Mould on Canvas?
Submitted: Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 11:35
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Member - Norm C (QLD)
After a recent trip to NT, we seem to have some mould on the canvas of our CT. We had very heavy dew on a number of days and the inside of the canvas on window flaps and the awning have what appers to be mould. Probably results from the inside of the canvas being wet, then drying very slowly as it was not in the sun.
It all dried out and got no worse, but has left dark blotches on some of the canvas.
This all happened a couple of months ago and since the canvas was dry, we packed the camper away and thought no more about it. After about 5 weeks, I opened the camper yesterday. It has not changed in that time, which suggests that if it is mould, it is dead, or at least not active.
Questions:
If the mould has been dormant for several weeks, with no change, is it dead, or will it reactivate with moisture?
If there is a significant risk of it reactivating and damaging the canvas, what are the options? How can it be treated.
I should also mention that I have sold the camper. It was picked up yesterday. The buyer asked about the marks and I told him pretty much what is above. I told him that if it is mould, it seems to be dead. Since it has not changed in 5 weeks of being packed away, I doubt that it will get worse. Anyway, he bought the CT and paid for it.
Today he called to say he took it to a canvas repairer and was told it is mould and it will reactivate. He says the only real solution is to replace the canvas. Sounds like a guy trying to make a sale to me.
I'm not really after advice on the moral issue of whether I have a responsibility for the problem. For the moment, I'm just seeking info on what the risks are and what the possible solution might be.
Anyone out there with real knowledge and experience with this?
Reply By: derraux - Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:54
Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:54
Norm
The mould can be killed with a mild bleach. you may never get the staining out but will certainly kill it.
Then you will need to waterproof any place that has been cleaned because th bleach will strip the canvas of this.
Replacing the canvas sounds very extreme to me people often have mould problems and sucsessfully kill and reproof canvas products.
Derek
AnswerID:
324769
Follow Up By: SPRINT-GTO - Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 13:15
Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 13:15
White Vinegar and light scrubbing will remove mould from canvas,after applying vinegar leave in sun for a couple of hours then when its dry scrub to remove any remaining stain. Will also prevent mould returning.
Good Luck
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Reply By: Member - Mark R (QLD) - Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 16:07
Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 16:07
Hi Norm,
We had the same thing happen in our camper after a trip to Tasmania. The thing that had us shaking our heads was this happened while it was up & drying in an open shed out of the weather. I talked to Aussie Swag Campers last week & they told me to use 10% bleach & leave to dry & not to recoat the canvas.
AnswerID:
324787
Reply By: Shaker - Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 16:24
Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 16:24
There are heaps of answers on Google
This being one ......
Mould and Mildew On Canvas
Follow the steps above for removing dirt and
debris, using a brush above. Bleach is not a good solution for removing mold and mildew from canvas and it will not only damage it, but case yellowing. To remove mould and mildew, mix a solution of 50/50
water and isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol Use a white cotton towel dampened with the solution to remove mould and mildew from the canvas. Rinse thoroughly with cold
water when complete.
>>>>Quite a few of the answers recommend the use of 'rubbing alcohol'
AnswerID:
324788