Cleaning Canvas

If it’s not leaking, I’d leave it alone.

On the Hybrid we owned a couple of years ago I used peanut butter on the sap, loosed it off then washed the area with dish soap to remove the the peanut butter oil.

I know rubbing alcohol cleans a vinyl coated exterior bunk end with great results. I only did this in small areas that I needed to patch due to mice chewing through the tent ends, so I cannot speak to the affect on the water proofing of the material, but the area's I cleaned looked like new and this is on 13 year old material that I haven't really cleaned before and it is vinyl, so I don't expect any adverse results.

This was on white bunk end tops. It removed pine tree sap, bird droppings and whatever else. I'm considering soaking an orbital polishing tool with rubbing alcohol and cleaning the entire bunk end top ( yeah I have time for that).

gwh1bass wrote:
I know rubbing alcohol cleans a vinyl coated exterior bunk end with great results. I only did this in small areas that I needed to patch due to mice chewing through the tent ends, so I cannot speak to the affect on the water proofing of the material, but the area's I cleaned looked like new and this is on 13 year old material that I haven't really cleaned before and it is vinyl, so I don't expect any adverse results.

This was on white bunk end tops. It removed pine tree sap, bird droppings and whatever else. I'm considering soaking an orbital polishing tool with rubbing alcohol and cleaning the entire bunk end top ( yeah I have time for that).

IF you had Popup Gizmos, you wouldn't have to do all that. Way easier to clean the Gizmos, than the canvas.

Chuck, I applaud you for trying to get this trailer looking great. Cleaning tent trailers and hybrids is really important as a clean canvas will last longer and remain water proof PROVIDED you don't use some kind of cleaner that will damage it.

The rubbing alcohol sounds like a good option but I would caution you to be very careful. Check with the manufacturer and see what they say. If you can't do that carefully test a small patch before you go crazy. This is all common sense so I apologize if I somehow insulted you. Sometimes good intentions do go astray.

We had a hybrid for about 5 years and still am amazed at how open and spacious it was. I did get some gizmos but only used them when we camped in very cold conditions. My bunk ends were clean when we sold it. I used basic car wash soap with a soft brush. That worked for me. I did remove some very small spots of tree sap using a bug and tar remover formulated for car finishes.

I use diluted "Simple Green" for my awning, roof and sides. Seems to work wonderfully. I also have friends that swear by a cleaner simply called "Awesome". It is orange in color and can be purchased at most dollar stores.

"Goof Off", turpentine or paint thinner.