How to Remove the Smell From a Canvas Tent

People who take yearly camping trips might be all too familiar with the odor that can occur when a canvas tent is stored in a dusty or humid attic or basement for a season or two. If you've owned your canvas tent for several years and need to remove an unpleasant order, you can do so in a few steps. Canvas is most commonly used to manufacture tents because of its durability, so you don't have to worry about causing too much wear and tear to your tent while cleaning it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Spray bottle
Bowl
Vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide
Salt
Cotton cloth
Scrub brush

Step 1

Dry the canvas in direct sunlight if it is damp or wet.

Step 2

Use a scrub brush to remove odor-causing stains, bacteria, mold, mildew, dust and dirt particles from the canvas.

Step 3

Mix a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water. Apply the solution using a spray bottle, or transfer the solution onto the canvas using a scrubbing brush and a bowl filled with the solution. Target stains, mold and mildew. Allow the solution to penetrate the fabric for 10 minutes, then scrub the solution vigorously into the canvas.

Step 4

Remove excess amounts of the solution from the canvas using a dry cotton cloth. Allow the solution to sit on the canvas for one hour in the sun.

Step 5

Apply a liberal amount of white vinegar over the canvas surface. Remove excess vinegar, and allow the canvas to dry in direct sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

You can also mix salt with vinegar to create a general purpose cleaner.

Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning a canvas tent. It might have waterproofing, which can be damaged if not cleaned properly.

Resources

Additional Mold Removal Tips

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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