how do you clean a tent that is dirty and may have mold on it?

sarahg1969

I'm sure I've read that biological washing powder works. I recall scrubbing a mildewy pushchair with it, and it did a good job.

allydowd

http://www.stainexpert.co.uk/GettingRidOfMouldAndMildew.html

Penelope_Penguin

FrankieM wrote: »

Hi,
I've got a trailer tent. It's a Nimrod and has got some mould on the canvas.
We are hoping that we've sorted out the leak but what can I do about the mould?
I've brushed it and sprayed a solution of lemon juice, salt and water. I sponged it on at first to see whether that was any better, but it still seems to be stained.
Is there anything else I can do or am I just going to have to put up with the staining?
Thanks

Try this older thread on cleaning a tent I think you may need to live with the stain, though, sorry

Penny. x

Debran

The following advice comes for the "Camping and Caravanning Magazine" and was published in 2003. It refers to an awning but the same advice can be applied to a tent. However, I don't know if the telephone numbers are still applicable.

To treat mildew on an awning

First, treat the area with either a one part Milton Sterilising Fluid to ten parts water mix, or a solution of water and white vinegar. Leave for half an hour and this will kill the spores.

Next, wash the area well with water. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to remove staining. Certainly do not use detergent – this will damage the fabric's waterproof treatment.

It may be necessary to reproof the affected area. Use a good quality agent like Grangers (tel 01773 521521) or Nikwax (tel 01892 786400). Allow to dry thoroughly before packing away.

To avoid mildew, as soon as you get back from your camping trip clean and thoroughly dry your gear, store in a clean, dry area, preferably loosely folded to allow circulation of air.

Camping and caravanning, Oct 2003

Bitsy_Beans

Can you use Fabsil for re-proofing a canvas tent? I've used it on polyester one but never a canvas one......

<wanders off to google and answer her own question>

EDIT: Just discovered that Fabsil IS Grangers are mentioned above. Doh!

snit_girl

I'm off to T in the Park next week and I got my tent out today to give it an airing as it hasn't been out of the bag since the last one. Anyway, there was a receipt left in one of the inner pockets, it must have been damp and it has left a rectangular mould stain on the tent inner.

I've not tried anything yet, leaving it for tomorrow and I was wondering what would remove the mould (and freshen up the tent)?

Penelope_Penguin

snit_girl wrote: »

I've not tried anything yet, leaving it for tomorrow and I was wondering what would remove the mould (and freshen up the tent)?

Have you seen this older thread on cleaning a tent? I'll add this one later to keep ideas together

Enjoy the festival :T

Paulie'sGirl

Hi,

We're regular campers. Sometimes the mould thing happens!

I tend to use Dettol to clean and freshen. I've not managed to ever get stains out of the polyester.

You could try asking the folks over on the ukcampsite forum, we're a friendly bunch You'd want the "camping under canvas" subforum.

PGxx

janetjohnson

The best way to get your tent back into pleasant-smelling shape is to set it up and clean it with cold water and a non-detergent soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge to clean any parts that are visibly dirty. Then rinse the tent thoroughly, take to a shady place and let it air dry until it is completely dry.

Happy camping!

Pollycat

janetjohnson wrote: »

The best way to get your tent back into pleasant-smelling shape is to set it up and clean it with cold water and a non-detergent soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge to clean any parts that are visibly dirty. Then rinse the tent thoroughly, take to a shady place and let it air dry until it is completely dry.

Happy camping!

This thread was first started over 11 years ago and the last time anyone asked for advice on cleaning a tent was almost 7 years ago.