How to Remove Mould and Re-Waterproof Your Rooftop Tent or Awning Canvas
Pack a tent away slightly damp after a wet weekend, and mould can set in within days. It's one of the most common issues rooftop tent and awning owners deal with — and one of the easiest to fix properly, provided you treat it rather than just wiping the surface.
Why rooftop tents are especially prone to mould
Rooftop tents face constant exposure to changing weather and have more limited ventilation than a ground tent left fully open to air out. Pack one away with any dampness trapped inside, and condensation has everything it needs to turn into mould that can damage the fabric and break down its water resistance over time.
Step 1: Remove the mould
Canvas Magic Mould Remover is a concentrate (4L makes 10L of solution) recommended by major Australian camper trailer manufacturers, and it works without scrubbing:
- Work in a well-ventilated area and protect any surfaces you don't want oversprayed
- Spray liberally onto the mouldy canvas
- Wait 15 minutes
- Re-spray and wait again if mould remains — deeply ingrained patches may need a couple of passes
- Rinse with water and let the canvas dry fully before packing away
Always patch-test an inconspicuous area first — most canvas is colourfast, but it's worth checking before treating a visible panel.
Step 2: Re-waterproof
Removing mould strips some of the canvas's water resistance along with it, so re-waterproofing is the step people skip and then wonder why leaks start creeping back in. Canvas Magic Waterproofer is a water-based formula applied with a brush or roller to the outside of the canvas only, covering roughly 1L per 5sqm — a 4L container is enough for a full rooftop tent or awning re-proof.
Clean it, then reproof it
Cleaner $125 · Waterproofer $109 · Both together $227 (save $7). Compare all three and order in one place.
See the canvas care guide →Buy them together
If you're treating mould for the first time, the Mould Remover and Waterproofer Package covers both steps in one order — clean, then seal.
Preventing it from coming back
- Never pack the tent away wet or damp if you can help it — even 20 minutes of airing out before folding down makes a real difference
- If you do have to pack up wet, unpack and dry the tent out again as soon as you're home
- Store in a dry, ventilated space rather than a sealed garage corner
- Check canvas periodically between trips, especially after storage over a humid summer
FAQ
Will this damage my canvas colour?
Most canvas is colourfast and unaffected, but always patch-test a small, hidden area first before treating a visible panel.
How long does the whole process take?
Mould removal is typically done within an hour or two depending on how established the mould is. Re-waterproofing adds drying time on top — check the product for recommended cure time before packing the tent away or exposing it to rain.
Can I use this on my awning as well as my rooftop tent?
Yes — both products are suited to camper trailer, tent and awning canvas generally, not just rooftop tents.
Do I need to re-waterproof every time I clean mould?
Yes, treating mould can affect the canvas's existing water-resistant coating, so re-waterproofing afterwards is the step that keeps it actually weatherproof rather than just clean.
Ready to sort your canvas? The guide lays out the cleaner, the waterproofer and the money-saving bundle side by side, with prices.
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