Marketers are busy people. Especially in small businesses, where they’re like a one-man (or woman) army. Right from creating content to actually posting stuff, they are responsible for everything. So, when the exhibition day is just around the corner, it’s only normal for them to focus on good presentation to make their presence count.
But what happens once the event is over? Sure, cleaning and storing a tent properly is a given, but what can be done about the white fabric going yellow? Or maybe the canopy print is slowly fading and it’s time to invest in a new frame?
If you feel that your booth hasn’t been performing well at events, it could be because you haven’t been paying attention to your 13×26 branded tent. Just as your car needs service from time to time, so does your event tent. A thorough cleaning regimen after every event will add years to your canopy’s life.
At Extreme Canopy, we’re big proponents of ‘prevention is better than cure.’ Your custom event tent needs regular upkeep and maintenance. This will help maintain its finish and keep it fit for years of frequent outdoor use.
For instance, a bi-monthly or quarterly frame and fabric audit is a must for your tent. We advise our customers to take out their canopies from the storage every few months and look for any mold, tears or loose nuts and bolts. The sooner these trifles are taken care of, the better. Afterall, nobody likes staring at a big hole on the canopy roof of their 13×26 custom tent while they’re at the tradeshow venue.
In this article, we’ll look at how you can keep your canopy functioning at its optimum.
- Dismantle the canopy carefully.
When disassembling your canopy, ensure that all leg pins and locking mechanisms are released and disengaged. This will prevent the frame from getting damaged. It is advised that you dismantle the canopy with the help of another crew member.
2. Always fold along the creases.
If you want your 13×26 branded tent to retain its natural shape, always try folding the fabric along the already existing creases. A rightly folded canopy can also be stored easily inside its carry bag, without you having to stuff it forcefully. Also, make sure to dismantle your tent as soon as the event is over. The fabric will provide you with a longer life if its carefully disassembled and stored properly.
3. Be on the lookout for damaged parts.
Like I said, a regular audit to find broken or missing parts is absolutely critical to keeping your 13×26 tent as good as new. Start off by inspecting the frame for possible bents or broken joints. Tighten and lubricate all screws and bolts and don’t forget to inspect the truss bars, foot pads, brackets and push pin locking mechanism for any damage.
4. Use a stain repellant to keep stains away.
You can use a stain repellant like Scotchguard to the top of your 13×26 tent. Scotchguard is easily available at Walmart, Target or Amazon and does a fine job of preventing dirt, grime stains and water penetration inside your canopy.
5. Clean and wash the fabric periodically.
Never store a dirty canopy.
After dismantling the canopy, clean it using warm, soapy water. Most dish detergents will remove heavy deposits. You can use a wet cloth to wipe the frame and legs. Don’t use bleach, it could discolor the fabric. Remove the soap suds completely before leaving the canopy for drying.
6. Don’t store a wet canopy.
Whether it rained at the event or you’ve just washed your canopy, ensure that the fabric and frame are completely dry before you pack them up inside their bags. This will prevent any mold or mildew from accumulating. Stretch the fabric out on a clothesline to dry.
7. Never use abrasive agents to clean your canopy.
Harsh cleaning agents often contain strong chemicals such as chlorine that can react with the canopy paint and compromise the fabric. Only use mild detergents or natural cleaning agents to clean your tent. Also, while commercial laundry mats are great, they’re not always the best way to clean tent fabrics. Hand washing the tent with warm water and cleanser is strongly recommended.
8. Canopy weights are indispensable.
When using your 13×26 custom tent outdoors, make sure to stake it down or use canopy weights. This will prevent the tent from being blown away. There are a variety of tent anchors available. For soft, grassy ground, spikes or stakes work best. For an indoor setup, concrete or asphalt surfaces, water weights or sandbags work best, keeping the structure from moving slightly.
9. Stay alert to weather changes.
Slight rains or gentle breezes are fine, welcome even. But the design of an outdoor canopy is such that it becomes susceptible to being blown away in strong winds or water logging during excessive rains. Before proceeding to set up your tent outdoors, make sure to read or watch the weather forecast.
It is not advisable to use your canopy during thunder storms.
10. Remember to train your staff.
Training your crew members in using and maintaining a 13×26 tent goes a long way in prolonging its life. Walk them through the installation, cleaning, storage, transportation and dismantling of the frame canopy. Also share tips on preventing excessive load on the frames or identifying and repairing wear and tear.
This 10-point checklist has been prepared in consultation with our experts, drawing upon the experiences of customers and business owners with whom we interact every day. Hopefully, you can end your search for a new 13×26 branded tent with these tips and continue loving your current canopy. Want to own one? Give us a call at 844 243 6981 or visit our store to place your order.
