To clean a canvas roof top tent, brush off the dry dirt first, then wash it with lukewarm water and a cleaner made for tent canvas. Rinse out every bit of soap and let it dry fully in the sun before you close it. That's how to clean a canvas tent of any kind, on the roof or on the ground.
- Brush off loose dirt before any water touches the fabric
- Scrub gently with a canvas-safe cleaner and lukewarm water
- Rinse until no soap is left
- Never use bleach or harsh detergents. They strip the waterproofing
- Air dry fully in the sun before you fold it and pack it away
- Re-proof the canvas if water stops beading on it
Use the wrong product, skip the drying, or pack it away damp, and you invite mould and leaks. This guide covers the tools, safe products, mould removal, re-proofing and storage.
What Do You Actually Need Before You Start Cleaning?
Get your gear together first. The canvas-safe cleaner matters most. Household cleaners can be harsh and strip the water-repellent coating that keeps you dry.
A soft brush matters just as much. Hard bristles slowly wear the canvas weave over repeated cleans.
| Tool / Product | Usage |
|---|---|
| Canvas-safe tent cleaner (brands like Nikwax and Grangers make them) | Cleans canvas without stripping the coating |
| Soft-bristle scrub brush | Scrubs fabric without damaging fibres |
| Garden hose with a gentle spray nozzle | Rinses the canvas panels |
| Two clean buckets | Keeps cleaning solution and rinse water separate |
| Microfibre cloths | Wipes seams, corners and zips dry |
| White vinegar (for mould) | Simple mould treatment for canvas |
| Re-proofer made for canvas or poly-cotton | Restores water repellency after a deep clean |
Should You Remove the RTT From the Car to Clean It?
For a basic clean, no. Open the tent on the vehicle in your driveway. The ladder gets you to every panel, and a garden hose handles most surface dirt. It takes about 30 minutes.
For a deep clean, mould treatment or full re-proofing, taking it off makes the job easier. You can work the seams properly and dry it at ground level. If you do it alone, see our guide on how to remove a roof top tent by yourself.
Weight matters here. The Nomad 1.4M weighs 72 kg, so it's the wrong pick if you plan to lift it off by yourself for every clean. Clean it on the car, or get help to take it off.
How Do You Do a Basic Clean After Every Trip?
After a long trip, it's tempting to skip this. But dust, moisture and bird droppings left on canvas turn small problems into expensive ones. A basic clean takes 20 to 30 minutes and needs no special tools.
Order matters. Water before brushing pushes dry dirt deeper into the weave. Always dry brush first, then use water.
Step 1: Set the tent up fully in your driveway. Open it all the way. A half-open tent hides the seams, corners and inner panels where moisture sits.
Step 2: Dry brush the whole canvas. Use a soft brush to sweep off dust, dirt, leaves and debris. Work from the top down.
Step 3: Check the canvas before rinsing. Look for bird droppings, tree sap, insect marks or early mould spots. These need their own treatment first.
Step 4: Pre-treat stubborn spots. Put a little canvas-safe cleaner on stained areas. Let it sit for five minutes before adding water.
Step 5: Rinse with a gentle garden hose. Use a soft spray. Work from the top down so dirty water runs away from clean sections. Never point a jet nozzle at canvas or seams.
Step 6: Mix your cleaning solution. Add a small amount of canvas-safe cleaner to a bucket of lukewarm water, as the label says. Don't use hot water.
Step 7: Scrub with a soft brush. Work the solution over all panels in gentle circles. Pay extra attention to seams, doors and the lower panels near the base.
Step 8: Rinse until the water runs clear. Leftover soap wears down the waterproofing. Rinse longer than you think you need to.
Step 9: Wipe the zips and poles with a damp cloth. This clears grit from the zip tracks before it causes jamming or corrosion.
Step 10: Leave it fully open to dry in the sun. Don't fold it down until the canvas is dry to the touch, including every seam and corner fold. On a warm day, a few hours of sun is usually enough.
How Do You Deep Clean a Canvas RTT That's Badly Soiled?
A deep clean deals with ground-in dirt, set-in stains, possible mould and worn waterproofing all at once. Do one about once a year, or after a trip through mud, red dirt or long wet weather.
Give it a full day, including drying time. Squeeze it into two hours and you'll likely pack the canvas away with moisture still trapped in the folds. That's how mould starts.
Step 1: Take the tent off the vehicle if you can.
Working at ground level gives you proper access to every surface, seam and underside panel. On a lifted 4WD, it's hard to reach everything from the ladder.
Step 2: Open the tent fully on a flat, clean surface.
Pick a spot with good light and drainage, like a concrete driveway or clean grass. Avoid gravel, which can scratch the base.
Step 3: Dry brush the whole tent well.
Take your time. Use a soft brush to remove all loose soil, leaves and dust before any water goes on. Red dust may need a few passes.
Step 4: Pre-soak the dirtiest sections.
For thick mud or ground-in red dirt, wet it with lukewarm water and let it soak for 10 minutes. This softens the dirt so you don't have to scrub hard.
Step 5: Apply a canvas-safe cleaner to all panels.
Mix the cleaner with lukewarm water at the ratio on the label. Apply it across the whole canvas, not just the dirty parts.
Step 6: Clean the seams and stitching carefully.
Use a soft toothbrush or small detailing brush along every seam. Seams collect dirt, moisture and mould spores, and a wide brush can't reach into them.
Step 7: Treat specific stains.
| Stain Type | Treatment | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bird droppings | Warm water soak first, then canvas cleaner | Soak 10 minutes, then soft scrub. Never dry scrape as it tears fibres |
| Tree sap or eucalyptus resin | Small amount of eucalyptus oil on a cloth | Dab gently, do not rub hard across the canvas |
| Red dust (outback dirt) | Several rinses, canvas cleaner soak | Needs patience and a few rounds, not hard scrubbing |
| Mud and clay | Full pre-soak, then scrub once softened | Never scrub dry mud as it wears the fibres |
| Mould and mildew | White vinegar 1:1 with water, 20 minute soak | Follow the full mould steps below as a separate job |
| General grime | Canvas-safe cleaner solution | Standard scrub and rinse |
Step 8: Rinse top to bottom with a low-pressure hose.
Rinse every panel well. Work from the highest point down so rinse water doesn't run over dirty sections.
Step 9: Rinse a second time.
Soap left in the fibres attracts dirt and wears down the waterproofing. Don't skip this on a deep clean.
Step 10: Clean the poles, base, ladder and hardware.
Wipe all poles and the base frame with a damp cloth. Check ladder rungs and mounting points for rust or corrosion. A thin coat of lanolin-based spray on metal parts helps stop corrosion.
Step 11: Do the bead test.
Once the canvas is clean, spray a little water on a few different sections. If it beads up and rolls off, the coating is still working. If it soaks in and the fabric darkens, re-proof the tent before your next trip.
Step 12: Re-proof if the bead test fails.
Use a re-proofer made for canvas or poly-cotton. Follow the label: some go on damp canvas, others on dry. Cover all panels evenly, and pay extra attention to seams, where waterproofing often fails first.
Step 13: Dry it fully open in the sun for six to eight hours.
A deep clean soaks the canvas more, so it needs longer to dry. Seams and folded corners hold moisture long after flat panels feel dry. Press your hand into every fold and corner. If it feels cool or damp, keep drying.
Step 14: Close it loosely and store it somewhere dry and airy.
Fold the canvas in loosely when you close the tent, without cramming it. If you store the tent off the car, use a breathable cover, never a sealed plastic wrap.
How Do You Remove Mould and Mildew From a Canvas RTT?
Mould is a common problem for roof top tent owners in Australia, mostly after wet season trips in Queensland or the Northern Territory. Early mould can usually be treated at home with these steps.
- Step 1: Set the tent up outside in the sun. Never brush mould off indoors, where spores spread.
- Step 2: Dry brush the surface mould off first. Use a soft brush and brush away from your face.
- Step 3: Mix a white vinegar solution. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Step 4: Spray the affected areas and wait. Soak the mouldy sections and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Step 5: Scrub gently with a soft brush. Work in small circles. Hard scrubbing pushes mould deeper into the fibres.
- Step 6: Rinse well with a garden hose. Rinse until the vinegar smell is gone and the water runs clear.
- Step 7: Dry it fully open in the sun. The canvas must be completely dry before packing. Sun and air help stop the mould coming back.
- Step 8: Check the waterproofing. Treatment can wear the coating. Do the bead test and re-proof the area if needed.
To stop it coming back, read our guide to condensation and mould in a roof top tent.
What Products Should You Use (and Which Ones Will Ruin Your Canvas)?
This is where most damage happens. Canvas looks tough, but the water-repellent coating on it is sensitive to harsh chemicals.
That coating isn't part of the fabric for good. It's a surface treatment, and strong cleaners like dishwashing liquid or bleach strip it. Once it's gone, water soaks in instead of beading off. A cleaner made for tent canvas cleans without stripping it.
| Product | Type | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas-safe tent cleaner | Canvas-specific cleaner | Cleans without stripping the coating |
| White vinegar diluted 1:1 with water | DIY mould treatment | Cheap and works on early mould |
| Re-proofer for canvas or poly-cotton | Water repellent treatment | Restores water repellency after cleaning |
| Re-proofer with UV protection | UV and water repellent treatment | Adds UV protection as well |
| Bleach | AVOID | Destroys the coating and breaks down canvas fibres |
| Harsh laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid | AVOID | Strips waterproofing and leaves residue |
| Petrol or kerosene | AVOID | Damages the fibres and coating |
Does Cleaning Strip the Waterproofing on Canvas?
It can. Harsh cleaners strip the water-repellent coating fast. Gentle canvas cleaners wear it far less, but every wash, plus sun, heat and dirt, wears it a little.
The bead test tells you where you stand. After cleaning, spray a little water on the canvas. If it beads up and rolls off, the coating is working. If it soaks in and the fabric darkens, re-proof it with a product made for canvas or poly-cotton.
How Do You Clean the Zippers, Mattress, and Other RTT Components?
The canvas gets the attention, but zips, the mattress and the floor need care too. Dirty zips jam or corrode. A dusty mattress can hold mould spores.
- Step 1: Brush the zip teeth first. Use an old toothbrush to scrub grit out of the teeth. Grit is a common cause of zip failure.
- Step 2: Wipe the zip tracks with a damp microfibre cloth. This removes fine dirt the brush misses.
- Step 3: Lubricate the zips. Use beeswax or a zip lubricant on the teeth. Don't use WD-40 or oil-based products. They attract dirt and gum up the zip.
- Step 4: Hand wash the mattress cover. If the cover comes off, hand wash it in cold water with mild detergent. Dry it fully before putting it back.
- Step 5: Freshen the foam with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the foam. Leave it for an hour, then brush or vacuum it off.
- Step 6: Wipe the poles, base and any aluminium parts. Use a damp cloth with a drop of mild soap. Dry everything straight away.
How Should You Dry and Store a Canvas RTT After Cleaning?
More canvas tents are ruined in storage than out camping. The rule is simple: if in doubt, dry it longer.
- Step 1: Open the tent fully. Don't dry it half-open. Open it all the way so air moves through every panel and seam.
- Step 2: Get as much canvas in the sun as you can. Move the car if needed. Aim for four to six hours on a warm day.
- Step 3: Check shaded panels halfway through. Move the car again so every part of the canvas gets sun.
- Step 4: Press your hand against seams and corner folds. If anything feels cool or damp, it needs more time.
- Step 5: Fold the canvas in loosely. A tight fold traps leftover moisture in the layers.
- Step 6: Keep it in a dry, airy space. Avoid sealed plastic covers and closed-up sheds. If it's off the car, use a breathable cover.
How Often Should You Clean a Canvas Roof Top Tent?
It depends on where you go, how often, and the weather. After every trip through dust, mud or rain, do a basic rinse and wipe down. It takes about 20 minutes and stops dirt setting into the fibres.
Red dirt from places like the Pilbara or the Gibb River Road is rough on canvas, so don't leave it sitting between trips. Planning that kind of trip? See our guide to roof top tent camping in the Kimberley.
If you camp often, do a proper scrub with a canvas-safe cleaner every two to three months and check for early mould. Once a year, do a full deep clean with mould treatment, zip care and a bead test.
If you camp in tropical Queensland or the Northern Territory in the wet season, clean and dry it after every trip. Humidity there speeds up mould growth.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Cleaning Their RTT?
Most of these are easy to avoid, and several cause damage you can't undo.
Mistake 1: Using bleach or harsh household detergent. This strips the waterproofing and weakens canvas fibres.
Mistake 2: Packing the tent away even slightly damp. This is the biggest cause of mould in roof top tents. A little leftover moisture inside a closed tent is all mould needs.
Mistake 3: Skipping the bead test. Without it, you won't know the coating has worn until the tent leaks on a rainy night.
Mistake 4: Using a pressure washer at full power. High-pressure water forces its way into seams and damages stitching. Use a gentle garden hose instead.
Mistake 5: Spraying insect repellent near the canvas. Some repellents, mainly ones with DEET, can damage tent coatings. Keep sprays off the fabric.
Mistake 6: Storing the tent under a non-breathable tarp. Plastic sheeting traps moisture and breeds mould. Use a breathable cover.
How Do You Clean a Poly-Cotton Roof Top Tent?
Many canvas roof top tents use poly-cotton, a mix of polyester and cotton. It breathes better than plain polyester, but the cotton can grow mould if it's packed away wet. The steps above suit it: gentle cleaner, soft brush, full rinse, full dry.
For example, the Nomad 1.4M uses 320gsm ripstop poly-cotton canvas with a 420 Oxford fly, rated PU3000mm waterproof and UV50+, with YKK zips. The 270° Awning 2.5M uses 280gsm ripstop poly-cotton, so you can clean it the same way.
What's the Easiest Way to Keep a Canvas Tent Clean?
Use canvas-safe products only. Rinse out every trace of soap. Never pack the tent away damp. Do the bead test and re-proof when water stops beading. And do a quick clean after every trip, not just a big one once a year.
Shopping for a canvas roof top tent? See the Nomad 1.4M hardshell roof top tent.
FAQs
Can I machine wash the canvas from my roof top tent?
No. A washing machine can damage canvas fibres and the waterproof coating. Hand wash with a soft brush, canvas-safe cleaner and lukewarm water. Rinse well and air dry fully in the sun.
How do I get rid of the musty smell inside my canvas roof top tent?
A musty smell usually means mould or mildew is growing. Treat it with equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray, leave it for 20 minutes, scrub gently, then rinse well. Dry it fully in the sun before you close it.
Is it safe to use a pressure washer on a canvas RTT?
Only on a very low setting, from a distance. High-pressure water forces into seams, breaks stitching and strips waterproofing. A garden hose with a gentle spray nozzle is the safer choice.
How long does a canvas roof top tent take to dry properly after cleaning?
On a warm day, allow four to six hours of full sun after a basic clean. After a deep clean, give it a full day. Press seams and corner folds to check for hidden moisture before packing it down.
Does canvas roof top tent waterproofing wear off over time?
Yes. Sun, dirt and cleaning all wear it down. Do the bead test now and then. If water soaks in instead of beading off, re-proof it with a product made for canvas or poly-cotton.
What is the best way to prevent mould on a canvas roof top tent in Australia?
Never close the tent damp for long. Dry it fully in the sun before you fold it away. Store it somewhere dry and airy, never wrapped in plastic. After trips through humid areas like Queensland or the Northern Territory, open it up and dry it as soon as you get home.
Can I use eucalyptus oil to clean my canvas roof top tent?
Only for tree sap and resin stains. Put a small amount on a cloth and dab the stain only. Don't spread it across the canvas, as large amounts can affect the coating.
