How To Take Care of Your Shipping Container (5 Simple Tips)

As a homeowner or business owner, you may have invested in a shipping container for storage or other purposes. These sturdy, reliable containers can be a cost-effective solution for a variety of needs, but they do require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition. Taking care of your shipping container is essential to protecting your investment and ensuring its longevity.

Here are 5 tips of how to best take care of your shipping container:

1. Keep It Clean

Shipping containers are exposed to a variety of weather conditions and can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris over time. Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining the appearance and function of your container.

Start by removing any visible dirt or debris from the exterior of the container. Use a pressure washer or hose to blast away any caked-on dirt, and then use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn grime.

If you have a container with an interior, be sure to also clean the inside of the container. This may involve sweeping or vacuuming the floor and wiping down any surfaces with a mild cleaning solution.

2. Protect Your Container Against Rust

One of the biggest challenges with shipping containers is rust. These containers are made from Core-ten steel, which is designed to surface rust only,but  it is still susceptible to rusting when exposed bare metal to moisture.  If you notice any bare metal exposed from a new deep scratch or dent, simply clean the area and apply a coat of exterior paint on the exposed area.  

 

If rust has already formed on your container, you can remove it using a wire brush or sandpaper. Once the rust is removed, be sure to apply an exterior metal paint to prevent it from returning.

3. Repaint as needed

Shipping containers are painted with a exterior metal paint to prevent rust.  Over time, however, the paint can wear away, leaving the container vulnerable to rust and other damage.

To protect your container, repaint it as needed. This may involve pressure washing  the surface of the container to remove dirt, any loose paint or rust, and then applying a new coat of paint. Be sure to use a paint that is specifically designed for use on shipping containers, as this will provide the best protection. We recommend a paint you can buy at Home Depot or Sherwin Williams and it's called DTM (direct to metal). They can even custom match your container's color as needed. 

4. Repair any damage

Shipping containers are built to be sturdy and durable, but they can still suffer from damage over time. If you notice any holes, or other damage to your container, be sure to repair it as soon as possible. Small holes can be easily repaired with a ISO certified patch that is very easy to apply and is a permanent solution.

If the damage is too extensive to repair on your own, you may need to hire a professional to handle the repairs.

5. Protect against pests

Shipping containers are often used for storage, which can attract pests such as mice and insects. To prevent pests from taking up residence in your container, be sure to keep it clean and free of food and other attractants.

If you do notice signs of pests, be sure to address the issue as soon as possible. This may involve using traps or other pest control methods to eliminate the pests, and then taking steps to prevent them from returning.

Bonus Tip: Get High Quality Containers

The easiest way to take care of your container is to buy a high quality container in the first place. ContainerOne has you covered in this department, specializing in delivering high quality containers across America. The process is simple, select the type of container you are looking for as well as the area you live in and ContainerOne will match you with the best container for your needs.

Get a free quote in seconds: www.containerone.net