Mould on Awning.

[pensioner]

I recently took over a nice caravan in beautiful condition, clean dry and no signs of damp.

Regrettably the awning isn't in as good state, there is a lot of mould on the roof section and side stitching, but otherwise still usable.

Is there a mould remover I can buy to clean it up, rather than a weak bleach solution, and after it is clean will it need to be re-proofed by using something like "Fabsil" or similar product.

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Hutch]

I recently took over a nice caravan in beautiful condition, clean dry and no signs of damp.

Regrettably the awning isn't in as good state, there is a lot of mould on the roof section and side stitching, but otherwise still usable.

Is there a mould remover I can buy to clean it up, rather than a weak bleach solution, and after it is clean will it need to be re-proofed by using something like "Fabsil" or similar product.

Thanks in anticipation.

Nice to see you posting, Pensioner, haven't seen you on here for ages. Hope your well.

 

[Jcloughie]

There are specialist cleaning companies. But will be expensive with transport. But might be worth it if it’s a good quality awning otherwise. Might just have been put away damp.

Look here.

John

 

[Bluetonic]

Try using diluted white vinegar with warm water, give it a good soaking and agitate with a scrubbing brush, rinse off

 

[ProfJohnL]

I strongly suggest that if you use any cleaning suggestion from the forum, try it on a small unobtrusive area first, before committing the whole awning to it.

 

[otherclive]

You don’t say the make but Isabella info is in the link below and Fenwicks make an awning cleaner.
https://www.isabella.net/uk/support/tips-tricks/awnings/gentle-and-effective-cleaning

 

[Buckman]

We had that issue with our Dorema and sad to say we could not shift the mould as it was ingrained into the fabric. Even specialist companies were reluctant to tackle the mould and you had to sign a disclaimer plus cost was horrendous. Normally the work is done by a sail maker company.
Mould in the awning can happen if on a seasonal site and they have a heater inside the awning during the evening. Condensation forms and this could eventually cause mould to form.

 

[pensioner]

many thanks for all the advice, there will be no specialist cleaners involved, I'll try the white vinegar idea and the Fenwicks if that doesn't work but it'll be a bit of a drive to buy as the local shop closed recently.

Thanks for the comment Hutch, I've been in the background.

 

[otherclive]

many thanks for all the advice, there will be no specialist cleaners involved, I'll try the white vinegar idea and the Fenwicks if that doesn't work but it'll be a bit of a drive to buy as the local shop closed recently.

Thanks for the comment Hutch, I've been in the background.

You can get the vinegar if Fenwicks on Amazon.

 

[pensioner]

Thanks Otherclive having now looked on Amazon it's clear I should have gone there first .
( it's an age thing )

 

[otherclive]

Thanks Otherclive having now looked on Amazon it's clear I should have gone there first .
( it's an age thing )

Like you I try and support local outlets, but it becomes quite difficult at times as they may not hold the items I want so I resort to online. I drove 16 miles return yesterday to buy some gas canisters, and a low level camp table. No problem with the gas and the outdoor shop gave me 15% off for my CCC membership. But their low level tables are somewhere between the wholesaler in China and Britain with no idea of a date to receive a large mixed shipment of caravan and camping stuff. I will wait until within a week of my trip before trying an online supplier.

The negative though was it cost me £11 for drinks and scones plus my wife liked a nice Sambucus at £40. at the garden Center opposite the camping shop.

 

[ProfJohnL]

We had that issue with our Dorema and sad to say we could not shift the mould as it was ingrained into the fabric. Even specialist companies were reluctant to tackle the mould and you had to sign a disclaimer plus cost was horrendous. Normally the work is done by a sail maker company.
Mould in the awning can happen if on a seasonal site and they have a heater inside the awning during the evening. Condensation forms and this becomes mould.

Condensation does not automatically become mould.

Condensation is just pure water. Mold will only arise where spoor's are present and there is an appropriate nutrient and moisture (which is where condensation comes in) and the right temperature/light regime.

Condensation may condition the material so that passing spoors are collected or trapped leading to the growth of moulds.

 

[Buckman]

Condensation does not automatically become mould.

Condensation is just pure water. Mold will only arise where spoor's are present and there is an appropriate nutrient and moisture (which is where condensation comes in) and the right temperature/light regime.

Condensation may condition the material so that passing spoors are collected or trapped leading to the growth of moulds.

Thanks I have modified my post. During the winter we had heating on in the awning which then caused condensation. Unfortunately during the winter as no warmth to dry out the condensation we suspected that over time mould formed.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Thanks I have modified my post. During the winter we had heating on in the awning which then caused condensation. Unfortunately during the winter as no warmth to dry out the condensation we suspected that over time mould formed.

Unfortunately heaters are not necessarily the cause of condensation either. Condensation is the result of warmer moisture laden air coming into contact with a cold surface that drops the air temperature below its dew point which causes some of the moisture to be deposited as condensation.

The temperature change needed for this to happen can occur due to differential temperatures between day and night, or direct sunshine vs shadow or a cool wind.

However if a heater is used, they type of heater could make a difference.

An electric heater only adds heat, and no additional moisture, though changing the temperature of air also changes its relative humidity without it changing the mass of the water it contains.

But if the heater uses combustion (gas, oil, coal wood even charcoal, or any mammals that breath)) it also produces water vapour, and if its flued into the awning (Which you shouldn't for safety reasons) it will add moisture that will exacerbate condensation issues.