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On the whole, plastic bins for storage are pretty sturdy. They can certainly hold up to a lot more wear and tear than cardboard boxes. They offer advantages over wood as well. But that does not mean that they cannot be damaged. In fact, they can become warped and impossible to close, or they can form cracks or even get holes punched in them.

There are ways to repair plastic bins, but doing so can be a challenge. So the best option is always to prevent your bins from getting damaged in the first place if you can. That means using and maintaining them properly. Here are a few tips to keep your bins in tiptop shape for years to come.

• Do not overload your plastic bins. If you stuff one full to the brim and then cover it with a lid, you may be able to get it closed, but over time, the lid is going to warp, and eventually it will not close right. With plastic bin drawers, this can be especially problematic, as the drawers may become difficult or impossible to open or close.

• Do not put too much weight in your bins. Heavy objects can also be problematic if they are being stored in plastic bins. If the bin is situated on the floor or another hard surface which provides ample support, this is usually not going to become an issue. But if the bin is sitting on a surface which doesn’t provide great support (like another plastic bin), or if you are using it to carry heavy items around, the bottom will deform. Usually this happens gradually over a period of time, but sometimes all it takes is one day of moving.

• Try not to store your bins in areas where they will be exposed to excessive heat. Heat can also warp plastic, and may even cause cracks to form. Be especially wary of this in storage units which have no temperature control.

• Wash your plastic bins on a regular basis. Dirt, dust, and grime are unlikely to cause any sort of permanent damage to your plastic storage bins, but you should still clean them regularly just to keep them in the best possible condition. If you leave dirty residue on a bin for too long, it could leave an unsightly stain.

• Consider decorating your bins with cloth or other materials. Doing so can enhance their appearance, but it can also provide a layer of protection and reinforcement. This can strengthen your bins and help them to last longer.

Keeping plastic containers with lids in peak condition is not all that difficult so long as you follow the suggestions above. If by any chance your plastic bins do become warped or cracked, there are steps you can take to try and repair them. Search our blog archives and you can find some how-to guides.