How Often Should You Clean Your Shipping Container?

Shipping containers make great storage units for many reasons, from their sturdy design and weatherproofing to their spaciousness. However, if you want your shipping container to function as an effective storage method, one of the most important things to do is to keep it consistently clean.

Maintaining a clean shipping container is essential for the preservation of your stored belongings and the overall condition of the unit. Regular cleaning helps prevent dust, dirt, and debris from accumulating.

This can lead to items being damaged, especially sensitive things, such as clothing, furniture, and electronics. By keeping your shipping container clean, you will ensure that your things remain in good condition and are readily usable when needed.

Properly cleaning your shipping container decreases the chances of mould and mildew growth and deterioration of fabrics, papers, and wooden items. Mold and mildew thrive in dirty and damp environments.

Keeping your shipping container clean also helps prevent pest infestations, such as rodents and insects, which can chew through materials and form nests in your unit once they get in.

Finally, having a clean and organized shipping container facilitates better manoeuvrability, making it easier to find and retrieve things when needed.

How frequently does your shipping container require cleaning?

While there are several obvious reasons why keeping your shipping container clean is essential, you may be wondering what it takes to maintain an appropriate level of cleanliness in such a unit.

A big part of maintaining a clean shipping container has to do with how often you clean it. Of course, you may need to modify your approach according to the level of cleaning required in your specific unit. Generally, though, it is recommended that you perform a deep clean at least twice a year.

Just as you likely do a more thorough cleaning of your house in the spring and fall, cleaning your shipping container twice a year will help ensure you avoid the issues outlined above that can stem from a dirty container.

However, it is also a good idea to conduct a general inspection of your container whenever you visit it. If you do notice issues such as dust buildup or the development of mould or mildew, you should do some spot-cleaning as you see fit. 

The formation of rust could be another indication that your container is dirty, as the more dirt there is in a shipping container, the more moisture is likely to build up. Once rust starts to form, it can affect the integrity of your unit, so correcting this situation immediately is essential.

What is the best method for cleaning a shipping container?

You may be familiar with various methods for cleaning your home or your car, but what is the best approach to cleaning a shipping container? There is a distinct process for thoroughly cleaning shipping containers that ensures no nooks and crannies are missed.

The following are the steps that you should take when you clean your shipping container if you want to achieve optimal results:

1. Get everything out

It is almost impossible to properly clean a shipping container when all of your belongings remain inside. Thus, first and foremost, you must remove everything from within the unit. Make sure that you are careful as you unload things from your shipping container so as not to damage them or hurt yourself.

While you clean, find somewhere to store these things where they will be kept safe and dry. The last thing you want is for anything to get wet, as bringing that moisture back into the container could lead to mould formation, rendering your efforts useless and creating more problems.

2. Sweeping

Once your shipping container has been emptied, begin sweeping down the walls of the interior of the unit to remove any dust and debris. Then, you can move on to the floors. Make sure that you keep the doors of the shipping container open as you sweep, and start at the back, sweeping towards the front.

3. Scrubbing it down

Next, find a scrubbing broom and a large bucket. Fill the bucket with warm water and heavy-duty soap, and then scrub every surface inside and outside the shipping container. This step will surely get rid of any dirt and grime that has built up over time.

4. Pressure washing

Finally, use a pressure washer to rinse the interior and exterior of the shipping container. The pressure of the water should remove any remaining tough stains or dirt. If you do not have access to a pressure washer, simply use a hose instead.

After your rinse is complete, give the container enough time to dry before putting your belongings back inside. Leave the doors open so that air can circulate in and out. Wait a day or two, double-checking to ensure it is completely dry, especially the interior, before you load everything back in an organized manner.

How Sigma Container Corporation Can Help You Find a Clean, High-Quality Shipping Container

The tips mentioned above are incredibly valuable when you have a shipping container to store your belongings. If you have yet to acquire such a unit and are looking for one to purchase or a container to rent, Sigma Container Corporation has you covered.

We have one of Ontario’s fastest-growing fleets of rental shipping containers. So, no matter what type or size of container you require, we can meet your needs. All of our containers are made of corten steel and are clean and durable. They also feature weatherproof vents that prevent condensation buildup and secure padlock boxes to keep your things safe.

When you purchase or rent a container from us, we offer hassle-free direct delivery with our tilt-and-load trucks so that you can start using it right away. Our month-to-month rental terms are flexible to accommodate your requirements for either long- or short-term storage.

We even have rent-to-own options available so that you can work towards owning a container over time if buying one outright does not fit your current budget or plans. 

For more information about how you can get a container to rent from us or learn more about the types and sizes of shipping containers that we carry, call Sigma Container Corporation at 855-340-3342 or contact us here.