Your custom canopy tent is more than just a tent; it is a billboard, a command center for all your operations, and quite often the point of first contact that potential customers will have with your company. No matter whether you are manning a busy trade show event, a farmers market event, or a corporate outdoor event, the state that your tent is in matters greatly to your professionalism.
A bright, attractive canopy encourages potential guests to enter, but a dirty, creased, or damaged tent can convince them to head in the other direction. Investment-worthy, high-quality tents made for commercial use by reputable firms can endure the stresses associated with heavy usage. Despite the presence of quality care, caution must be taken so that commercial-quality tents remain unimpaired. The key to extending the life of the tent is a set of basic maintenance best practices.
Table of Contents
Expert Tips to Store and Maintain Your Canopy Tent Like A Pro
1. The Golden Rule: Never Store It Wet
If you can follow just one rule with regard to canopy tents, let it be this one: Never store a wet or damp 10×10 custom canopy tent.
Water is the enemy of canopy fabric, and keeping a wet tent is the most conducive place for mold and mildew to grow. Mildew can easily develop in the fabric of your canopy top. Mildew, also known as mold, creates black spots and gives off a strong smell, which is very hard to remove. Not to mention the fact that moisture can also weaken the water repellent layers in the canopy.
Or if you are forced to break camp and head home in the rain, it is imperative to rebuild the tent as soon as you get back to your facility or garage and allow the material to dry completely before you fold it for storage.
2. Clean Your Canopy Fabric
With time, your canopy top is bound to accumulate dust, bird droppings, tree sap, or even mud. Cleaning this top correctly plays a crucial role in retaining the bright colors of the custom graphics.
- Brush Off Loose Debris: Using a brush with soft bristles, you should remove loose dirt, leaves, and debris from the roof before you add water. If the dirt has water added to it, the dirt could turn into mud, making the task of roof cleaning more difficult for you.
- Use Mild Soap and Water: Do not use harsh chemicals, bleach, or powerful pressure washers. These will remove the UV- and water-resistant coatings from the material. Instead, mix warm water and mild dish soap.
- Scrub Gently: Gently scrub the fabric with a sponge or a soft-bristled brush. The scrubbing process should target the stained area, but not scrub so hard as to damage the fabric and the print.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Soap residue can attract dirt in the long run. Make sure you rinse the fabric thoroughly with a garden hose until the running water is clear.
- Air Dry: Allow the printed pop-up tent canopy to air dry completely, either mounted on its frame, weather permitting, or hung from a clothesline. Do not machine-dry canopy fabrics because exposure to high temperatures can shrink the canopy fabric and cause the seam tape to deteriorate.
3. Maintain the Frame
The frame of the tent is the skeleton of your dwelling, and even an aluminum or steel frame, while strong, can hardly be called indestructible. One can easily get stuck legs, rusty connections, or bent crosses if the tent frame is not taken care of properly.
- Wipe it Down: After each use, wipe down the legs and trusses of the frame using a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt and moisture. If you were near the beach, this is even more important since salt in the air will cause corrosion.
- Check Hardware: Every now and then, check the screws, bolts, and mounting brackets. Sometimes, when the printer is shipped, the hardware may work loose because the printer can vibrate a lot while in transport. Make sure loose screws are tightened so the printer does not become unstable.
- Lubricate Joints: If you notice that the bike frame is stiff while opening or closing the bike, apply silicone-based spray lubricant on the moving brackets. Never apply oil-based lubricant sprays such as WD-40 since the dirt particles may accumulate in the moving parts.
- Inspect for Damage: Before you pack it away, go ahead and give the trusses an inspection for any signs of bending or cracking. Trust me, it is very much worth it to go ahead and order a new part at this point because you do not want it to happen five minutes before the biggest event of the year, when the truss is broken.
4. Proper Storage Techniques
It is not more important to store your custom tent than to clean it, but it is equally important because storing a dirty tent can be one of the reasons why frames become bent, and materials get torn.
- Use the Protective Bag: It is always advisable to return the tent to its carrying bag or wheeled carrying case. The bags are made to compress the tent frame to a position where it cannot expand.
- Take Away the Top: If Advised. While it is possible to store the frame with the top on, taking the top off is generally the best way to store the structure. This helps prevent the material from being pinched by the scissors of the trusses, which are made of metal.
- Store Vertical: The tent should always be stored standing when possible. However, when storing the tent flat, make sure there are no heavy objects piled on top of it. This is because when a box full of heavy items is placed atop the aluminum structure, the tent is bound to bend or become useless.
- Environment Matters: Store the tent in a cool, dry environment. High temperatures, such as those found inside a car on a warm day, may damage the fabric coatings, and freezing temperatures may harden some plastic pieces.
Conclusion
Taking care of your canopy tent is crucial to protecting your staff and advancing your business venture. By dedicating some time per year to taking care of your canopy tent, you can rest assured that your display will be protected from the elements and remain a beautiful display that stands out in crowds for years to come. Whether you are operating a basic pop-up or a high-quality customized canopy solution, you must take care of your equipment to maximize your return on investment. Quality printed tents deserve quality care to maintain their vibrant appearance and structural integrity.