If you store your roof tent in the garage or in the basement, you may notice mold spots on the tent fabric when you take the tent out again in the spring. This can happen very quickly if the tent was wet when you stored it, or if the humidity in the basement or garage is high.
How to remove mold stains from the tent. It is important that you clean the tent fabric without damaging the waterproofing.
Mold stains are unsightly and reflect poorly on cleanliness in the home. However, how and how often you clean the tent does not affect the occurrence. The sole trigger is moisture. Here you will learn how to prevent the ugly stain and how to gently remove it even in hard-to-reach places.
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Nightmare, mildew, and mold stains on the tent fabric
They appear unexpectedly and seemingly suddenly: ugly stains on the tent or awning. When unpacking, there is a musty smell in the air. You will notice it when entering the tent or as soon as you extend the awning. Simply brushing it off doesn’t help. Strong friction also damages the impregnation.
You can remove mold and mold stains without mechanical stress with a special mold remover. Read the instructions carefully and follow them. Simply spraying on the bleach containing chlorine reliably eliminates bacteria, mold, and algae. After the recommended exposure time has expired, rinse thoroughly with water and allow everything to dry thoroughly. Where the cause persists, the spots will reappear.
Good ventilation prevents mold and stains
Where moisture dries poorly or is regularly replenished, mold spreads. Regular airing is enough to prevent mold from forming. The ground tent or rooftop tent that is packed away in the garage or in the basement waiting for the coming summer also suffers from unfavorable conditions. Even when it was dry in the packsack after the last use.
Temperature fluctuations lead to condensation and mold stains or even mold. It is always organic material that you need to remove the moldy stains from. Textiles such as cotton are more vulnerable than plastic tarpaulins. This is because of the mold that needs a host. In the long term, the fungal attack leads to decomposition in the affected areas. Interestingly, mold stains do not show this property. They just look unflattering.
Eliminate mildew stains naturally
It’s not just the eye that suffers when ugly stains appear on seat cushions, on the tent wall, or in the corners. Mold is considered dangerous and can cause respiratory diseases. One tip is to wipe affected areas with a solution of water and plain kitchen vinegar. The fungus will not thrive in an acidic environment. When wintering or in poorly ventilated corners, a dehumidifier or silica gel packs ensure dry conditions. Regular checking of the installation containers is a must if they are not used for a long time. Salt binds moisture from the air and directs it into a container.
Tents and rooftop tents are ideally stored unpacked and hanging in a dry room. This also suits the sleeping bag best.
Maintain tent and prepare for the season
If an unpleasant mold infestation has occurred, it is worth checking whether the effort to remove the mildew stains justifies the benefit. Those who want to keep the use of chemicals as low as possible examine alternatives.
With the ground tent, you can use a bathtub and a solution of water and acetic clay to avoid using chlorine. On this occasion, further measures are worthwhile to take care of the tent. You can remove mildew stains with home remedies and vigorous rubbing with a brush.
The impregnation damaged by this can be refreshed in a tent that is otherwise in good condition. Seam sealers can also increase the service life. With the awning, this approach often fails due to the available containers because the side walls are too large. If you are lucky enough to find a professional tent cleaner, hand in the awning there.
Maintain the awning or annex on the rooftop tent
Cleaning the awning is a real challenge when moldy stains appear. Without the use of chemicals, it is just as impossible as with the built-up awning. Here, too, friction supports the effect. As a result, impregnation remains unavoidable.
Carefully tape the side walls of the rooftop tent annex so that liquids running off do not cause any damage. For example, mold remover must not come into contact with metal when you remove mold stains. A thorough cleaning followed by watering is the first step. In the second step, you use a special preparation to remove the mildew stains.
Be sure to wash off the solution as well. Depending on the instructions, apply the waterproofing agent dry or wet. Finally, let it dry well and air it out.
Beat the moisture
Places in damp areas or improper storage are often associated with the formation of mold. With the right treatment, you can remove mold stains that have already appeared.
The pungent odor will dissipate after a short time. Household funds also smell. Its spectrum of activity is limited to mold and removes neither algae nor bacteria.
On the other hand, they are less harmful to the environment but require more work. As a preventive measure and to take care of the interior of the caravan, ensure adequate ventilation and possibly install a dehumidifier.
Conclusion
Mold or dark stains on the tent or rooftop tent are never pretty and should be avoided at all costs. However, it is sometimes unavoidable that moisture forms in the garage or in the basement where the tent is stored in autumn or winter.
If possible, never pack the tent or roof tent away. If you have the opportunity to spread out the tent, it is ideal for preventing moisture build-up and mold on the fabric.
If you still discover mold, you can try to remove the mold with soap and water. If the mold or stain is more intense, you can also use bleach to remove the stain or mold.
