How do I clean the inside of a Kodiak Canvas tent

[Zeke6951]

I hurriedly packed up my Kodiak Canvas tent just after the snow event in Colorado earlier this week. There was some mud and dirt on the floor. This mud and dirt is now on the walls and roof. I have spent several hours trying to clean the walls and roof with clean water and an old towel. I wipe with the damp towel and rinse in clean water over and over again. When wet it looks pretty clean, but when it dries it still has stains. Can I use a mild soap, something like a liquid hand soap or something to remove the stains. If so will it reduce the water repellent qualities?

 

[Steve O]

Canvas is pretty tough. I’d set it up, take a bucket of soap and water with a good 10-12” driveway broom and give her a good scrubbing then hose it off. All from the inside.

Most of your water repellency comes from the canvas fibers swelling up, I wouldn’t be too concerned about wrecking any coatings.

 

[sndmn11]

Let it dry, shake it like heck, sweep/vacuum up what falls off, forget about the rest.

 

[Zzyzx]

Yup, mild soap and warm water. Light brushing.

It might not come completely out. I look at some of my canvas stains and can tell the story behind it. It's fine that way!

 

[camelcluch]

Davis and Montana canvas sell a cleaner but you can use a mild soap too.