How Do I Remove Mold From Canvas Tent?

Although they are not so popular with backpackers anymore, canvas tents are still popular with tailgate and RV campers. After all, they are inexpensive, can be found at most surplus stores, and are very durable. However, when they get wet and stay that way, they are prone to growing mold or mildew. Usually a spot cleaning will take care of this problem, but sometimes more drastic measures are required.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Spot Cleaning

Things You’ll Need:

Hydrogen peroxide or bleach Hose Spot cleaning: Bucket Sponge Major cleaning: Clothesline or alternative place to hang the tent Tank or kiddie pool to soak tent
Hydrogen peroxide or bleach
Hose
Spot cleaning:
Bucket
Sponge
Major cleaning:
Clothesline or alternative place to hang the tent
Tank or kiddie pool to soak tent

Step 1

Pitch the tent on a sunny day with low humidity. This is necessary not only to make cleaning easier, but to allow the tent to dry out both before and afterward. If the tent is still damp, let it dry before beginning.

Step 2

Mix a disinfecting solution in a bucket. You can use either hydrogen peroxide or bleach for this, but it must be diluted in water first. Use about 3 or 3.5 oz. hydrogen peroxide or 0.5 oz. bleach per gallon of water.

Step 3

Sponge the moldy areas with the disinfecting solution. Then pour the disinfecting solution down a drain (don't pour it out where it can kill plants), rinse the bucket, rinse the sponge, and refill the bucket with clean water. Sponge the moldy areas to rinse.

Step 4

Let the tent stand in the sun until dry, then wash it using your normal procedure.

Major Cleaning

Step 1

Hang the tent from a clothesline or over a railing on a dry, sunny day to get it dried out.

Step 2

Mix a disinfecting solution. In this case, you will be working with a much larger amount of water than just one or two gallons. Use 1/4 cup bleach or 2 cups hydrogen peroxide per 5 gallons of water. Make this solution inside a large tank, kiddie pool or something similar. Whatever you use should be large enough to submerge the entire tent.

Step 3

Dunk the entire tent into the disinfecting solution. Waterlog the tent, then let it sit for at least 20 minutes while stirring it every 5 minutes.

Step 4

Pull the tent out of the tank and give it a quick wringing to remove the bulk of the water. Then rinse it off with a hose.

Step 5

Wring the tent out more thoroughly, then return it to the clothesline or railing to dry in the sun.

Step 6

Wash the tent using your normal procedure.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid spot cleaning the inside of a canvas tent with disinfectants like bleach or hydrogen peroxide unless the inside of the tent is well-ventilated.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...