Cleaning a Nylon tarp

Mannlicher

Mannlicher

Joined
Nov 19, 2008
Messages
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Evidently , the last time I used my 10 X 10 Nylon tarp, I did not dry it throughly before re packing.
Now it has a musty odor, and a fair bit of mildew spotting.

What can I do to restore this tarp? Wash it? What detergent or soap?

The material is 1.9 oz rip stop nylon, poly backed

Thanks
 
I'm not sure about removing the mildew spots themselves, but setting it up and letting it air out in the hot sun will go a long way toward getting rid of the smell and killing the mildew.
 
I have not used this on a tarp, but I have on nearly every other type of natural and manmade material that molded or mildewed. A very weak solution of warm water and bleach. It also does a very good job of preventing the M&Ms return. If your tarp is of some color, you may want to test your solution on a corner first. As stated earlier, strong, direct sunlight is a great sanitizer.
 
I have gotten two good tips from a cousin that camps and hikes a lot.

He said to wash with NikWax Tech, then rinse and air dry outside.

He also suggested that a mix of Lysol and hot water, sponged onto the nylon would get rid of the spotting. He said after that drys, to apply a mix of lemon juice, hot water and salt, then rinse again, and air dry.

I emailed the maker, and asked them as well. I have the tarp outside drying well now, so there is no rush.

Thanks, and I'll let y'all know how it turns out
 
Just use any mild soap and wash it in cold water. It's a tarp to be used outside when it rains, water is water, and a mild soap never hurt anything and will get it clean enough. Besides, it's not like you're wearing it to a wedding or something.

Now this is the most important part, DO NOT PUT IT IN A DRYER AT ALL. Let it air dry outside.
 
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