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Subject Topic: Polycotton cleaning/proofing Post Reply Post New Topic
Personturnpike
17/8/2017 at 4:07pm
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We've changed from a canvas bell tent to a polycotton tunnel. After getting what I think was probably tree sap brown stains on it I tried to just wipe clean with a wet cloth. That has left lighter areas. So now I'm wondering..

Have I washed the waterproofing off?
Can I use Fabsil on polycotton?
How can the polycotton breath if its got waterproofing on it?

Thanks!


Personlidds0
18/8/2017 at 7:01am
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You say you think it was tree sap, was it very sticky when you tried to wipe it off? Have you rubbed the polycotton canvas (this can make lighter areas)?

Personally, I'd just leave it. You're right in saying that polycotton (or any canvas) can't breathe once it's been re-proofed, also you'll have to re-do it every year once you've treated it.

If you're worried, try pitching it and wetting with a hose pipe to check.


Personturnpike
18/8/2017 at 7:50am
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There wasn't any residue really to wipe off. Just 3 or 4 light brown stains. It was the first test pitch. To fit in the garden it was partially under an oak.

Yes I rubbed the polycotton a little with a damp cloth. It's left lighter patches still there weeks later.

The stains are still visible slightly too. If all you can do is wipe with water they aren't going to go away?

Thanks, I'll test it with a hose.


Personturnpike
18/8/2017 at 10:34am
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Have read around and found out that some waterproofers stop cotton/canvas breathing, others don't.

Also that I should brush not scrub.


PersonTimCESmith
18/8/2017 at 11:11am
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I'd clean the area with a dry microfibre cloth (ideally one which has never been washed) and then apply Nikwax Cotton Proof following the instructions on the bottle.


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Personturnpike
18/8/2017 at 11:22am
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Thanks. All this makes me wonder why people use fabsil on canvas bell tents when they are supposed to be breathable.

I'll get some breathable waterproofer incase the patches I scrubbed have lost repellancy. Will just have to live with the stains if they dont come out with cloth or soft brush and water I guess.


PersonMucker1884
18/8/2017 at 7:50pm
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Every stain we have had so far, be that from flora or fauna, sticky or otherwise, has disappeared on it's own, thanks to a healthy mix of sunshine and rain.
Off the top of my head, that includes, bird muck, berry stains, sticky tree sap, snail trail, and more bloody bird muck!
All or any on canvas and/or polycotton.

The most I do now is to allow bird muck to dry/harden, and flick off any excess with a finger nail. Everything else is left to the elements to deal with.

So far, so good!

-------------
2024: 38 nights thus far...
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From July 2012: 23 nights


Personturnpike
18/8/2017 at 8:15pm
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Yeah that's been my way too for 5 years canvas but this new polycotton got these nasty brown marks. Maybe they will fade. Cheers.



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