Canopies from canvas can be found in various places, including on terraces, on window covers, and even above the seats of passenger transport vehicles at tourist attractions. The main purpose of a canopy is to protect whatever is underneath from various things, especially rain and sun exposure. Because it is often exposed to water and organic materials, this protective canvas is susceptible to mildew, which can damage the canopy if not cleaned immediately using the right method.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Canopy
Step 1. Gather equipment
To remove mold on canvas canopies, you'll need a cleaning agent made from a mixture of water, bleach, or a mild liquid soap. Avoid mixing bleach with household cleaners as it can produce toxic fumes. To perform this task, you will need cleaning materials and equipment, such as:
- Ladder
- Broom
- Tarpaulin or plastic cover
- Slang
- Big bucket
- Wipe or clean cloth
- Soft bristle brush
- Spray-shaped fabric protection product
Step 2. Remove the small canopy
The small canopy can be removed from the frame for you to clean below. Carefully remove the canopy from the frame.
Once lowered, place the canopy on a clean, level surface to clean
Step 3. Prepare the ladder to handle the large tent
Canopies that are too large, too heavy, or too difficult to handle do not need to be lowered. Clean the canopy in place, although you'll need a ladder to get the mold off the top.
- Use a ladder that has a place to put cleaning equipment.
- You can also use a fruit picker or other lifting tool.
Step 4. Protect the surrounding area
This is especially important if you are cleaning the canopy in its place as the cleaning solution can splash onto surrounding objects.
- Cover the area under and around the canopy with a tarp or plastic sheet.
- Be careful when you cover things like plants, grass, furniture, rugs, decorations, and fabrics.
Step 5. Remove dirt and organic debris (from living things)
Before starting cleaning, use a broom to remove dirt, leaves, branches, twigs, cobwebs, and other organic matter adhering to the canopy.
Leaving organic matter on the canopy for a long time can damage the canopy. The content in the organic material will damage the canvas when the material begins to rot
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Canopy
Step 1. Identify the fungus attached to the canopy
You do have to clean the canopy regularly, and mold requires a different kind of cleaning agent and a lot more effort. Mushroom (mildew) is a type of fungus that is similar to mold (mold). If they stick to the canopy, the fungus will appear as white or gray spots, and look like powder.
If there is no mold on the canopy, you can use a regular cleaner
Step 2. Spray the canopy
In order for your cleaning to be truly perfect, first spray the canopy until it is wet. This makes it easier for the cleaning solution to spread so the mold will be easier to remove.
Step 3. Mix the cleaning solution
To get rid of mold on the canvas canopy, you'll need a cleaning solution made of 1 cup (250 ml) bleach, cup (60 ml) mild liquid soap, and 4 liters of water. If you need more cleaning solution, double the amount according to the ratio above.
- A mild liquid soap can be a laundry soap specially made for sensitive skin, babies, or delicate fabrics.
- Do not use chlorine bleach as it can damage the canvas.
- If the canopy is colored, choose a bleach that won't fade.
- It's a good idea to test the cleaning agent on a hidden area of the canopy to see if the color fades. Apply a small amount of cleaning solution to a small area of the canopy (at the top), and let it sit there for about 20 minutes before you rinse and check for discoloration.
Step 4. Wet the canopy with the cleaning solution
Dip a clean cloth in the solution and rub it all over the canopy. Dip the cloth again if necessary to thoroughly wet the canvas with the cleaning solution. Do not let any part of the canopy that has not been wetted with the solution.
If the entire surface of the knob has been moistened with the cleaning solution, let the solution sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric and kill the mildew
Step 5. Scrub the canvas
Once the cleaning solution has absorbed, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the top of the canvas. Do it in strong circular motions until foam appears. Continue scrubbing the entire canopy to remove any mold.
When the cleaning solution starts to dry, re-wet the canopy canvas before you scrub it
Step 6. Rinse the Canopy
After scrubbing the mold all over the canopy, use a hose to rinse the canopy with clean water. Continue rinsing until all soap and dirt is gone. Do not let any of the cleaning solution remain on the canvas as it can cause damage.
If there is still mold attached, moisten and rub the canopy again until the mold is gone
Step 7. Allow the canopy to dry
Most canopies are designed to dry quickly after being exposed to rain, so it won't take you long to dry. If you clean the canopy in place, just let the canopy dry there. If you cleaned the canopy by removing it, hang the canopy on a piece of string before you put it back on.
Never dry the canvas canopy using a tumble dryer as this can cause it to shrivel
Step 8. Re-treat the canopy
The new canopy is treated with a water and stain resistant coating to protect it from water and discoloration. When you scrub it with a bleach solution, the coating will wear off, so you'll have to put it back.
- Look for commercial fabric protectors in spray form.
- After the canopy dries, spray a protective cloth over the top side of the canopy. Read and follow the manufacturer's manual for any special instructions.
- Some canopy manufacturers state that the warranty will be void if you use a silicone spray. Be sure to check the warranty terms on your canopy.
Step 9. Put the canopy back on the frame
If you handled a small canopy by removing and cleaning it, return the canopy to its frame when it is dry and after the waterproof spray dries.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Fungus
Step 1. Water the canopy every month
Preventing mold from appearing on the canopy is much easier than trying to get rid of mold. There are several things that should be done every month and every year to prevent mold from growing. Spray the canopy regularly using clean water to remove dirt, organic matter, and other objects that can cause mold to grow.
- To do the spraying, build a ladder and use a hose to spray water on the canopy. Focus on cleaning to remove accumulated leaves, twigs, and debris.
- Once you've wet it, let the canopy dry on its own.
Step 2. Clean the canopy annually
To clean the canopy as an annual maintenance, the process is the same as when you removed the mold (but without the use of bleach). This cleaning will remove pollutants, dirt, organic matter, and other contaminants.
- You can remove the canopy from the frame, or attach a ladder to reach the top.
- Wet the canopy with clean water.
- Make a cleaning solution by mixing 4 liters of water and cup (60 ml) of mild liquid soap.
- Wet the canopy with the cleaning solution and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Scrub the canopy with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse the canopy and let it dry on its own.
Step 3. Store the canopy properly
If you remove the canopy for long-term storage, you can prevent mold from growing in the storage area. Do some cleaning before you store the canopy. Make sure the canopy is clean and completely dry before you store it.
- Store the canopy in a dry and clean location so that mold will not grow in the area.
- Store the canopy in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold from growing and thriving.
