Tent camper canvas mold and bleach

[dcmarquardt]

I have a rockwood tent camper that had water in it unknown to us. When we popped it up there was a ton of mold on one of the slide-out canvas. The other canvas side was fine. My husband used a power washer with a bleach solution and although it cleaned it. I have now found out you aren't supposed to use bleach. Can anyone tell me if they have done this, what were the outcomes, and if bad what can I do to make sure it doesn't leak?
Thanks

[IsleDog]

you may have some leaking around the seams where they are sewn together. we had a few on ours, rubbed them with an old candle or the smelly wax things my wife likes. there are specific canvas cleaners you can use. sometimes you can even find replacement canvas if you really messed it up, but i highly doubt you did. sounds like a good time to set it up, let it dry, and try camping in the driveway. see what leaks!

[Moosey1]

OK, spray vinegar on that to kill the mold spores in the material, bleach doesn't get deep enough to kill mold spores in material and/or wood(google it). The vinegar smell will fade quickly once dried. Wash, rinse, and dry. Then apply Starbright water proofing (Star brite, Manufacturer of Cleaners, Polishes, Oils, Brushes) on the tent and seams or you can use the same more expensive brand Sunbrella water proofing, do this and you will be good!

[boondocking]

A dilute bleach solution will not hurt the canvas. Just rinse the canvas with straight water after it has cleaned, if it wasn't rinsed then you can just do it now.

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by Moosey1

OK, spray vinegar on that to kill the mold spores in the material, bleach doesn't get deep enough to kill mold spores in material and/or wood(google it). The vinegar smell will fade quickly once dried. Wash, rinse, and dry. Then apply Starbright water proofing (Star brite, Manufacturer of Cleaners, Polishes, Oils, Brushes) on the tent and seams or you can use the same more expensive brand Sunbrella water proofing, do this and you will be good!

Shouldn't believe everything you read on Google. A bleach solution will work just fine.

[dcmarquardt]

Thanks everyone!

[MOODMAN]

Just so you know, bleach does kill mold spores, but when mold dies, the black color doesn't mean its still alive. Bleach actually bleaches out the mold color, just as it removes stains on clothing in the washing machine. Bleach usually doesn't affect cotton fibers, which is what canvas is made of.
But one thing to remember is to rinse the fabric very well after bleaching. The bleach residue in the fibers, if left in, over time, will affect the canvas, shortening its life.

[Jerry Gaudet]

The underside of our awning had become increasingly mildewed, and smelly in the heat. I tried straight distilled white vinegar and the mildew vanished before our eyes. Rinsed with the hose.

[babock]

Bleach won't hurt the canvas material itself but it will affect the stitching if its just normal polyester thread. I sew boat covers and upholstery and I always tell people to never use bleach unless they are sure it won't hit the stitching.

[Moosey1]

I have worked on million dollar boats and campers with canvases and awning restorations, so please understand I don’t google for advice, I’m the expert they call for confirmation on what they googled. And, I’m retired and enjoy camping and want others to do the same,

But, yeah if you like bleach, go ahead use the bleach all you want, have fun with the material.

Someone asked and I gave an answer.

To Dcmarquette, if you have any more problems, just email me and I will answer whatever I can. Good luck

[Moosey1]

Originally Posted by boondocking

Shouldn't believe everything you read on Google. A bleach solution will work just fine.

Your a straight up funny person

[Mike134]

From the horses mouth



https://www.clorox.com/how-to/laundr...safety-bleach/

[Moosey1]

Originally Posted by Mike134

From the horses mouth



https://www.clorox.com/how-to/laundr...safety-bleach/

Go ahead and use on sunbrella or any awning fabrics. Have fun, more power to you guy.

[babock]

If you use bleach on Sunbrella it needs to be a very mild solution. Again, don't get it on the stitching.


From the people who make Sunbrella!!!
https://www.sunbrella.com/clean-sunbrella-upholstery

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by Moosey1

Your a straight up funny person

Like wise.

[Moosey1]

Originally Posted by boondocking

Like wise.

Nah. All you