What is the Best Way to Remove Fungus from Canvas?
The type of canvas used for tents, awnings, camper covers and other outdoor applications usually contains natural fibers such as cotton. Unfortunately, this means the fabric is an ideal breeding ground for opportunistic fungi and molds. While many canvas-based products are treated with chemical water repellants, this does not mean they are resistant to fungal growth, especially during long storage. There are a number of ways to remove fungus from canvas surfaces, but the threat of re-contamination is always present. One reason why it is so difficult to remove fungus from canvas is the nature of the fungus itself. Fungus spores become airborne as they dry, and the wind drives them to other surfaces. If a fungus comes in contact with both moisture and a natural food source, such as cotton fibers in canvas, it will produce more spores in all directions. Only a sustained lack of moisture will stunt the growth of fungus, but even then the spores only become dormant, not dead. Once the dried
