Mold on Tenting

[4campinfoxes]

I'm sure this question has been asked before but I didn't turn anything up on a search.  Evidently one time we put it down it was not as dry as we thought it was     and we have a small amount of mold on the tenting, mainly at the bottom of the bunk end, where it is vinyl outside & canvas inside.  There's a little on the full canvas part as well.  Of course it's only on our bunk, not the girls!  

It's not a huge problem, but I want to fix it and not let it get worse.

Any suggestions or information would be appreciated.  Thanks!

Sharon

[garym053]

I USED to use a product called Starbrite Mildew Stain Remover which smelled like it was mostly Chlorine. After a while it caused some corrosion on the bed rails and I believe it contributed to weakening the canvas in the spot where it ripped this spring.
I know use Woolite and have had good results.

[tlhdoc]

we have a small amount of mold on the tenting, mainly at the bottom of the bunk end, where it is vinyl outside & canvas inside.  There's a little on the full canvas part as well.  

Do you have canvas or Sunbrella Tenting? :confused:

[mike4947]

Search for mildew. That's what it's called normally around here.

As for what to use, nobody's come up with one product that works on all the tenting materials out there.
As always no matter what you use and who recommended it; try it on a portion of canvas that's not to visible before soaking down the entire trailer.
I didn't and ended up with canvas resembling a pinto pony.
Also make sure you rinse throughly and check for any removal of the waterproofing. A lot of cleaning solutions will take out the waterproofing even it it doesn't discolor the canvas.

[tlhdoc]

Quoted from Fleetwoods website.

"Sunbrella 302 Acrylic Tenting
Most dirt will simply brush off and remaining soil can be removed by using mild soap and water. To remove stains, spot wash the fabric by sponging briskly with a solution of natural soap in luke-warm water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and air dry. For stubborn stains, use a commercial stain remover and follow the directions on the container, or you may use a 50 percent solution of bleach and water. Then rinse thoroughly and air-dry, after heavy cleaning, it may be necessary to re-treat the Sunbrella fabric (see below). Though Sunbrella 302 will not mildew, mildew can grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. For this reason, light routine cleaning such as brushing off the fabric, is important in extending the life of the material. While repeated cleaning will not diminish the inherent properties of Sunbrella 302, it may gradually reduce the water, soil, and stain-repellent properties of the treated finish. If this occurs, you can revitalize the fabric's original protective finish with a commercial spray-on fabric guard. (Note: The commercial spray-on fabric guard needs to be a flurocarbon-based fabric protector such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard.)"

[4campinfoxes]

Thankyou! -I think I've gotten just the answer I was looking for.  This forumnever lets me down!

Sharon

[PI]

I have had mildew growing on the inside of both bunkends. It has been open all summer and with the humidity and cooler nights, I have seen droplets of water from the inside ceiling(which is also growing mildew) and on the bunkends. I have tried Woolite and water and it didn't do anything. Should I use it full strength? Some people I thougth said that they use 409. I am really frustrated that short of bleach, this stuff just keeps spreading. Ahhhhhh!
PI

[garym053]

I put a dehumidifier inside my PU in order to dry it before I tried the Woolite. I don't think Woolite will STOP active Mildew, but it did remove the stains. I believe getting the moisture out, either with Damprid, a Dehumidifier, etc, would be your first step.
Good Luck! I fought this for several years finally with the roof vent, it seems to be under control, even in THIS damp, cool summer.