8 Do’s & Dont’s Of Storing Your Commercial Canopy Tent

Commercial canopy tents are a common sight at trade shows, outdoor fairs, markets, and promotional events. The durability and versatility of the tent’s materials make it appropriate for all your business needs when you’re looking to promote or brand a business venue to draw people’s attention. Like the setup, proper storage is just as important. Without the right practices in place, even the most durable 10’x10′ custom tent can be damaged with different kinds of wear and tear that will shorten its life and change its reliability during important events. Knowing how to store canopy tents can keep them in good condition until the next time you use them, resulting in less time wasted, less money spent, and less hassle in the end.

Essential Do’s & Don’ts For Proper Tent Storage

1. Do Clean The Tent Before Storage

Before storing away your tents, especially food vendor tents, clean them very well. Leftover food products, spills, and moisture create stains and attract pests, and the moisture may even lead to mold growth. The materials of your fabric and equipment can deteriorate faster if they have been exposed to oils, sauces, or beverages if not cleaned before storing them. Always remember to wipe the canopy fabric down with a mild soap or water solution, rinse it off with clean water, and completely dry it before you store it. Cleaning maintains the appearance of the tent and protects the strength and function of the material.

2. Don’t Store While Damp

One of the biggest errors made when putting a tent away is folding the canopy before it has become fully dry, trapping moisture in the folds of the fabric and creating mildew, bad smells, or even ruining the fabric forever. Moisture can cause the tent’s metal frame to corrode, especially if it is made of steel. Make sure that both the fabric and frame are dry before putting them in a storage bag or container. Air drying in the shade is best, as prolonged and repeated exposure to direct sunlight can weaken the supporting coatings of the material.

3. Do Use Proper Storage Bags Or Containers

When not in use, canopies must be stored in bags or boxes that are both heavy-duty and appropriate to avoid risks from dust, pests, and inadvertent damage. Most commercial tents come with durable storage bags with additional protection, but if replacements need to be bought, make sure those choices are heavy-duty too. A storage bag protects from scratches and keeps the fabric folded, preventing zippers and seams from tearing. If canopies will be stored long-term, such as in a warehouse or garage, the safest bet is to utilize waterproof bins or sealed containers for maximum protection from the unknown elements.

4. Don’t Leave The Tent In Extreme Temperatures

Extreme heat or cold can cause serious damage and have an effect over time on custom canopy tents. Extreme heat may cause the fabric to shrink or the protective coatings to degrade. Extreme cold can make the vinyl or polyester brittle. Continued humidity can contribute to rust or mold. The best approach is to store the tent in an environment that is cool and dry while maintaining a stable temperature. Any business that frequently transports tents from one location to another should always seek climate-controlled storage as an option.

5. Do Inspect The Tent Regularly

Tents need to be inspected from time to time, even when stored. If a tent has a minor issue like a broken zipper, a small tear, or a bent pole, it can worsen quickly if neglected. When you inspect the tent periodically, you have the opportunity for early detection or repair before the next use. The same holds when the tent is decorated with graphics or branding. Additionally, checking for fading or peeling allows the opportunity for touch-ups that can occur well before its next use. A well-maintained tent represents professionalism, dependability, and reliability among vendors and their events. Even if it is only a habit to inspect periodically, you will be glad you did!

6. Don’t Fold Improperly

Folding incorrectly can put undue strain on seams and fabric. For example, don’t force the canopy fabric into the bag; instead, properly fold it along the seams it naturally makes. This alleviates added stress and ensures that it is easy to unpack next time. The same thing applies to frames; if there are any loose clip-in parts, make sure they don’t get bent or broken during collapse and packing. Establishing a consistent folding habit allows a business to save valuable time during setup.

7. Do Store Accessories Separately

It is important to keep stakes, ropes, sidewalls, and lighting accessories separate from the canopy and frame. They can puncture, scratch, or tangle the canopy and frame. Use labeled containers or pouches to keep those accessories organized and easy to find. Using accessories in containers or separate pouches will also prevent sharp or heavy objects from wearing and damaging the canopy fabric. If your accessories are organized, your assembly will go faster than looking for everything separately. This is valuable if you are in a busy trade show or if you are at an outdoor event.

8. Don’t Overlook Safety Precautions During Storage

Last, but certainly not least, we cannot forget about safety. Large tents can be heavy, and if stacked incorrectly or placed improperly, they can be hazardous to people and property. Frames should always be stacked as upright as possible, and canopy fabrics should never be placed under heavy, sharp objects, which could cause permanent creases or tears. Keeping your storage areas organized, secure, and dry will reduce safety risks and maximize the lifetime of your tents.

End Point

Best storage practices are important to ensure your canopy tent is stored properly. Cleaning and drying the tent before storing, organizing accessories, and avoiding extreme temperatures are just some of the ways you can ensure your canopy tent’s durability and appearance. Following these do’s and don’ts ensures that a business will have its canopy tents stored correctly and always ready for use, projecting professionalism and reliability to customers at every event.