Storing your shelter properly is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance. If it is properly stored in between deployments, a robust shelter can last for decades, while improper storage can ruin the sturdiest of shelters. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for shelter storage, from cleaning and drying to folding and packing.
Keep your Shelter Dry and Clean
The most important thing in shelter storage is to keep it dry and clean! If a shelter is stored wet or even damp, mold will develop. It takes less than 48 hours (about 2 days) in humid and warm conditions for mold to grow on the fabric. And the mold doesn't just grow on the surface of the fabric, where it can be washed away, the mycelium also penetrates the PVC-coated fabric.
Mold can cause serious health problems such as asthma or allergies, including possible anaphylactic shock. For this reason, mold stains should never be ignored. It is therefore essential that the shelter is inspected before storage, cleaned, and completely dried. All items should be checked to ensure they are clean, dry, undamaged, and complete. If any irregularities are found, they must be rectified before storage.
Checking the Shelter Skin
Before storing away your shelter, it is advisable to visually inspect the entire fabric:
- Are there any cuts, holes, abrasions, or openings? Are there any open seams? Do the skin and floor need repair?
- Are there any stains from grass, oil, ballpoint pens, ketchup, etc. that need to be cleaned?
- Are there any sharp objects inside the awning that could damage the fabric?
- Check all moving parts such as zips by opening and closing them, looking for broken or corroded parts.
- Are all shelters in the correct packing bags? Visually inspect the bags for damage.
Checking the Aluminium Frame
- Does the frame need cleaning?
- Are any parts broken, deformed, or lost?
- Are all parts in the correct packing bags? Visually inspect the bags for damage.
Checking Accessories
- Count the accessories. Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer for the correct quantity.
- Clean the accessories if necessary. Pack them in the correct bag.
The shelter’s zips deserve a special mention. In general, zips do not require any special maintenance, but responsible use of the zips will prolong their life. Never try to tear the zip open with excessive force if it gets stuck. Here are some key instructions for the proper maintenance of your shelter’s zips:
- First, check that the zip is not dirty or blocked before using it.
- Always keep the zip as clean as possible. Remove particularly abrasive dirt such as sand from between the elements before moving the slider.
- Clean all parts with lukewarm, mild soapy water and a soft sponge/cloth. Always rinse completely with clean water and allow the air to dry.
- Do not use corrosive or abrasive cleaning agents.
- Avoid lubricating or greasing as this may cause dirt and dust to accumulate.
- If the zip is still sticking after cleaning, gently apply a little dry soap or a Teflon-based spray to the elements.
Storage Conditions
After inspection and repair work, if needed, store your shelter in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures, as these can damage the fabric and coatings. Ideally, the shelter should be stored in a warehouse where the ambient temperature is 64 - 70°F and the humidity is 60 - 65%. The storage area should have good air circulation and at the same time should not allow vermin to enter.
All items should always be stored in their bag, for a variety of reasons:
- The bags are designed to protect the contents as much as possible.
- The bags are labeled so you can easily find and remove what you need.
- Storage volume is reduced as much as possible.
- Nothing can get lost during storage and everything is complete for set-up.
Stackability
It is possible to stack the shelter skins or accessories on top of each other. However, some precautions are necessary:
- Always take care not to damage the packing bags.
- Ensure that the most fragile items are placed on top.
- Ensure that no item can fall during transport or storage. It could injure someone, damage itself, or something else.
If you plan on storing your shelter for a long time, it is advised that, instead of tightly packing your shelter, you should store it loosely in a breathable bag, ideally the shelter’s original packing bag. This allows the fabric to relax and breathe, preventing damage from being compressed for long periods. Use a bag or container to protect your shelter from pests like insects and rodents. Ensure the storage area is clean and free from food or other attractants. Keep your shelter elevated off the ground to avoid moisture and pests. Rotating its position periodically can also help maintain its shape and condition.
Conclusions
Proper storage is a crucial factor in ensuring long usage life for your shelter. Follow these guidelines to ensure your shelter is always in great shape and ready for deployment whenever the need arises.
If you are looking for a robust, low-maintenance rapid deployment shelter, contact us today!
