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Pop-up Cover and Awning Care
Keeping Your Pop-up Fabric in Tip Top Shape
"Taking care of that little 1/8” layer of fabric separating
you from the rest of the world may mean the difference
between a happy or miserable camping trip. Don’t let your
spirits (and belongings) be dampened by the next rainstorm!
Keeping your camper’s exterior fabric in tiptop shape is a
SNAP when you follow these easy steps:
Determine the type of fabric that your pop up has
There are many different materials used in the industry
today, such as cotton, acrylic, polyester, vinyl or
laminated products, that all require different methods of
care. Check your owner’s manual to determine the particular
maintenance procedure for your tenting.
Keep it clean and dry
Mold and mildew are your pop up fabric’s #1 enemies. They
thrive on dirt, moisture and decreased airflow. Prevention
is KEY, because once it starts, it’s difficult to control.
ALWAYS store your pop up DRY. If packing up in the rain,
open up at home as soon as possible. Before storage, remove
any damp items or food from the interior. Check to make sure
all seals and caulking are intact. Never store your camper
covered with a tarp (unless it is tied up like a shelter)
because it will impede airflow. Keep the tenting clean by
lightly sweeping off loose dirt with a soft brush, and
washing with water and a sponge to remove any bird
droppings, campfire soot, leaves, etc. If necessary, use
non-lanolin laundry soap flakes for stubborn stains. Never
use detergents or bleach (unless your owner’s manual states
otherwise) which could ruin the water repellency and strip
the color. While camping, be careful to keep bushes and
vines away, since acid from some branches could harm the
fabric. Remember to avoid getting hair sprays or bug sprays
on the fabric, as they can also impair repellency and cause
staining.
Keep your pop up rodent free
Seal off entry points with steel or bronze wool. (Bronze
wool, available at marine supply stores, is more expensive,
but it won’t rust.) If the wool won’t stay in, use clear
mailing tape, which is sticky and water-resistant, to hold
it in place. You may need to crawl under your camper to find
any openings, such as around plumbing pipes. In addition to
shredding your tenting and screens, mice can gnaw through
electric wires and hoses. Some people say that putting
deterrents such as mothballs, aromatic cedar blocks, and
dryer sheets inside help. Most importantly, make sure to
remove all food and paper nesting material. Give your pop up
a thorough vacuuming after every trip.
Care for your awning
The secret to a long canopy life, like other materials, is
keeping it clean and storing it dry. While camping in the
rain, pitch your awning to one side to prevent water from
pooling on the fabric, causing damage or irreversible fabric
stretching. Always roll it up if heavy or prolonged wind or
rain is expected, or if you will be leaving it unattended.
(Damage by weather isn’t covered by most warranties.) A
general rule of thumb: If you are comfortable sitting
outdoors dining or reading the paper, then it is probably
safe to have your awning up. The concern with wind is the
up-lifting effect rather than the downward force; therefore
the greater the pitch, the more wind resistant the unit is.
CAUTION: make sure that when lowering or raising your
awning, it is extended high enough to clear the entry door!
For ease of operation, rub candle wax on all sliding
surfaces, and make sure the bracket screws attaching it to
the roof are tight.
Repair fabric problems as soon as they start
Despite your most caring efforts, mice may get by, holes may
occur, and rain may leak through. Don’t despair! Idaho
Canvas Products specializes in pop up fabric repair and
replacement, and products to help you do simple repairs
yourself. Since sewing can sometimes weaken fabric further,
there are patches and cements specifically formulated for
canvas, vinyl, plastic and screen. When it’s time to restore
your fabric’s repellency, use ONLY products recommended by
your pop up manufacturer. Never use products that will
change your canvas’s color or consistency. (Canvas
waterproofing products sold at home improvement stores are
NOT made for pop ups!)
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