You’ll learn about how to remove mildew from canvas using a commercial and natural product in this article. Be sure to read until the end!
How Does Mildew Grow On Canvas?
Mildew is generally found on organic materials. If you see mildew on your canvas, it means that the cause of mildew growth is due to dust accumulation or food debris.
Dust and food particles become a food source for mildew, encouraging them to grow. The latter is also likely to contain moisture, which is often the last condition to be met before mildew grows on a surface.
Apart from moisture and food sources, mildew needs oxygen and the right temperature to grow. You cannot see mildew or mold growth in tightly-sealed containers because of the lack of oxygen.
Mildew can exist in a broad temperature range, except for the extremes. They also tend to grow during the changing of seasons, wherein condensation is likely to occur.
If you store your canvas in an environment with no dehumidifier, then you will likely find mildew and mold growing on it when you use it again. There is a greater chance of fungi growth when you do not clean your canvas before storing it.
What Are The Signs Of Mildew Growth On Canvas?
Sometimes, we do not inspect the items we use thoroughly. We use them unless something alarms us that makes us investigate.
One alarming thing that you need to watch out for when you’re dealing with mildew growth is the smell. The odor may range from damp socks to an earthy, musty scent that will surely make you inspect your canvas.
The mildew smell may be from the MVOC or Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds. It does serve as a sign to let you know that there is a fungus growing in one of your belongings.
If you wish to remove the smell of mildew, here are articles on how to get mildew smell out of dryer and how to get mildew smell out of towels that may help you.
Apart from the smell, powdery or downy growth on your canvas is another sign of mildew growth. Mildew is generally lighter than mold, so it is more challenging to see, especially light-colored fabrics.
It is ordinarily white or pale yellow in contrast to mold’s dark blue or black. It also tends to be milder than mold for adverse health effects but can still trigger allergies.
Another sign of mildew growth is an increased occurrence of allergies in your home. Be it skin or respiratory-related allergies, having them regularly may mean you have a fungus growth in your household.
Steps In Removing Mildew From Canvas
Canvases are one of the most low-maintenance fabrics. It’s not challenging to take care of and clean them.
However, they are still fabrics, so they need extra care compared to hard surfaces like window sills or furniture. This is why we wrote a guide for you to remove mildew from your canvas.
Before the mildew removal process, please wear protective gear to avoid exposure to mildew as it may lead to allergic reactions.
Step #1. First, remove the canvas from where you are storing it and place it on an even surface. Ensure that the material is stretched out that you can see the whole expanse of it.
Then, get a clean, white cloth, wet it with water, and rub the mildew-affected areas of the canvas. This step is essential in loosening up the mildew.
Step #2. After loosening the mildew, get a bleach-free disinfectant and spritz it on the affected areas. We do not recommend using bleach for this problem as it may lighten your canvas’ color.
You can use a baking soda paste instead of bleach if you want a natural solution to your mildew problem. Repeat the first two steps several times until you remove all the mildew growth on your canvas.
Step #3. Inspect your canvas again, just in case you missed a spot. If not, then wipe it down to remove the excess moisture on the fabric.
Leave it outside to dry, or you can hang it or place it on a flat surface. After this, put it in an area with less moisture so you would not have to deal with this issue again.
Mildew Prevention Tips
1. Invest in a dehumidifier
If your environment is often humid and you can’t always open your doors or windows, investing in a dehumidifier is better. It can also help you control the humidity levels during the changing seasons.
2. Regular maintenance
Mildew and mold thrive in unclean and water-damaged environments. To effectively prevent any fungi growth in your household, you must regularly maintain.
Regular maintenance includes checking your pipe systems for leaks and keeping your home dust-free. Yes, making your home fungi-free is as easy as these two general statements!
Conclusion
To conclude, a surefire way on how to remove mildew from canvas is to disinfect it. You can use a bleach-free disinfectant or a natural mold and mildew killer like a baking soda paste.