DIY Cleaning: How to Clean Mold Off Camping Chairs?
Last updated on August 13th, 2024 at 12:04 am
After a long day of hiking or fishing, the last thing you want to do is sit in a moldy chair. Mold can quickly build up on camping chairs, especially if they’re left out in the rain.
Mold is unsightly and can also be dangerous to your health. Inhaling mold spores can cause respiratory problems, so cleaning mold off your chairs is important as soon as you see it.
While there are a few different ways to clean mold off camping chairs, using a commercial mold cleaner is the easiest. Start by brushing off loose mold spores with a dry brush, gloves, and a mask to protect yourself from inhaling mold spores.
Apply the mold cleaner following the instructions on the bottle and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Rinse the chairs off with a hose and let them air dry.
That’s one way you can clean the mold off your camping. There are other methods, even some homemade options, some of which are more effective than others. Continue reading to learn more about how to clean mold off camping chairs.
How to Effectively Remove Mold from Camping Chairs
If you don’t have a commercial mold cleaner, or if you’re looking for a more natural option, there are a few different ways to clean mold off camping chairs. Below are three popular methods.
1. Bleach Solution
One way to clean mold off camping chairs is to use a bleach and water solution. Bleach, or should we call it sodium hypochlorite is a great cleaning agent. The chemical is commonly used to sanitize and disinfect surfaces. It can be quite effective in removing mold when used in the right proportions.
Cleaning the mold off your chairs is straightforward. You’ll need a clean cloth, gloves, and a bucket of water. Fill the bucket with one part bleach and ten parts water. Submerge the clean cloth in the solution and wring it out. Wipe down the affected areas of your chairs with the bleach solution.
You could also use a spray bottle to apply the solution to the chairs. Be sure to wear gloves and avoid the bleach solution on your skin or your eyes. It can irritate.
Once you’ve wiped down the chairs with the bleach solution, let them air dry in direct sunlight if possible. The UV rays from the sun will also help kill any mold spores left behind.
2. Vinegar Solution
If you’re looking for a more natural way to clean mold off your chairs, you can use a vinegar and water solution. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can be quite effective in removing mold.
Dilute white vinegar with warm water in a ratio of 1/3 to 2/3. Using a clean cloth, sponge, or brush, apply the vinegar solution to the moldy areas of your chairs. Let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes. Remember to rinse it well to get rid of the vinegar smell.
3. Baking Soda Solution
Another natural way to clean mold is to use baking soda and water solution. It’s one of the common cleaning solutions used in lots of households. The good thing about this solution is that it can be used on different types of surfaces, including your camping chairs.
Cleaning your camping chairs with this solution is pretty simple. Just mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create a paste. Then, apply the paste to the affected areas and scrub it using a brush. Don’t wait too long before rinsing it with clean water, as baking soda can be quite abrasive.
4. Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol or, rather, any other alcohol is known to be a great disinfectant. It has been used to clean surfaces for centuries now. You can use it to kill germs and bacteria from your camping chairs. Since rubbing alcohol is a mild solvent, you don’t have to worry about it damaging the surface of your chairs.
All you need to do is apply some rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and then use it to spray the surface of your chairs. You may also use a spray bottle to apply the rubbing alcohol directly onto the chairs. Avoid using too much alcohol as it can damage the material of your chairs. Ensure you rinse the chairs afterward with clean water to remove any residue.
5. Steam clean
To ensure that all the mold spores are killed, you can opt for steam cleaning. This is more expensive, but getting rid of the mold is worth it. All you need is a steam cleaner, and you’re good to go.
Simply run the steam cleaner over the surface of your chairs. The heat from the steam will kill the mold and mildew. You can also use this method to clean other items in your camping gear, such as your sleeping bag or tent.
6. Hydrogen peroxide
Another method some people use to clean mold from their camping chairs is hydrogen peroxide. According to studies, hydrogen peroxide is an effective antifungal agent. This means it can help to kill mold and mildew. It’s used medically to treat skin infections caused by mold and mildew.
Mist one cup with two cups of clean, distilled water. You can also add some lemon juice to this solution to help with the smell. Add to a spray bottle and then apply it to the surface of your chairs. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before wiping it down with a clean cloth. Rinse the chairs with clean water afterward.
How to Protect Your Camping Gear from Mold and Mildew
The best way to deal with mold and mildew is to prevent them from growing in the first place. Here are some tips to help you keep your camping gear mold- and mildew-free:
1. Store your gear in a dry place
One of the main reasons for mold and mildew growth is because of moisture. So, storing your camping gear in a dry place is important. If you’re storing your gear in a garage or shed, ensure good ventilation to help keep the area dry. You can also invest in a dehumidifier to help control the moisture levels in your storage space.
2. Use airtight containers
Another way to prevent mold and mildew is to store your gear in airtight containers. This will help to keep moisture out so that fungi can’t grow. You can find airtight containers at most home improvement stores.
3. Clean your gear regularly
It’s also important to clean your camping gear regularly. Even if you don’t use it often, dirt and dust can accumulate on the surface of your gear, providing a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. At least once a month, clean your gear with soap and water. You might need to clean your gear more often if you live in a humid climate.
4. Inspect your gear before using it
Before using your camping gear, inspect it for any signs of mold or mildew. If you see any fungi growing on the surface, clean it off immediately. It’s also a good idea to air your gear before using it. This will help eliminate any musty odors that might be present.
5. Let your gear dry completely before storing it
After using your camping gear, let it dry completely before storing it. Moisture is one of the main things that mold and mildew need to grow, so removing it from your gear is important before storing it. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process. Just ensure not to hold the hair dryer too close to your gear, as this could damage it.
6. Use a fungicide
If you’re dealing with a serious mold or mildew problem, you can use a fungicide to help kill the fungi. There are many fungicides available, so be sure to read the label carefully to ensure you’re using the right one for your situation.
7. Use sunlight
As we mentioned before, sunlight can help to weak mold and mildew. If you have the opportunity, set your gear in the sun for a few days. The UV rays from the sun will damage the fungi, causing them to die off.
Is It True Natural Sunlight Weakens Mold and Mildew?
When dealing with mold and mildew on your camping chairs, backpacks, or other outdoor gear, you might have heard that sunlight can help weaken and kill the fungi. Is this true?
Yes, natural sunlight can help to weak mold and mildew. The UV rays from the sun will damage the DNA of the fungi, causing them to die off. However, direct sunlight is not always available, and it can take several days of exposure to weaken and kill mold and mildew truly.
But remember, the UV rays must come directly with the mold or mildew to work. So, if you’re dealing with a large area of mold or mildew, it might be best to use other cleaning methods in addition to sunlight exposure.
Conclusion
Mold and mildew can be a serious problem for your camping gear. Cleaning it off can be a difficult and time-consuming task. But if you take the proper precautions, you can prevent it from growing in the first place. Use the above methods we’ve outlined to help keep your gear mold- and mildew-free.
You Can Also Read:
