How to Clean a Tent with Mould

If you have noticed that your canvas tent is suffering from mould growth, especially black mould, then it is important that you clean the tent as soon as possible. This is because a mouldy tent can lessen the lifespan of your tent, and can pose harmful risks to your health if you are sleeping inside with the mould spores.

It is important to check the entirety of your tent, including any seams, as mould can be hiding in these hard-to-spot folds and creases.

However, do not worry if you have spotted a build up of mould within your tent. It does not mean that you have to throw the tent away. With the proper cleaning methods you will be able to get your tent back to top-notch condition!

We will show you how you can restore your tent and clean away any of that pesky mould.

What causes mould to grow in my tent?

We know that prevention is better than cure so it is important to understand what is causing mould to grow inside your tent. Unfortunately, tents just happen to provide the perfect breeding environment.

Mould spores thrive in environments that provide them with moisture, warmth and darkness, so it is easy to see how your tent could be offering mould the ideal home. Tents are naturally exposed to moisture, whether that is from rainfall or condensation. Due to the canvas material, they are also very warm and humid inside. Finally, by pitching your tent in a shady area, or by storing it away in a garage or shed, it is bound to be dark inside.

You may only use your tent every so often, which gives the mould a chance to build up over a significant amount of time without you even being aware it is happening.

When you put these conditions together, you get mould. In order to prevent mould from growing you can thoroughly clean your tent after every use, and make sure that it has completely dried before you fold it up and put it away.

Is mould in my tent harmful?

Having mould in your tent is extremely harmful and can cause a number of health risks, especially for people who suffer from asthma and allergies, as well as small children.

Black mould is especially dangerous and is responsible for a host of respiratory problems. Much like you wouldn’t wish for mould to be present in your home, a tent is no exception to the rule.

Will treating mould affect the tent’s waterproofing?

Cleaning mould from your tent is extremely likely to affect the waterproof treatment that manufacturers use on canvas tents. If you need to clean your tent from mould, then make sure that you re-treat the tent afterwards with a waterproof treatment.

Does my tent warranty cover mould?

Mould grows in your tent due to moisture, warmth and darkness which means that it is not the manufacturer at fault. Your tent’s warranty will not cover any damage caused by mould growing in your tent.

How to clean a tent with mould

The best way to clean mould from your tent is to use a specialist cleaning product such as GK Greener Kleener as this is sure to eliminate 99.9% of mould and other biological growth such as algae and lichen, whilst disinfecting the canvas tent.

Our GK Greener Kleener has been formulated to effectively target biological growth, and is bleach free and environmentally friendly with a virtually neutral pH of 6. The formula is free of caustic and acidic chemicals, making it safe for use, and it poses no long-term risks to children, pets or the surrounding environment.

How to clean your mouldy tent with GK Greener Kleener

Make sure your tent is erected before you begin cleaning and reproofing. Choose a day with dry conditions, and temperatures above 10℃ ideally. For application make sure you are wearing appropriate protective gear including goggles/glasses and gloves to protect your skin and eyes.

Step 1: Mix the GK Greener Kleener with water. 2 parts water with 1 part Greener Kleener for heavy soiling, and 3 parts water with 1 part Greener Kleener for light-to-medium soiling.

Step 2: Gently pour the mixture into a spray bottle for easy application, or use a soft bristle brush.

Step 3: Apply the formula to the affected areas.

Step 4: Leave the product to work (ideally overnight) and ensure it has fully dried before waterproofing the tent.

Can I clean mould on my tent with bleach?

If you want to use bleach to clean your tent then mix 10 parts water with 1 part bleach, apply this to the affected area with a brush or sponge, leave it to sit for 10 minutes and then rinse it with water.

Be aware that bleach contains harsh chemicals that could damage your tent if used incorrectly.

Can I clean mould on my tent with vinegar?

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can be used to clean mould. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water, apply this to the affected area with a brush or sponge, leave it to sit for an hour and then rinse it with water.

When using a household product to clean as opposed to a specially designed formula please note that it may damage the tent and could require more regular cleaning.

Summary

To effectively clean mould and other biological growth on your tent trust GK Greener Kleener. Our fast-acting and effective formula targets 99.9% of biological growth and helps to prevent mould from coming back. Plus, it will not cause any damage to the tent.