There is a lot to know about the care and maintenance of a Pacific Yurt. As with any quality product, there are care and maintenance recommendations that should be observed to get the longest possible functional life from your yurt and yurt features.
Cleaning Yurt Vinyl Covers
The vinyl covers on your yurt should be cleaned twice a year, or as needed, with a mild soap (Ivory soap) and warm water. We have found this to be the least aggressive to the fabric. A swimming pool brush with an extension handle and hose attachment would be a good investment for this purpose.
Recommendations for cleaning include:
- Hand scrub the cover with a soft bristle brush and use a ladder to reach the lower perimeter areas.
- Use the dome opening to access the top areas of your yurt cover – you will need to disconnect and remove the dome in order to accomplish this.
- Protect the top cover before sliding the dome down to remove it. In areas where tree sap and leaves are a problem, it may be necessary to clean the top every few months.
- If mildew is ever found growing on the roof, it should be removed with soap and water.
- In the event the roof ever becomes torn, it can be repaired with a standard vinyl patch kit available from Pacific Yurts.
- Always be sure the covers are completely dry before storing them.
Cleaning a 100% Polyester Side Cover
This material is also relatively maintenance-free and is superior to cotton and polyester/cotton fabric blends in durability and cleanability. It should be kept clean just like vinyl covers, never stored wet, and kept free of mildew much the same as the vinyl covers.
The side cover may be treated with an appropriate clear water repellent if needed. This may be available through your local canvas or awning dealer. The side cover should also be clean and dry before applying water repellent.
Cleaning a Yurt Wood Stove
A wood stove adds a comforting dimension to the yurt space, but along with it, the danger of fire. We recommend you do the following:
- Clean the stovepipe at regular, monthly intervals.
- Invest in a small fire extinguisher since fire is always a danger when wood stoves are used.
- Seek advice from your wood stove dealer if you have any questions about stove safety or maintenance.
Cleaning Vinyl Yurt Windows
Vinyl windows are more delicate than traditional windows. The surface of vinyl windows are easily scratched, so when cleaning you never want to use paper towels. When cleaning your yurt’s vinyl windows there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Clean the windows with soapy water and a soft cloth. The windows can be polished using Novus plastic polish or equivalent and a non-abrasive cloth.
- Always roll the vinyl windows, as folding them makes creases that impair vision and weaken the material.
- Rolling them with a clean cotton towel reduces the possibility of scratches.
- When the vinyl windows are removed, do not stack them and leave them in the sun. Note: UV web frames are available from Pacific Yurts if you are in a high UV area and wish to protect the Velcro on your side cover while the vinyl windows are off.
Cleaning a Yurt’s Door and Door Frame
All exterior wood on your Pacific Yurt should be re-coated with transparent cedar or solid body stain (or equivalent) every year or two. Sand lightly before applying. Unlike varnishes, this finish requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking good.
Lubricate the doorknob on a regular basis with a graphite or Teflon-based lubricant. Be sure to save the warranty card for the doorknob. The knob has a lifetime warranty and the card has a phone number to call if you need warranty service.
Pacific Yurts Dome Skylight and Door Window
When cleaning your dome skylight and door window:
- Wash the acrylic dome and door window with a mild soap (hand dishwashing liquid) and plenty of lukewarm water.
- Rinse with clear water.
- Use a soft cloth, never paper towels or other paper products which tend to scratch the surface finish.To remove grease, oil, or tar, use a good grade of hexane or kerosene.
- Immediately wash away oily film residues with a mild soap and water solution.
Do not use window cleaning sprays or solvents. Alcohol may cause crazing (many small cracks).
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Care & Maintenance Tips For Your Yurt
