold killer that can be used to treat mildew. It works by breaking down the cell walls of mold and killing many microbes by dissolving lipids and denaturing proteins. It is an easy-to-find solution that does not contain harsh chemicals.

To use rubbing alcohol to treat mildew on your camper canvas:

• Clean the mildew-affected area with soap and water to remove dirt and make the treatment more effective.
• Let the surface dry completely. Alcohol works better on dry surfaces.
• Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution onto the mildew-affected area, thoroughly soaking the spots.
• Allow the solution to sit on the surface for at least 15 minutes to ensure it kills the mildew effectively.
• After 15 minutes, wipe the area clean with a cloth, removing all mildew and residue.
• Let the surface dry completely to help prevent mildew from returning.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that is effective at killing mold spores. It is environmentally friendly, harmless to pets and people, and small amounts can be extremely effective. It is favored by environmentally conscious people as a natural alternative to toxic and corrosive solutions like bleach or ammonia.

To use tea tree oil to treat mildew on your camper canvas:

• Mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution directly onto the mildew and leave it for an hour.
• Use a scrub brush to remove any debris.
• Apply a surface cleaner to the affected area and let it sit for several minutes.
• Use a scrub and then a sponge to wipe down the surface.
• Repeat if necessary until the mildew has been completely removed.

Avoid using bleach

Bleach is not recommended for cleaning mildew on camper canvas. While it is true that bleach effectively kills mould, it also strips the canvas of its sealant. This means that your camper will no longer be waterproof, which is just as bad, if not worse, than a camper with cosmetic mildew stains.

There are several alternative products that can be used to clean mildew on camper canvas without damaging the sealant. These include:

• White vinegar
• Rubbing alcohol
• Mild soap and water
• Tea tree oil
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Commercial mildew stain removers, such as Bass Pro Shops Mildew Stain Remover, Star Brite Mold and Mildew Stain Remover, or CLR Mould & Mildew Stain Remover

When using any of these products, it is important to follow the manufacturer's directions and allow the canvas to dry completely before packing it away. It is also a good idea to reproof your camper with a canvas waterproofing solution after cleaning to ensure it remains waterproof.

Waterproof the canvas

Once your camper canvas is mildew-free, you'll want to waterproof it to prevent future mould and mildew problems.

Seasoning

Seasoning is the process of soaking and drying an untreated canvas tent to make it water-resistant. The process involves soaking the tent material with water to get the canvas threads to expand, filling all of the holes. Once dry, those expanded threads stay contracted and reduce leaking.

Here's how to season your camper canvas:

• Set up your camper in a sunny, dry location, ensuring there is enough space for it to be completely set up and open.
• Shut all the doors and windows of the camper.
• Soak the canvas with cold water until it is fully saturated. A hose with a spray nozzle is ideal for this.
• Ensure all the canvas is soaked, paying close attention to the seams.
• Once you think the camper is soaked enough, go inside and check for any holes you can see the sun shining through.
• Once you can no longer see the sun through any holes, leave the camper set up to dry.
• When the camper is completely dry, soak it again with cold water, this time for twice the length of time.
• Check if you can see the sun through any holes from the inside. If not, let the camper dry again.
• If the seams appear to be leaking or there are still holes, consider sealing your camper seams.
• Once dry, test it with a few short sprays to simulate rainfall, then go inside to ensure no areas are leaking.
• Finally, after the camper is fully dry inside and out, pack it up or apply a waterproof coating.

Repeat this process every 12 months for the best results.

Waterproofing

To make your camper canvas waterproof, you'll need to apply a waterproof coating. Here's how:

• Clean your camper canvas. Use soapy water and an upholstery cleaning brush or a firm scrubber. You want to ensure that no dirt, debris, or mildew is on your canvas before you apply any waterproofing treatment.
• Choose a waterproofing product that suits the canvas material. Some products may require dilution with water, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Apply the waterproof treatment. This can be done by spraying, brushing, or rolling the solution onto the canvas.
• Evenly apply the treatment using a brush or sponge.
• Allow the camper to dry completely.
• Repeat these steps 1-2 more times as needed.

Products

• Dry Guy Waterproofing Concentrate: A quality waterproofing concentrate that is perfect for canvas fabric that needs to remain versatile in a variety of outdoor conditions.
• Hawk Tools Canvas Waterproofer: An "easy" roll-on application with a non-toxic formula, this solution is great for those looking for an effective, durable, and environmentally-friendly canvas waterproofing treatment.
• 303 Fabric Guard: A heavy-duty fabric guard that can be used on a variety of materials to make them waterproof. However, this product is hazardous if applied improperly or without precaution.
• STAR BRITE Waterproofing Spray: A recommended waterproofing spray for canvas tents.
• Quick-Dry Waterproofer for Canvas & Synthetic Tents: A waterproofer for canvas tents and flysheets that has been developed for use on tired canvas of any colour to rejuvenate the fabric's water repellence. It quickly dries to a clear finish and is ideal for Bell tents, awnings, and shelters.

Frequently asked questions