best way to remove mold from canvas

[wiess]

HI i have a 86 starcraft,  the canvas mostly on the bunk ends has a lot of mold on them, the smell is really bad, what is the best way to remove this? The canvas is not in very good shape i just hope i can get the summer out of it and replace it this winter, I don't care so much about the stains i just need to get the smell out. thanks for any help i could get.

wiess

[wavery]

HI i have a 86 starcraft,  the canvas mostly on the bunk ends has a lot of mold on them, the smell is really bad, what is the best way to remove this? The canvas is not in very good shape i just hope i can get the summer out of it and replace it this winter, I don't care so much about the stains i just need to get the smell out. thanks for any help i could get.

wiess

10% solution of Bleach. Try it in a small area first to be sure that it doesn't harm the material.  Spray the solution on with a spray bottle. Let it sit for about 10 minutes then scrub it with a soft brush and rinse it well. Wear gloves and avoid breathing the fumes.

The bleach will kill the mold and should remove the odor. It may or may not remove the black stains. A lot depends on how aggressive you are. I have seen canvas that was totally black with mold and came out pretty nice with a little effort. :sombraro:

[soccer55]

I spoke with a dealer about this problem. He suggested a solution of 1/3 bleach and 2/3 water in a spray bottle. Spray it on and just let it dry, do not scrub it. I tried and it worked GREAT.

HI i have a 86 starcraft,  the canvas mostly on the bunk ends has a lot of mold on them, the smell is really bad, what is the best way to remove this? The canvas is not in very good shape i just hope i can get the summer out of it and replace it this winter, I don't care so much about the stains i just need to get the smell out. thanks for any help i could get.

wiess

[ScouterMom]

Bleach will kill the mold and mildew - yes.

But did you ever leave a rag soaking in bleachwater?  or have a tarp or tent material out in the sun for the WHOLE summer? (like leaving your EZ UP out all summer?)  I have. They literally disintegrate.

Bleach will work, but it will age your canvas faster, too.  On the other hand, scrubbing too hard will age/wear the canvas fast, also.   At the very least, if I had to use bleach, I would make sure to rinse it all completely out before re- waterproofing the canvas.  

I haven't tried cleaning my old camper canvas yet - it's still in the garage, in pieces,  but I HAVE cleaned the covers to the matresses, and the stained sheets that came with them.  the covers are just plain worn, but the sheets came out looking like new - despite years of grime and mildew.  

For lots of stuf, the past few years, I've been using a product called Oxyclean - soak stuff in it for a few hours, (or days, in the case of my boy's socks after a weekend of camping) and the stuff comes out clean, fresh and  soft like new!  it loosens any 'organic' stain without scrubbing and distressing of fabric.  the stuff is amazing!  

I've used Oxyclean upholstery cleaner on an old couch a neighbor threw away - they had a dog who slept behind the couch all the time - it was coated with greasy dirt from the dog's coat rubbing over years - the oxyclean made the dirt foam up and i just vaccuumed it up.  the couch looks almost new! (except for the corner the dog chewed, Oxyclean couldn't fix that!)

In the years I've used this product on various things, I've also noticed that it is much easier on my skin and lungs - remember how rough and dry bleachwater makes your hands? how it can sting your eyes and nose?  Oxyclean doesn't do that - I've had my hands in it alot, and it never dries or stings.

I've used it on really delicate fabrics, too, and it's completely biodegradable. Since my canvas is (I think) original, and therefore about 35 yrs old, I plan on trying Oxyclean first, before I resort to bleach.

It's just my opinion, I have only my own experience to go by - but I think my canvas will last longer with oxyclean than bleach.

Laura