Mildew spots on bunks...what to use?

[jaytee2274]

Hi everyone.  I know this has been discussed, but reading all the past threads on the subject, I still am not sure what is the best and safest thing to use.  I have a 98 Coleman (new to us).  The bunks have some mildew spots on the INSIDE canvas.  My first instinct (the mothering instinct that wants that stuff away from me and my kids) wants to spray a solution of bleach and water on there on a hot day and kill it.  My camping instincts scream NOOO!!  It will ruin the material!!!  I know the material is not really "canvas," and you have to be careful what goes on it.  Anyone have a "homemade" solution that works well and is safe?

 I am trying avoid driving to the dealership (I drive an F150 and it will cost about $30!!) and buying the overpriced stuff they sell.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

[wavery]

Hi everyone.  I know this has been discussed, but reading all the past threads on the subject, I still am not sure what is the best and safest thing to use.  I have a 98 Coleman (new to us).  The bunks have some mildew spots on the INSIDE canvas.  My first instinct (the mothering instinct that wants that stuff away from me and my kids) wants to spray a solution of bleach and water on there on a hot day and kill it.  My camping instincts scream NOOO!!  It will ruin the material!!!  I know the material is not really "canvas," and you have to be careful what goes on it.  Anyone have a "homemade" solution that works well and is safe?

 I am trying avoid driving to the dealership (I drive an F150 and it will cost about $30!!) and buying the overpriced stuff they sell.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

A 10% solution of bleach and water will kill the mold. It is a living organism and it will do more damage to the material than the bleach solution, over time. The health issues far over-ride the material issues.

The solution only needs to stay on for 10-20 minutes to kill the mold. At that time, you can rinse it off to limit the caustic action of the bleach. You can also use vinegar to stop the caustic action.

To be safe, try this in a small area, as a test, before doing all of the material. It may be worthwhile to take the material off of the camper and treat it in your driveway to avoid water problems on the wood.

After treating with the bleach solution, all of the material can be scrubbed with Woolite and a soft brush.


Remember, if you have mold on the "Canvas" that means that you have mold spores all over the inside of your camper. It would be a good idea to wipe down the entire inside of the PU with a bleach solution to kill all of the spores. If you don't, the problem will probably return.

BTW


WELCOME TO PUT!!!

[jaytee2274]

Thanks for the LARGE welcome!!  Good advice...thanks - I definitely planned on giving the whole thing a good cleaning.  Just waiting for the temperaure to get above 55 and STOP SNOWING!! (which may actually happen this week...fingers crossed)

Thanks - this is a great site!!

-Jen

[prncssgeek]

I used CleanEZ on the seats of my (small) boat, it worked great.
CleanEZ

[wavery]

I used CleanEZ on the seats of my (small) boat, it worked great.
CleanEZ

I would be very careful using something as harsh as that. Test it in a small spot first.

I can almost guarantee you that stuff will remove the waterproofing in your fabric (most degreasers do). If you use it, you will probably need to re-waterproof the fabric.

[prncssgeek]

I would be very careful using something as harsh as that. Test it in a small spot first.

I can almost guarantee you that stuff will remove the waterproofing in your fabric (most degreasers do). If you use it, you will probably need to re-waterproof the fabric.

Good point about the waterproofing. Thanks for bringing that up.

[wavery]

Good point about the waterproofing. Thanks for bringing that up.

That's OK.....I just figured that you didn't have the patience for anything as slow acting as "Woolite". :p

[prncssgeek]

That's OK.....I just figured that you didn't have the patience for anything as slow acting as "Woolite". :p

:J how right you would be!