Moldy Canvas

[m38a1md53]

Hi all,

This has probably been addressed many times, but I'm failing at the search thing. I have an M38A1 that was placed in storage for a couple of years and mold has appeared on the top and seats. There's no damage yet, but I'm not sure just how to kill the mold without damaging the canvas. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[wesk]

Here are several hundred ways:

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=removing+mold+from+canvas
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[m38a1md53]

I was under the impression using oil-cutting solutions like rubbing alcohol would damage the oil canvas. Is it really okay to use it? I don't want to damage it.

[wesk]

The best place to ask is the manufacturer of the canvas. Most of the military shops have mold prevention and removal info and will share it over the phone for their products.

If you must experiment with cleaning agents it would be best to have an old piece of the canvas you can afford to damage. Otherwise best advice is call the manufacturer and get the correct procedure from that horse's mouth.

If you have original military canvas follow the military instructions for that period.

IE 1945 - 50 use this manual page 9 where only dry brushing and sunning/airing is directed.
https://ia802608.us.archive.org/16/items/FM21-15/FM21-15.pdf

Here's a 2013 manual: https://books.google.com/books?id=VW-vAAAAQBAJ&pg=SA4-PA29&lpg=SA4-PA29&dq=us+army+care+of+canvas+manual&source=bl&ots=TK2MKltA01&sig=a4aeEFFIFCuFop9AAG_wcK4LCgY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAzgKahUKEwjtt_XcyY_HAhWIe5IKHbBWAF8#v=onepage&q=us%20army%20care%20of%20canvas%20manual&f=false
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[m38a1md53]

Thanks Wes! I'll let you know what the manufacturer says. I think I have NewLife Canvas. I've already sent an email a few days ago, no reply yet. I'll give them a call.

[m38a1md53]

So I couldn't reach NewLife Canvas over phone or email. Not sure if they're on a hiatus or what. I contacted Beachwood Canvas, and they said the safest thing to use would be Dawn and warm water, but to test it on a piece of scrap or hidden area first. The rep there said removing mold from the canvas material without damaging it (i.e. color degradation) is near impossible, though. I'll try the Dawn and warm water and see how that goes. I'm also going to look into aerosol sprays that kill mold. Other than that, just a lot of sunshine should help.