Keep your infield tarps in optimal condition with proper off-season storage and maintenance techniques. Learn best practices to extend the life of your athletic field covers.
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Seasonal Tarp Care: Offseason Infield Tarp Maintenance and Storage Best Practices
Why Proper Offseason Tarp Care Matters
Athletic field tarps represent a significant investment for any sports organization. When the playing season ends, how you maintain and store your infield tarps directly impacts their longevity and performance. Proper offseason care can add years to your tarp’s lifespan and ensure it’s ready when you need it most. At Hydration and Cooling, we understand that protecting your equipment investment goes hand-in-hand with maintaining your playing surfaces. Let’s explore the essential practices that keep your tarps in game-ready condition through the offseason months.
Pre-Storage Cleaning: The Foundation of Tarp Care
The first step in proper tarp storage happens before you even fold it away. Field tarps collect dirt, grass clippings, and moisture during the season. Storing a dirty tarp invites mold growth, material degradation, and even pest infestations.
Start by laying your tarp flat on a clean surface, preferably on your field where there’s plenty of room. Use push brooms to sweep away loose debris and dirt. For stubborn stains or ground-in dirt, a gentle cleaning solution of mild soap and water works wonders. Avoid harsh chemicals that might break down the tarp material or affect its water-resistant properties.
Once cleaned, thoroughly rinse your tarp with clean water to remove any soap residue. This step is crucial – soap residue can attract dirt and potentially damage the material over time. After rinsing, allow the tarp to dry completely on both sides before folding. Even slight moisture can lead to mildew and material degradation during storage.
Inspection and Repair: Addressing Issues Early
The offseason is the perfect time to thoroughly inspect your tarp for damage. Small issues can quickly become major problems if left unaddressed. Check carefully for tears, holes, weakened seams, and signs of material breakdown.
For minor tears, specialized tarp repair kits can extend your cover’s useful life. Many manufacturers offer repair materials designed specifically for their products. For substantial damage, consult with the manufacturer about professional repair services. Remember that UV exposure gradually weakens tarp material, so even without visible damage, older tarps may need reinforcement in high-stress areas.
Document your inspection findings to help track your tarp’s condition over multiple seasons. This record can help you anticipate when replacement might become necessary and budget accordingly.
Folding Techniques That Prevent Damage
How you fold your tarp can significantly impact its condition during storage. The goal is to minimize stress on the material while creating a manageable package. For large infield tarps, gather a team to help with the folding process – dragging heavy tarps can cause stretching and abrasion.
Fold your tarp along its natural seams whenever possible. This approach distributes stress evenly and prevents new crease lines that might become weak points. Avoid sharp folds that create hard creases in the material. Instead, aim for gentle bends that won’t stress the fabric fibers.
For larger tarps, the accordion-style fold often works best. This technique creates fewer stress points while making the tarp easier to unfold when needed again. Whatever method you choose, consistency matters – try to fold along the same lines each time to prevent creating multiple stress points.
Storage Environment Considerations
Where you store your tarp is just as important as how you prepare it. The ideal storage location is cool, dry, and protected from direct sunlight. UV exposure breaks down tarp materials even during storage, so avoid areas with significant sun exposure through windows.
Elevated storage prevents moisture problems and keeps pests away. Use pallets or shelving rather than placing tarps directly on concrete floors, which can trap moisture against the tarp. Dedicated tarp storage bags or containers provide additional protection from dust and pests.
Climate-controlled storage spaces offer the best protection, but if that’s not available, choose the most stable environment possible. Avoid areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, which can cause condensation to form on and within the tarp material.
Mid-Storage Maintenance Checks
Don’t just store your tarp and forget about it until next season. Schedule periodic checks during the offseason to catch any developing issues. Approximately every 4-6 weeks, inspect your storage area for signs of moisture, pest activity, or other problems.
If possible, unfold and refold your tarp midway through longer storage periods. This prevents permanent creases and allows you to check for any developing issues. During these checks, ensure proper airflow around your stored tarp and verify that the storage environment remains appropriate.
Pre-Season Preparation
As the new season approaches, prepare your tarp for active use again. Remove it from storage and allow it to lie flat in its intended use area for 24-48 hours before needed. This period helps eliminate storage creases and allows the material to acclimate to outdoor conditions.
Perform a final inspection for any issues that may have developed during storage. Test any mechanical components like grommets or reinforced edges to ensure they’ve maintained their integrity. A light cleaning may be necessary to remove dust accumulated during storage.
Keep Your Team Ready for Every Season
Proper tarp care is just one aspect of maintaining your sports facilities. At Hydration and Cooling, we’re dedicated to helping you keep your teams performing at their best in all conditions. From our team water tankers to our cooling solutions, we provide the equipment you need to support athletic performance year-round.
Protect your investment in quality field equipment with these maintenance practices, and you’ll enjoy years of reliable performance from your athletic field tarps. When life gets hot, we do cool – and when the season ends, we help you prepare for the next one.
Need Help With Your Team’s Equipment Needs?
Contact our team today for expert advice on hydration and cooling solutions that complement your field equipment. We’re here Monday through Friday, 10am-7pm EST to answer your questions and help you find the perfect solutions for your specific needs.
When Life Gets Hot • We Do Cool!