PDA

View Full Version : What's a good way to clean mildew off the canvas on my pop-up camper?


heatandairguy
Aug 13, 2007, 02:12 PM
My newly purchased used pop-up camper has quite a bit of mildew on the canvas. Know of any tried and true methods for cleaning it off? Thanks!

CaptainRich
Aug 13, 2007, 02:30 PM
If the canvas hasn't deteriorated, I'd try a mild solution of bleach and then rinse with lottsa water. Let it air completely and store it with a box of Dri-Rid (SP?) to absorb any future moisture.

Good luck!

.

shygrneyzs
Aug 13, 2007, 03:10 PM
Here is another tip for removing mold from canvas:
After brushing and vacuuming the canvas of your popup camper, mix a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half water. Test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the mold and mildew-stained canvas. Simply apply the rubbing alcohol solution with a white cotton rag, and if the solution does a good job and doesn't compromise the canvas in any way, continue cleaning the rest of the mold and mildew-stained canvas.

There are more ideas on the following site:
Yahoo! Answers - Help!!! Mildew INSIDE a pop-up camper, how to clean!??? (http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070807081113AAsYKvP)

jaunvie
Sep 15, 2007, 08:27 PM
Depending on what kind of "canvas" you have, bleach might not be your best option. I work with marine textiles and many of the acrylic blends (eg. "sunbrella") will begin to break down when exposed to bleach, even when heavily diluted.

There are quite a few products on the market specifically designed to deal with mildew. Check your local boating or RV supply store, find out what type of "canvas" you have. Most of the products work well and depending on how old the fabric is it might still be under a manufacture's warrantee.

MOWERMAN2468
Sep 16, 2007, 06:48 AM
My newly purchased used pop-up camper has quite a bit of mildew on the canvas. Know of any tried and true methods for cleaning it off? Thanks!
Well, you have had some really good suggestions so far. But mine would be to advise you to always be sure the canvas is completely dry before storing the unit. I hope you can save the top and make it look good again. Life's lesson's are learned at the expense of our wallets, sometimes a little, and sometimes a lot.