How to clean PVC coated tarps in 5 easy steps.

November 9, 2021

Wondering if tarps can be cleaned with regular cleaners?

Look no further, you've come to the right place. PVC-coated tarps are a good investment, and they help protect your belongings; so it's only natural to provide maintenance to keep them in good condition.

First, it's important to understand the properties of PVC-coated vinyl tarps.

These tarps have a polyester core at the core and a PVC coating on the outside; this property makes the tarps water, UV, mildew and fire resistant while making them flexible and easy to handle. Therefore, it is important to know that due to their chemical composition, they can be damaged if cleaned with abrasive substances.

Importance of cleaning tarps

Regular cleaning of the tarp will extend its lifespan and help prevent the buildup of environmental contaminants such as dirt and animal waste, as well as the buildup of mold and other substances that cause the tarp to deteriorate and age prematurely.

Preventive maintenance is essential to protect PVC-coated tarps as it slows down the degradation process and prolongs its optimal use.

Steps to clean the tarp

1. Spread the tarp on a flat, clean surface and water it

It's important to place the tarp on a clean, flat surface, removing any rocks or objects that might damage it. Once the tarp is unrolled, first spray water on it to remove any dirt or debris, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

2. Manually clean the tarpaulin with soft fibers without damaging the plastic film

If you find some stains that won't wash off with water, grab a soft fiber and dab the stain until it comes off. For this step, you can clean the tarp with a mild soap that doesn't contain any abrasives. Keep tarps away from any type of thinner or solvent.

3. Dry the material with fiber while cleaning

To avoid damaging the material, it's important to wipe off any excess water and not let the water sit for too long or it will affect the durability of the tarp.

4. Where there is a buildup of dirt, apply more pressure to remove the stain completely

When removing very strong bitumen or oil stains, use a water-based biodegradable degreaser or an aliphatic solvent to avoid damaging the tarp surface and making it a poorer finish. Never use solvents (acetone, thinner, mineral spirits) as this will damage the plastic film that exposes the polyester reinforcement, accelerating its degradation process; also avoid brushes and metal fibers.

5. When done, you can do a third pass with water to dry everything thoroughly before storing.

This last step is very important because if the tarp is not completely dry and some parts of it are wet when you store it, mold can grow on the tarp, affecting its durability and optimal use. Also, it's important to keep grease, dirt, and other feces from building up on the tarp to prevent expected deterioration.

Additional Care Tips:

To keep your tarp in top condition, it is recommended that you store it in a ventilated and dry place.

Do not step on the fabric with incorrect shoes while cleaning, as this may tear or damage the fabric.

Record the time you provide maintenance for the tarp. We recommend that you perform these steps at least every 6 months to prolong the durability of the tarp.