Cleaning Cotton duck canvas

[P&GKCMO]

I have just taken on a "project". A 1969 Appleby!! One of the things I wish to do is clean the tent canvas. It is the original, 39 yrs old and in good shape other than some dirt and stains. Does any body know the best way to approach this task? Are there any "Don't do that!!" things I should be aware of?

Thanks,

Paul

['tiredTeacher]

... Does any body know the best way to approach this task? Are there any "Don't do that!!" things I should be aware of?

Thanks,

Paul

If it indeed is cotton canvas, be easy with the bleach, it can weaken cotton fibers.
Sunny, warm day- strip all curtains and remove cushions and mattresses. Then get a mild laundry detergent, warm water and a scrub brush and go at it. Mix a spray bottle with 25 percent bleach/water solution and spot treat the mildew. Hose it down, let it dry thoroughly and treat with a silicone water repellant.
The water repellancy of cotton canvas depends on the fibers swelling with rain water and self-sealing. If the fabric is too sear, no amount of water sealer will compensate (unless you apply Thompson's water seal or its ilk, and they stink!).

Good luck and congrats on the vintage pop up.

[P&GKCMO]

Thanks so much for your tips. I'll be glad when I get to the stage of cleaning the canvas as that will mean I am about to go camping in it!!

Thanks again.