Assuming you’ve already made the decision to invest in a shipping container, congratulations! You’re on your way to reaping the many benefits that come with owning or hiring one of these multi-functional products.

Here at Shipping Containers Australia, our containers and services take a lot of the hard work out of shipping, storage, and other projects. However, there are still a few things you need to do in order to ensure that your shipping container continues to work properly and stay in good condition. With just a little effort on your part, you can keep your container in tip-top shape for a long time to come.

Here are a few tips for simple shipping container maintenance:

1. Keep it clean

This one should be pretty obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. Just like any other type of investment, you’ll want to regularly clean your shipping container in order to maintain its value. Sweeping and dusting with a vacuum or leaf blower is a good way to start, while checking around for any corrosive residue or mould. Aside from this, make sure you power wash your container on a regular basis.

2. Check for rust

Even high quality shipping containers made out of corten steel are still susceptible to rusting over time. Rustproof paint is another measure you can take that prevents corrosion to an extent, but no matter how rust proofed your container is, it’s always a good idea to check for signs of rust when you get a chance. If you catch it early and treat it with a good steel cleaner, you can usually fix it before it becomes a major problem.

3. Inspect the doors and windows

When the doors and windows of your shipping container aren’t functioning properly, you lose time and effort, as well as risking the safety of its contents. To make loading or using your container as quick and easy as possible, inspect the doors and windows regularly. This includes all moving parts and the rubber gasket on doors, as these need to be in good shape to keep your container both weather and pest proof. You can use lubricating spray to keep everything moving smoothly.

4. Keep an eye on the floor

Because shipping containers are often used for transporting or storing heavy items, it’s no surprise that the flooring may see some wear and tear after a while. Flooring can even start to sag or become uneven due to heavy loads, and this may cause problems when trying to load or unload cargo. If you notice any problems with the floor of your container, be sure to have it repaired as soon as possible so the issue doesn’t get any worse.

5. Store properly

When you’re not using your shipping container, it’s important to store it properly. This means keeping it in a dry, shady area. If possible, you should also cover the container with a tarp or similar material to protect it from the elements. This is especially true if your container has any electrical systems inside, such as a refrigeration unit, as faults in these systems will require the services of qualified technicians.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your shipping container functional and save on the cost of repairs for many years to come. If you have any questions, or want to check out shipping containers for sale in your area, feel free to call the team at Shipping Containers Australia on 1300 284 896. Our friendly experts have experience in maintaining all kinds of shipping containers, and we’re always happy to help!