Shipping Container Care: What You Need to Know

So you just bought a shipping container and you’re planning on using it for storage. Or turning it into a tiny home. Or a home gym. Or an art studio, café, or pop-up shop. No matter what you’re using your container for, some basic maintenance will keep it in good shape for many years.This guide to shipping container care will give you some basic tips to keep your container clean and free of leaks and pests and explain how to prevent and treat some common problems you’ll experience with your container over time.

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Why Shipping Container Care Matters

Before shipping containers are sold to consumers, they are used to transport goods across the ocean. They are exposed to saltwater, temperature changes, and general wear and tear from being loaded and unloaded—conditions which can cause rust, holes, dents and dings, and doors that can be difficult to open. Without basic maintenance, these minor issues can grow into major problems.

The Basics of Shipping Container Care: Cleaning and Inspecting Your Container

Regular cleaning of the area on top of and around your container is a must for effective shipping container care. Use a broom or leaf blower to keep these areas free of leaves and debris which can trap moisture and speed up corrosion. Use old towels to dry up any standing water that may have pooled on the roof.

Routine inspections of your shipping container are also important. Check your container regularly for small patches of rust that can develop into holes. Check the door gaskets for signs of damage or wear. Make sure the vents aren’t blocked and the floor isn’t showing signs of moisture damage.

Rust Prevention and Treatment

During inspections, keep an eye out for early signs of rust and treat it with rust converters or inhibitors. This proactive approach will extend the life of your container and save you money in the long run. If a hole does develop on a container you’ve purchased from USA Containers, reach out us and we’ll send you a repair kit as part of our lifetime wind and watertight repair kit.

To stop rust before it starts, consider painting the exterior with a marine-grade, direct-to-metal paint available from most major home improvement stores. This paint adds an extra layer of protection from the elements and prolongs the life of your shipping container.

Maintaining Doors and Seals

Properly sealed and maintained doors play a big role in keeping your shipping container wind and watertight. Over time, door gaskets can dry out and harden, compromising their ability to keep water out. Regularly lubricating the gaskets as well as the door’s hinges and handles is an important part of shipping container care.

Floor Care

The wood floor of your shipping container can wear down with regular use. Along with regular inspections, general maintenance will prolong the life of the wood. The floors can be cleaned with a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush or broom. Consider caulking the floors to provide an additional level of protection from bugs and insects that can make their way into the container through any gaps between the floorboards.

Ventilation

Keeping your shipping container properly ventilated helps to prevent condensation, mold, and corrosion. Install additional vents or use moisture-absorbing desiccants to keep humidity in check.

With regular shipping container care and maintenance, you’ll avoid having to make expensive repairs and your shipping container will last longer.  Click here to get an automated quote for a quality used or new shipping container with a lifetime wind and watertight repair kit from USA Containers.