How do you wash canvas?

Canvas bags are gradually being reintroduced. As well as being tough and reusable, canvas is also easy to clean. Some canvas bags are decorated with panels and ornaments that are not washable.

These must all be removed. If the bag has an internal frame to hold its shape, that also should be removed. Heavy stains should be treated separately before the bag is washed.

Thoroughly dampen the stain and use a soft scrubbing brush and a direct application of liquid detergent to try to remove the stain. Most canvas bags can be added as part of the normal wash load. Canvas colors are usually fast, so there is no danger of color runs or transfers.

If the canvas bag needs to be washed by hand, use a basin of warm water, a soft scrubbing brush and some soap. Soak the bag in the water and then scrub any stains with the scrubbing brush using a circular motion. A canvas bag can be hung on a clothes line and will dry quite quickly in the breeze on a sunny day.

I will now probably open a can of worms with what we have done on a number of times and has not effected our swags at all. Any swag that is made of canvas, is made from a natural product. The products ability to repel water has nothing to do with what it is coated in, but how the fabric is weaved and the grade of canvas used.

A good swag is made from canvas and not coated at all. The times that our swags have been in a need of washing is in times of wet weather and they get muddy. After the trip, I have stripped out the sway, opened it flat and used a pressure cleaner to clean it.

Leave the canvas to dry out of direct sunlight, make it up again and we have a new looking swag. We have had to do this a couple of times over the years and has not effected the water proof ability in any way. After all, it is only water.

Others may not agree with my method, it has worked for me and we are still using the same swags over 15 years later. Another thing that I have found, is where they are made. Ours were made right here in South Australia, using good quality canvas.

I have seen some swags that are made outside of Australia and I do not think that they will last the time, I could be wrong. I have also seen some very good swags that are made in Alice Springs. Like so many things, in the end you only get what you have paid for.

No can of worms each to there own but its not the norm I believe. • Thoroughly wet down new canvas prior to use to ensure sealing up of seams. • Remove dirt with a soft brush and cold water after use.

• Do not clean with soap, detergent, petrol, oil or solvents. • Ensure swag is completely dry before storage. • Do not store directly on concrete floors.

• Use Burke & Wills canvas reproofing solution on well worn areas. I replied in the other post also, and like you we are avid swaggers. Gertie - we also wash our swags when they've got muddy and agree its the quality of the canvas that makes the difference.

We have AOS swags made here in WA. I just looked up their website and see they have a page on canvas care - Link to canvas care Similar to above by warfer69 but suggest you look up the care tips for the brand you have. Always working not enough travelling!

I have always hosed down my swag canvas, never effected it. Still skids around in the back of the ute and stays dry. It must be at least 17 years old now.

Personaly Ive never washed any of my swags, a hose off when the dog cocked his leg on it, maybe air it out occationaly, thats about all. I always scrub my camp oven with hot soapy water though! How are things in the Alice, good I hope.

We also have washed the camp oven with hot soapy water, dry it thoroughly and then wipe it out and coat the inside and under lid with cooking oil. All good up here...Bloody cold though! You poor Ol Soul lol,Come down to Vic for a couple of months and FREEEZE your Bollocks orrrrff!