Yurt Restoration at the Children’s Allotment, Oxford
Earlier this year we were asked to bring a yurt back to life at the Children’s Allotment in Oxford — and what a transformation it turned out to be.
The yurt was three and a half years old and had never been cleaned or reproofed in that time. The canvas walls were covered in graffiti and scrawl marks, the roof was green with algae. After years of exposure without any maintenance, it wasn’t the welcoming space it should have been — especially for a setting used by children.
The Cleanup Process
We worked through a careful, step-by-step treatment plan to restore the canvas without causing any damage:
1. Wet and Forget
Applied across the roof and walls to tackle the algae and greening that had built up over three and a half years. A gentle but effective treatment that breaks down organic growth without harsh scrubbing.
2. Soft Jet Wash
Just enough pressure to lift the remaining dirt and grime, but gentle enough to protect the canvas weave. It’s important not to use a high-pressure wash on yurt canvas — it can force water into the fibres and damage the material. We only used this method due to the short one-and-a-half-week window to clean the yurt. This method did speed up the process.
3. Fabsil Proofing
With the canvas clean and dry, we treated the entire surface with Fabsil to restore its waterproofing. After three and a half years without any proofing, this was long overdue — essential for any yurt living outdoors year-round.
4. Skylight Care
We reapplied sealant around the PVC needle holes and joint edges, and used specialist PVC care products to clean and protect the skylight panel — keeping it clear and watertight for years to come.
Before & After
The Result
The difference is remarkable. The canvas is back to its original bright colour, the graffiti is completely gone, and the whole space now looks clean, professional, and — most importantly — inviting for the children and families who use it.
This is a great reminder of why regular cleaning and reproofing matters. Left untreated for three and a half years, even a quality yurt canvas will deteriorate — but with the right care, it can be brought back to life.
Is Your Yurt Overdue a Clean?
We offer a full yurt cleaning and reproofing service — whether your canvas is looking tired, green, or weathered, we can bring it back to life. Get in touch to find out more.
