Tarpaulins or tarps are waterproof materials that are made from canvas or plastic material. They shield cars, boats, lumber, equipment, etc., from rain, dust, sun, and other elements of harsh weather. Tarpaulin sheets are relatively long-lasting if properly maintained and cleaned. Here are some considerations on how to maintain the tarp cover properly.
Wash Off Loose Debris
To start with, one has to remove any twigs, leaves, or any other loose materials on the tarp. With a hose or pressure washer, start with the outer side of the tarp and wash towards the middle. This helps to remove dust and dirt that may have accumulated on the surface of the clothes. Make sure you also look under the edges. Any object which remains underneath this tarp may scratch or puncture it in some way.
Make a Cleaning Solution
In a bucket, pour water, mild dish soap, and white vinegar into it. One cup of vinegar and a few squirts of soap for one gallon of warm water. The soap cuts grease. The vinegar disinfects, removes, and kills the bacteria on the surface of the fabric.
Rinse gently with a soft brush
After preparing the cleaning mixture, they should use a soft bristle brush to scrub the cleaning mixture onto the tarp. Use it on areas that are either dirty or stained. Allow it to stand for 10-15 minutes. This allows the solution to dissolve and suspend the dirt for some time, depending on the type of material. Do not let it get stiff or dried up.
Rinse Well
Remember to wash off all the soap with clean water after scrubbing. As for the vinegar smell, this should disappear once the Heavy Duty Tarpaulin is thoroughly dry. One should wait until the tarp is thoroughly dry before folding it or placing a cover over it. If wet, they can support mold and mildew growth, which can be detrimental to the user.
Check For Holes, Tears
Walk around the tarp and look at all the areas including the seams and edges. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the garment for holes, cracks, or tears. It lets water from outside and this can ruin other things kept under the tarp. For small holes and tears, one should use a waterproof adhesive that is used when repairing tars and vinyl material.
Patch Bigger Holes
For any tear or hole with a length of more than two inches, apply a patch on the tarp. Take a rectangular piece of vinyl slightly larger than the rip in the fabric by two inches in all directions. Wash the area with soap and warm water and then clean it with rubbing alcohol. Using a vinyl repair cement, spread on one surface should be spread on another surface as well. When it is still tacky to the touch, then apply pressure onto the patch. Remove all bumps and creases on the surface to smoothen out the air bubbles.
Re-waterproof As Needed
Eventually, the sun degrades the waterproofing of the tarps and the coatings that are applied to them. To restore protection, purchase a tarp re-waterproofer at a home improvement or hardware retail store. Before applying the coating, it is also important to clean the tarp. Wear rubber gloves and make sure the area where you’re working is well-ventilated. This should be done by using thin layers to apply the paint and waiting for some time before applying the next layer.
Proper Storage
To store a tarp for the long term, first, wash it and ensure it is as dry as it can be before storing it. Keep it slightly open, do not iron it. Use wax paper between layers to avoid sticking to each other. It should be stored flat in a dry and cool place, preferably away from direct sunlight. Stay out of hot attics or damp garages. Check it periodically.
Conclusion
Nonetheless, given adequate maintenance, a good tarp can last you 5-8 years or even more depending on the quality. It also helps in avoiding the use of expensive tarp which is usually required when the existing one has been spoiled. Here are some basic tarp maintenance guidelines that you should follow. They are not time-consuming but make your tarps and covers last longer and even become more useful. Patch them when possible, and replace them when they become too worn or damaged for patching.
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