removing mould
on canvas 

The first step in removing mould is to let the canvas dry to kill the mould & then brush the effected areas with a stiff bristle brush.

To neutralise the spores add two or three drops of oil of cloves per litre of water & spray the area & let dry. Oil of cloves is available at chemists. You can also try 20 to 50 millilitres of white vinegar per litre of water on black mould. It is a good idea to try any procedure on a part of the canvas that is not in plain view.

Recommended by Australian manufacturers of Wax Converters Canvas is 80% of water to 20% of household bleach. Apply with a soft brush to kill & remove the mould. Then wash down with cold water to remove the bleach odour.

For spots of dirt on canvas you can use grated Sunlight soap which is first added to boiling water to make a paste, then add the paste to water & mixed it in. Hose the canvas down & gently brush on over the effected area with a soft bristle brush, finally hosing off all the soap. Do not use detergent.

Anything stronger like a commercially available mould remover may remove the waterproofing from the canvas, so you will need to waterproof the canvas. Members have reported great results removing heavy mould on a camper trailer tent using Curtin Magic or Canvas Magic.

If you need to reseal your canvas check to see if there is a canvas care tag sewn onto it canvas with canvas manufacturers name & care instructions. If not, give the camper trailer manufacturer a ring & ask which canvas waterproofing they recommend.

There are a number of canvas reproofing products on the market. Using the wrong one could damaged your canvas. Always try any product on a small area of canvas which is not in full view.

Aqua Proof is silicone based & is water washup. If used on the wrong canvas type it can leave a milky residue, particularly noticeable on dark coloured canvas.

BellaProof & Bradproof Brella is a water based waterproofing suitable for Bradmill, Brella & Birkmyre brands of canvas.

DynaProof reproofing compound is water wash up & recommended for Wax Converters Dynaproofed canvas.

Dry Seal by Joesph Lyddy is wax based with a wash up in mineral turpentine.

Klaus from InFront Camping has BellaProof brand waterproofing suitable for Bradmill, Brella & Birkmyre Canvas. https://www.infrontcampinggear.com.au/canvas-waterproofing-treatment-2lt

 The easiest way to apply waterproofing is with a small roller. Only apply a small amount into the tray at a time & always mix the contents of the container before tipping into the tray.

the results of using Curtin Magic to remove mould on the canvas images courtesy of Dave Graham

written by Rob
 

february 2011
update march 2022