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How to get rid of mold and mildew stains on popup camper

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Mold and mildew set in easily on the canvas of a pop-up camper.  They are usually caused by a leak or they can be the result of closing the pop-up camper before the canvas has been allowed to dry completely.

Mildew thrives in hot and humid environments – but you can still remove it easily, effectively and efficiently.

These canvas toppers have been treated with a special water repellant which you do not want to ruin or remove in the cleaning process.  Read the manual that came with the camper to be sure you are cleaning the canvas properly and using the right products.

Be careful if using bleach and products that contain bleach and other strong chemicals that may damage the canvas.  Try using a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water to remove the stains.  Begin by opening up the camper, being sure all windows are closed.  Hose down the canvas using your garden hose or a power washer.

Scrub the outside canvas with hot soapy water and a long-handled brush.  Scrub as hard as you can to remove the mold, mildew and stains.  Combine a mixture of equal amounts of bleach and water and allow to sit for 5 minutes but don’t let it dry; rinse well with plain water and allow to dry thoroughly before closing the camper back up.  By allowing it to dry thoroughly you will prevent mold and mildew from forming.

You should open your camper at least once a month if you do not use it regularly.  You can check for moisture and let it air out.  If left sitting and closed up for too long, mold and mildew can set in.

If the mold and mildew are really severe, you may need to replace the canvas.  That is best done by a professional.

For interior mold, strip all fabric items from the inside of the camper – curtains, cushions, etc. and wash in warm water.  Allow to dry thoroughly in the sun.

Remove mattresses and place on a clean outdoor surface in the sun.  treat them with stain cleaner, vacuum thoroughly and clean with hot, soapy water; rinse well.  Try not to saturate the material.  Allow to dry thoroughly in the sun.  Before returning mattresses and cushions to the camper, sprinkle with baking soda before putting the covers back on.

Interior surfaces can be washed with a 50/50 bleach/water solution.  Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.  An open box of baking soda placed inside the camper will remove odors from the bleach and mold.

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Written by Editor

June 3rd, 2009 at 9:31 pm