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What Cleaning Products Are Safe to Use on A Shipping Container?

The world has seen a rise in the use of shipping containers for reasons other than transporting cargo around the world, with an increase in uses such as for storing goods, garden studios, restaurants and cafes and garages. With these additional uses, we are seeing an increased need to keep them clean and in really good condition.

Intermodal’s aren’t the same as a brick and mortar building – or shed or almost any other premises. It is made from steel to start with. You need to bear this in mind when you are considering how and when to clean yours.

Cleaning Considerations

Depending on what you are using it for, different degrees of cleaning will be required. For example, if you are using it as a space to prepare food or drink you will need to have a much higher level of hygiene than if you are using it to store a plant or machinery.

You should also take into consideration the fact that your unit is made from steel and its biggest enemy is rust. It is important, therefore, to both limit the possibility of instigating or speeding up the corrosion process, as well as ensuring that rust is dealt with as quickly as possible if you notice it.

Just as with any other space the best way to keep it in a good state of cleanliness is to clean little and regularly.

How to Clean Your Container

If you are going to buy a shipping unit and customise it yourself, it is important that you first clean it properly before you begin to fill it. To properly clean you should:

  1. Give it a thorough sweep, paying special attention to the corners and ensuring that you also brush around the ceilings. This will not only remove dust and dirt, but will also show up any areas which need to be repaired.
  2. Wash the inside and outside with a hose – or if possible, a pressure washer, to get to the bottom of stubborn dirt. Once that you have washed it, make sure that you allow it to dry properly to avoid the potential for rust forming.
  3. Repair any rust with rust remover and block up any holes that you might have. If it is a small hole you can use a roofing sealant but if it is bigger you might need to weld a piece of steel over the hole to seal it.
  4. Make sure that all rust and other damage is repaired before you decorate or customise it further.

Cleaning Products

If you are looking to use products, there are no particular rules about what you can and cannot use. As long as a product is suitable for use on steel you are fine to use it on the steel areas, and when cleaning other furniture or objects inside. You need only ensure that the products are suitable for those materials.

You should also be aware of ventilation. Some cleaning products are not healthy if inhaled by people so you should check the guidelines for the cleaning products. Make sure that you have adequate ventilation before you use these products if this is the case.

Ensuring that it is kept clean is just as important as it would be if it was a ‘conventional’ building. It is important, however, that you are aware of the fact that it is made from steel and use the appropriate cleaning products.

Let S Jones provide you with the right solution for all your container needs. Whether it be for hire, sale and conversion we have got one to suit every budget and situation!

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0800 1954 538