Your kennels are a large investment - so ensuring they last as long as possible is important!
We use materials that are naturally anti-microbial and easy to clean. We also use materials that are designed to last as long as possible. However, there are still some chemicals and practices that can damage or prematurely age the kennels.
One often forgotten but crucial phase of maintaining a K9 is the maintenance of the kennel area, or even just the crate. Remember that our K9s are vital tools to our professional jobs and the care we take in maintaining their ‘homes’ is crucial. In addition to the basic needs of the K9, the proper maintenance of the kennel from Garden & Animal Structures will allow for you to ensure that they are always ready to perform. If you allow your kennel to fall into disrepair or neglect then you are inviting a wide range of negative issues to befall you and your K9 partner.
A clean and orderly kennel is paramount in providing for the safety and security of your K9. Making sure that the bedding down area is free from excess debris and trash will keep your K9 from eating or playing with superfluous items. Having a routine whereby you clean and disinfect the kennel is key. There is a lot of research out there involved in developing habits – it is accepted that repeating an action for 21 days in a row will become habitual. Just like our training, practicing perfect will allow for you to know exactly what irregularities occurred to prompt you to act. Along those same lines, when you are asked to justify your actions you are able to know exactly what you did and why you did it. Whether you are cleaning ten kennels or just one crate, know your area so that you can assess any needs that arise in maintaining a proper area.
In addition to a clean area, making sure that all equipment involved in your kennel area is working in an in good repair. There is nothing worse than not fixing a broken piece of equipment and then seeing the end result of your K9 injuring themselves on it – costing money and downtime and possibly retiring your K9.
Toys and rewards are awesome to give to your K9 – but they are not babysitters. There is no toy or training aid that is ever manufactured or intended for non-monitored use. Sometimes this means removing water and food bowls. So make sure that when you feed and water that you remove anything that could be a danger or is just not necessary.
Here are some things to avoid:
- Cleansing products containing Chlorides, Bromides, Iodides, and Thiocyanates. - They can discolor and prematurely corrode the kennel materials - most notably the hardware.
- Note that a dilute bleach solution can be used to disinfect - just be sure to try to keep it away from the hardware and be sure to rinse!
- Do not use steel-wool pads on any surface of the kennel. - This will scratch off any protective finish and possibly damage the kennel itself.
These steps should help prolong the life of the kennel:
- Any cleansing agent you do use should be rinsed and NOT allowed to 'air-dry'.
- Clean off urine as soon as possible.
- Let the kennels dry between use. This not only helps protect the kennel, it reduces the potential for bacteria or mold cross-contamination.
- Animal hair should be removed. Hair holds unwanted bacteria, urine, and molds. It won't really harm the kennel - but it does increase the chances of a disease-outbreak.
POWDER COATING CARE AND MAINTENANCE
From outdoor furniture to appliance components, you likely encounter powder-coated products in your everyday life. While powder coating is an incredibly durable finish, there’s still some simple cleaning and maintenance required to preserve the lifespan and appearance of a powder-coated product. A number of conditions can cause a powder-coated finish to degrade over time, including sun, rain, wind, pollution, cold weather, salt water and more. Here’s a basic guide to powder coating care and maintenance.
Cleaning powder coated surfaces
One of the most basic steps involved in powder coating maintenance is keeping surfaces clean. Always avoid chemical cleaners, since powder coatings are damaged by harsh solvents. Instead, it’s best to give powder-coated items a good soak with a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime that’s built up over time. Always use the low pressure setting, since higher settings can actually strip the coating from metal. Remember to use filtered water, since unfiltered water can leave stains on metal surfaces.
You can also hand-wash products like outdoor furniture or appliances with powder-coated components. Use a soft cloth or brush and mild soap and water to get these surfaces clean. Once you’ve removed dirt and grime, give the entire surface a wipe-down with filtered water.
Protecting powder-coated surfaces
Once you’ve cleaned powder-coated surfaces either with a pressure washer or mild soap and water solution, protecting the finish is an important part of powder coating care. It’s easier than you might think to preserve and protect powder-coated products, even those that are left outside in the elements. Simply give each surface a light wax with the same high-grade, non-abrasive compound you’d use on your car. It’s best to use a brand that contains a UV blocker to completely preserve the color of your items. Give everything a light coat of wax and make sure you wipe off any excess, since it could bake into place and stain your items.
Preventing rust
Powder coating is a common finishing technique for steel, iron, aluminum and stainless steel architectural elements like bollards, fencing and gates. Since these features are likely always exposed to the elements, you should inspect them regularly. Remove surface dirt and debris from these items with a soft brush, then use detergent or mild soap and rinse it all off. If you notice scratches or scrapes in the enamel topcoat, use medium-grade sandpaper to gently scour the areas of damage.
Once all traces of damage, including rust, have been removed, apply a metal primer to the area and your chosen topcoat once the primer is dry. If you spot any areas of rust on metal items, it’s important to remove it right away to prevent further damage—it’s always best to consult a professional powder coating service in cases where damage is extensive.
Powder coating maintenance isn’t too difficult, but it’s essential for extending the lifespan of many items you have around the house or shop. To learn more about how to care and maintain powder-coated surfaces on outdoor furniture, farm equipment or anything in between, contact Powder Vision Inc. for tips from the experts.
