Tarps are heavily used in various industries and in everyday life to cover and protect different items. Whether it is a lumber tarp used to protect wood from the elements, a PVC transparent tarp with grommets for greenhouses or temporary shelters, or a PVC truck tarpaulin used to protect cargo during transport, moldy and discolored can be common problems. So what should you do if your tarp develops mold and discolors during storage?
Causes of Mold and Discoloration
Mold thrives in warm, moist environments. Outdoor tarps usually get uncovered to rain, dew, or excessive humidity. For example, lumber tarps are frequently used on building sites, where the timber would be damp, and the tarp is covering the wood, the best mold-growing condition. PVC transparent tarpaulin with grommets used in greenhouses can also suffer from the problem of mildew growth due to the high humidity found in greenhouses. PVC truck tarps are uncovered to many sorts of climates while in transit for long distances, and if they are not well dried after they have been wet, mold will begin to grow. Mold growth and sun exposure can cause discoloration. Over time, the sun’s ultraviolet radiation breaks down the chemical content of the tarp material, causing fading and colour change.
Prevention of Mold Growth and Discoloration
Proper Storage
Proper storage is essential for all kinds of tarps. After use, if the tarp is wet, it must be thoroughly dried out before being stored. For wood tarps, they can be rolled out in a well-ventilated area to enable them to dry completely. PVC transparent tarpaulin with grommets needs to be cautiously dried to avoid any stagnant water accumulating in the folds. PVC Truck Tarps must be stored in a dry area, preferably indoors, when they are not in use. If it has to be stored outside, it should be under a cover to protect it from rain and sunlight.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning can also reduce the possibility of mold growth. Lumber tarps ought to be cleaned regularly to eliminate dirt, sawdust, or debris that may accumulate and retain moisture. Cleaning can be done with a simple solution of mild detergent and water. PVC transparent tarpaulin with grommets for greenhouses, in particular, ought to be cleaned to remove any plant residue or dirt. Cleaning not only prevents mold, but it also gets the tarp looking better as well as providing it with a longer lifespan.
Treatment for Moldy and Discolored Tarps
Removing Mold
If there is mold on a tarp, you need to act quickly. For lumber tarps, a mixture of bleach and water can be used. The proportion is about one part bleach in ten parts water. Brush the solution onto the moldy area and scrub gently. For PVC tarps, such as PVC transparent tarpaulin with grommets and PVC Truck Tarps, use bleach carefully since bleach destroys the PVC material. For these PVC tarps, though, use a mild mold remover that is specially designed to be used on plastics. Scrub the moldy spot thoroughly and then hose the tarp off with clean water.
Dealing with Discoloration
For discolored tarps, if the discoloration is caused by sunlight exposure, there are special tarp restoration products on the market. These products can restore a portion of the original color and appearance of the tarp. For wood tarps, you can use tarp cleaners and restorers according to the product instructions. For PVC transparent tarpaulin with grommets and PVC Truck Tarps, make sure to choose a restoration product that is compatible with PVC. In the case where the discoloration is very widespread, recovery of the original color can become a problem, but such products will be able to restore some color.
In conclusion, regardless of the type of PVC tarp, taking steps to prevent mold and discoloration and knowing what to do when problems arise can help ensure that the tarp performs effectively for a longer time.By keeping it stored properly, cleaning it regularly, and using proper disposal methods, the life and usefulness of a tarp can be significantly increased. Feicheng Tongfa is a PVC tarp producer with many years of export experience. If you want to buy the tarp, please do not hesitate to contact us.
