Maintaining your tarp also enables it to appear clean as well as allowing it to last longer and work to your advantage. And regardless of whether you are wrapping a garden furniture, or wrapping your car or wrapping up the tools, in the rain, your tarp endures a lot: sun and dust and water and mildew. Frequent washing makes it powerful, rubbery, and water resistant during years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The various tarp types (canvas, PVC, plastic) cannot be washed using the same cleaning.
  • Do not use hard detergents and high-pressure washing.
  • Cleaning and cleaning should be frequent to avoid mildew, fading and cracking.
  • A properly taken care of tarp will last 5-10 years or even longer.

Tarp vs. Tarpaulin: What’s the Difference?

You have always wondered whether tarp is short of tarpaulin, then you are at the right place! Tarp is nothing but a shorter term used more often to denote tarpaulin. They both mean long-lasting water-resistant or waterproof fabric that is used as protection or cover.

The most important distinction is of context:

  • In commercial or industrial use, tarpaulin is also termed as the formal.
  • Most homeowners use it on a daily basis and would refer to tarp as a normal tarp, it may be a canvas tarp, poly tarp or PVC vinyl tarp.

What your tarp is made of should allow you to determine the appropriate method of cleaning, as canvas and PVC respond differently to cleaning.

How to Clean a Canvas Tarp

Canvas tarps are produced using cotton fabric or cotton poly fabric which is very powerful but also breathable. They are frequently used to camp, trucks or wrap firewood.

The following is the way to clean a canvas tarp:

  1. Blot out the loose dust and rubbish. Put it down on a driveway or deck.
  2. Spray a little of cool water with the soft brush to loosen dirt that is stuck.
  3. Mix mild soap or detergent (like dish soap) with warm water.
  4. Lightly scrub the fabric - do not run it under a lot of water because it will shrink.
  5. Wipe all parts under running water and dry in shade in order to avoid the growth of moulds.

⚠️ Use of bleach or rough cleaners should be avoided, this will make canvas weak.

Cleaning a Plastic or a PVC Tarp

Plastic (polyethylene) and PVC covers are waterproof, smooth, and less complicated to maintain, as compared to canvas. They are usually utilized in patios, swimming pools, and equipment coating, such as clear vinyl and waterproof tarps by KGORGE.

Cleaning Steps:

  1. Place your tarp on a flat surface that is clean.
  2. Dust and mud can be sprayed off using low pressure water.
  3. Mix a bucket of warm water + mild detergent (no ammonia or bleach).
  4. Use a soft sponge wiping cloth or the microfiber cloth.
  5. On hard stains, vinegar-water solution (1:4) is to be used.
  6. Wash and dry in the air completely before storing.

Tip: It is always important not to fold or store your PVC tarp when wet as trapped water may result in bad smell or mildew.

Washing Heavy Duty tarpaulins

Several tough tarps can withstand the abuse, e.g., truck blanket or vinyl industrial tarps. They have more weight, are more heavy-duty, and may be reinforced around the edges and consist of metal grommets.

Best cleaning practices:

  • Big locations will be reached with the help of a soft car brush or long-handled mop.
  • Use mild cleaner that can be applied on polyethylene or vinyl.
  • Cleanse in parts to prevent the remnants of soap.
  • Allow it to dry either flat or hanging- do not expose to the direct sun over a long time.

When your tarp is very big, then use cleaning solution sprayer and spray or sprinkle it with a garden hose, rather than scrubbing it.

Pro Tip: Frequent post-storm or post-pollen season rinsing will stop the growth of mud that will be difficult to clean off in the future.

How to Remove Mildew from Tarps

The maintenance of mildew and mold flourishes in dark humid crevices - particularly when the tarp was used when wet. Household items are sufficient to take away mildew.

Here’s how:

  1. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water.
  2. Use a sponge or soft brush and apply the solution.
  3. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
  4. Wipe off and leave to dry under the sun.

These should not be used with chlorine bleach which can destroy waterproof finishes and sewing.

To ensure that mildew will not recur always make sure that you dry your tarp when rolling/folding it.

Drying and Storage Tips to Extend Tarp Life

Taking the time to dry and keep your tarp in the proper place is a huge difference when it comes to the duration of its life.

Drying:

  • The garment must be always fully dry before it can be folded like small water spots can result in molds.
  • Do not use heat dryers and open flames.

Storage:

  • Turn under and keep in a cool and dry place without exposure to the sunlight.
  • Hanging on a wall or having a storage bag (where possible).
  • Do not leave it on the floor because it might be ruined by rodents or water.

Pro Tip: When it does not rain in several months, roll and dry off tarp, it does not form creases and smell.

Conclusion

Educating yourself on how to wash a tarp in a proper way can easily save your money. It can be a canvas or PVC or a heavy duty tarpaulin, with the regular cleaning and proper storage, it will be in years of service.

Clean. Dry. Store — and your tarp will always have your back, season after season.

FAQ:

1. How often should I clean my tarp?
At least once every year (twice permission is given, when in contact with dirt, pollen, or salt air).

2. Can I pressure wash my tarp?
Not recommended. Seams could be torn or stripped off by high-pressure washing.

3. How do I clean a pool tarp?
Apply a pool safe detergent, hose down and wipe before re-wrapping.

4. How long do tarps last?
In proper care high qualitypoly or PVC tarps can last 5-10 years.

5. What’s the best way to prevent fading?
Always clean up dirt, keep indoors when not in use and market UV-protective tarps such as those offered by KGORGE waterproof PVC line.