How to Remove Mold From Canvas

Mold can make your canvas tents, awnings, marquees and backpacks discolored a health hazard if left untreated. Before you use canvas that is riddled with mold, dry and remove mold and mildew spores to prevent sickness and improve the fabric's look. The process is simple but requires several steps to ensure all the mold and mildew are completely killed and removed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Canvas cleaner
Cloth or cleaning rag
Hard-bristled brush

Step 1

Dry the canvas in direct sunlight. Drying out the canvas is necessary to eliminate live mold and mildew spores, which thrive on moisture and damp conditions. Target areas where mold is especially visible.

Step 2

Brush the canvas with a hard-bristled brush to uproot dried mold. Vacuum the uprooted pieces of mold, or continue to brush the mold away.

Step 3

Apply a mixture of one part rubbing alcohol and one part water to the canvas. Apply to areas where there is mold or where mold was brushed from the canvas. Pat the solution onto the canvas, allow it to penetrate the surface for five seconds and then briskly scrub the area.

Step 4

Obtain additional waterproofing if necessary. Removing mold and mildew stains might compromise the integrity of a waterproof coating on canvas. See manufacturer's instructions for obtaining a waterproofing product.

Tips & Warnings

Store canvas in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place. Always dry a wet canvas tent before folding or storing.

Never use bleach or other abrasive chemicals on the canvas of a pop-up camper to remove stains, mold or mildew.

Resources

Life123: Canvas Tent Care

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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