Our Guide To The Maintenance Of Tent Tarpaulin

How To Properly Clean And Care For A Tent Tarpaulin

Tent tarpaulins that have been coated with polyvinyl chloride are not only excellent at resisting water and fire but are also unlikely to tear thanks to their superior strength. Despite their durability and longevity, however, these tarps do eventually wear out over time. To help them last as long as possible, it is important to provide them with proper care and maintenance.

Understanding The Tent Tarpaulin Manufacturing Process

Taking a closer look at how tent tarpaulins are made can give you a much better idea of how to properly care for them.

The vast majority of tarpaulins that are used for providing tent roofs are designed from a synthetic fiber that has been coated on both sides with a special PVC coating. The coating is made up of colloidal particles of PVC that have been dissolved and then applied using a special application process known as blade coating. This PVC coating is what makes these tarpaulins capable of withstanding water, wind, corrosion, mildew, and exposure to the sun. In order to protect the coating, the tarpaulins should never be exposed to highly acidic liquids when they are being cleaned or stored.

Cleaning Tent Tarpaulins That Have Been Coated With PVC

Begin the cleaning process by finding a level area where you can spread the tarpaulin out so that it lays flat. Check the area for any sharp or pointy objects, removing them before laying out the tarpaulin so that they don’t cause any punctures or tears. Make sure the ground is totally clear by using a broom to sweep away any gravel, dirt, or debris.

Next, apply a cleaning product that is safe for use on PVC-coated tarpaulins. In many cases, the best option is to use water, simply because it won’t damage the protective coating. Alternatively, you can look for a cleaning product that has a neutral pH or that is specifically designed for cleaning tarpaulins.

If you have a particularly large tarp, you may even want to consider hiring a cleaning service to handle the cleaning process for you.

Once you have gently scrubbed away any dirt or grime, you should then use clean water to rinse away any of the residues. Make sure that all of the cleaning products have been thoroughly removed to keep them from damaging the surface of the roof over time.

Allow the tarpaulin to thoroughly dry in the open air. Once it is dry, fold it up neatly and put it away in storage. Make sure that it is kept in a room that is dry and that has adequate ventilation. You should avoid storing tarps in rooms that are exposed to direct sunlight or that get exceptionally hot.

Taking the time to periodically clean a tent tarpaulin can help keep it in great shape for an exceptionally long period of time. The better job you do of cleaning and maintaining your tarps, the longer they will last. Not only that but regular cleaning can also keep the tarpaulins looking great so that they continue to present an attractive, professional appearance.

If you are in the market for a tent or a temporary storage warehouse, contact us or call today for a quote. TWS is proud to provide high-quality storage solutions at affordable prices.