How do you clean Canvas?

[Tank]

I need to clean the canvas on my Camper-Van, it is heavy-duty green canvas and it has sap stains on the roof panels and some greasy hand marks and dirt (mud) on the sides, also I want to clean my swag as well, I will be waterproofing it all after washing and drying.
Any info or tips would be much appreciated, Regards Frank.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I seem to remember vinegar and sunshine,,,,;)

[gromit]

Most canvas products like tents etc. have a warning not to use detergents and to remove dirt, sap, bird poo etc. immediately with clean water.

If you scrub too hard in one spot the colour can fade (depends on the age & quality of the canvas). If you intend to reproof then scrubbing with a detergent 'may' not be a problem. I'm sure I read somewhere of an LR canvas canopy being washed in an industrial washing machine and then reproofed.

Search 'Canvas Care' on the internet and you'll get some interesting info....

United Home Services - Household Tips and Tricks (http://www.uhs.com.au/canvas.htm)
http://www.cavaliercampertrailers.com.au/Canvas%20Care.pdf

Colin

[Bigbjorn]

We used to tow canvas awnings etc. behind the ship for a while. A couple of hours in salt water at 10 knots cleans the stuff pretty good. Try it next time you are on a beach with the Rover.

[Tank]

Brian, your the second one to advocate salt water, be OK for the swag, But I think the camper trailer might get a bit damp, a major job removing the canvas off the camper, Regards Frank.