Why Should Containers Be Cleaned Before Use?
Shipping containers are hardy, international travellers. Before a container runs out of use, it would’ve carried a whole range of cargo that can be as harmless as children’s soft toys or hazardous as fertilizers or pesticides. Before we analyze how to clean shipping containers, let’s first determine why they require cleaning and maintenance.
- As they travel, containers are subjected to harsh weather elements on the seas. They come into contact with allergy-inducing pollen, harmful liquids, and materials.
- Containers are handled by many people during the loading and unloading process. Some of them might be carriers of contagious pathogens.
- Not all container yards are clean and safe. There is always the risk of rodents getting into open containers and contaminating them.
- Dirty containers will foster the growth of harmful fungi, bacteria, and mold and they can be very harmful to the crew that comes into contact with them during the loading and unloading of cargo.
Shipping Containers in Dubai: How To Clean Them
Cleaning a freight container is done in several steps:
Sweeping
Sweeping is the first step to get rid of all the dust and dirt inside the container. A sturdy, heavy-duty broom is required for this job. The most effective way is to start from the back of the container and work your way to the front. After a thorough sweeping is done, a vacuum cleaner can be used to suck up minute dust particles that will make the next step easy.
Pressure washing
An ordinary hose will not be enough to get the grime and dirt out of the container. What we require is a powerful pressure washer. It is imperative to wear safety goggles for eye protection while using a pressure washer.
As always, cleaning starts from the back of the container, and care is taken to see that the corners and ceilings are subjected to a thorough wash. Pressure washing makes container repair in Dubai more simple because it exposes all the dents in the container walls.
Once the interior is properly washed out, the exterior should also be pressure washed to perfection.
Meticulous Inspection
After a proper wash, the entire container must be carefully inspected for dents, damages, and rust. If left unattended, these damages can weaken the body of the container and render them useless. Small holes can be easily repaired using a wire brush. Bigger repairs might require welding.
Rust can effectively be treated with vinegar and aluminium foil.
Cleaning with sandpaper
A medium grit sandpaper or belt sander will remove peeling paint, rust, and stubborn stains. Again, this process must cover the entire container and should be done only when the surface is thoroughly dry. The breather vents need extra care to see that they are not clogged.
Painting
A good coating of primer paint is absolutely necessary to restore the look of the container. Primer paint protects the surface from corrosion and harmful salty seawater.
Gulf International is a leading company that deals with container repair in Dubai. We recommend an exterior and interior coating of paint to further strengthen the body of the container.
Quick Tips For Container Cleaning In Dubai
- Containers can come loaded with sophisticated auto parts or loads of recyclable garbage. Smelly containers are very unpleasant to work with. An easy way to get rid of the stench is to use cheap ground coffee. Spread it evenly on the floor of a freshly cleaned container and keep it closed for a day. The coffee granules absorb all the unwanted stench and leave the container smelling good.
- Mold occurs when there is condensation inside the container. Gulf International, the top-notch company for container modification in Dubai, recommends proper ventilation and insulation to prevent mold from growing inside the container.
- Use the right material to package the goods that go into the container. Wooden pallets, cardboard, and cartons can all contribute to moisture release that will make the environment conducive for mold growth.
Gulf International is well-known in Dubai for all services with shipping containers. Our expert team will help you and keep you well-informed with anything that has to do with containers. Take your business to the next level. Allow us to help you!
