Mold on tarp

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Fjellstorm

Full Member
Jan 30, 2014
106
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Kassel,Germany
Hello guys,
I bought a tarp and I noticed it had mold on it. Does anyone know how I can get rid of that without damaging the tarps material?
regards
Max
 

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Toddy

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Jan 21, 2005
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S. Lanarkshire
Looks like mildew.
What is the tarp made from ?

Basically bleach will kill the mould's spores, and help remove the stains, but it needs to be used with care. Too much can weaken natural fibres, and remove colour from the fabric. It doesn't need to be strong to kill the mould though. It just needs to be thoroughly done and aired dry.

Vinegar can work too, just make sure you really, really rinse it well afterwards or it can attract insects and mice.

Mildew is basically a problem of storage. Above 67% humidity and the mould will grow. Some fibres, like cotton, just soak up moisture.
 
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TLM

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Nov 16, 2019
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Vantaa, Finland
Direct sunlight kills some milder attacks of mildew. A washing usually does not hurt but if the tarp has some treatment that must be considered. As Toddy said acetic acid works too, one had better use one made from pure alcohol.
 
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Broch

Life Member
Jan 18, 2009
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www.mont-hmg.co.uk
As all have said above, but, TBH mould won't survive if the fabric is absolutely dry; using acid or bleach is making sure the spores are destroyed so it is less likely to reoccur if it gets damp again. The real problem is the stain and I have found no way of getting rid of that without potentially damaging the fabric. :(
 

TLM

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Nov 16, 2019
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I have a friend who had to store some of his camping equipment in a slightly damp cellar. The solution was tight plastic bags with some silica-gel bags inside. The drying bags could be recycled by heating them carefully in an oven every now and then.

It would be better to store things in a dry place.
 
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Fjellstorm

Full Member
Jan 30, 2014
106
14
31
Kassel,Germany
Thank you guys!! You’ve been very helpful., I hope I can get in control of this problem.
first I was very happy getting hold of a tarp like this but the mold thing really turned me off
 

Toddy

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Jan 21, 2005
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S. Lanarkshire
True enough, but thinking on that comment though, we can buy Oxygen bleach for laundry that doesn't take the colour out.
It's called Ace....make sure it's the greeny blue one and not the one for whites though. The white one will take out colour.

Maybe something domestic is the way to go :)
 
Last edited:

Countryman

Native
Jun 26, 2013
1,652
74
North Dorset
I recently discovered Cillit Bang black mold remover. Spray it on and let it air dry. It’s like magic!

Mostly the bleach but does not harm the material.

Also a recent convert to Nikwax Solarproof for rejuvenating old nylons wayerproofness



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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TLM

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Nov 16, 2019
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Vantaa, Finland
Went through half a dozen here locally available mold removers for household use, all seemed to contain chlorine in some form, some contained sodium hydroxide. Nasty concoctions, some with pH of 12.

I would start with sunshine (if available on the Misty Isles).

:)
 

Toddy

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Jan 21, 2005
38,937
4,569
S. Lanarkshire
Just had a look at the ingredients in the Ace stuff...which is available in every supermarket here.

5-15% Oxygen-Based Bleaching Agents, <5% Anionic Surfactants, Non-Ionic Surfactants, Phosphonates, Perfumes, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal
 

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