Mold on tarp
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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.
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.
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.
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. 
Le Loup
Settler
Sunlight will kill mould on canvas Max, just leave it out in the sun. Always try & let your shelter dry out before repacking.
Keith.
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.
It would be better to store things in a dry place.
Our laboratory standard is 10% chlorine bleach (1+9 water).
That kills everything on the benches in 20 minutes.
There's no need for a prolonged soak.
Then, I'd suggest that you hang the tarp in the sun, hose it off and let it dry very thoroughly before loosely packing.
That kills everything on the benches in 20 minutes.
There's no need for a prolonged soak.
Then, I'd suggest that you hang the tarp in the sun, hose it off and let it dry very thoroughly before loosely packing.
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
first I was very happy getting hold of a tarp like this but the mold thing really turned me off
Hydrogen peroxide solution works too but all bleaching chemicals slightly weaken the fibers too and colours are not fond of them.
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
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
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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
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Mostly the bleach but does not harm the material.
Also a recent convert to Nikwax Solarproof for rejuvenating old nylons wayerproofness
Cillit Bang Black Mould Remover, 750 ml | eBay
Cillit Bang Power Cleaner Black Mould Remover is the easy way to destroy black mould. Our ultimate stain solution removes 100% of black mould stains, mildew and dirt. Cillit Bang Power Cleaner Black Mould Remover will leave your surfaces shining with a minimal amount of effort.
www.ebay.co.uk
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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).
I would start with sunshine (if available on the Misty Isles).
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
5-15% Oxygen-Based Bleaching Agents, <5% Anionic Surfactants, Non-Ionic Surfactants, Phosphonates, Perfumes, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal
