The beach chair is an excellent companion for any outdoor trips, especially (wait for it…) on the beach! It allows one to relax anytime, anywhere; thus, some consider it a significant investment. And like with any investment, it is necessary to protect it by knowing how to fold a beach chair properly and taking the time to care for it.
Why Properly Folding a Beach Chair Is Necessary?
Arguably, folding a chair is quite intuitive as the user just has to press the chair together and place it in a carrying bag—if there is one. However, not all beach chairs are created equal, and some need additional steps before folding the item altogether.
Keep in mind that properly folding the chair is required if one wants it to last long. Incorrectly folding the chair may result in damage or shorten its life especially if there are parts that need to be disassembled.
Beach Chair Care Essentials
Thus, here are some tips in proper folding and other care essentials that lengthen the life of a beach chair.
- Read the Instructions
Beach chairs come in different designs as well as various care instructions. As such, it is essential to read the instruction guide provided by the product maker. After all, some beach chairs are more complicated than others and require some disassembly or additional precautions when folding.
Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the product maker to avoid damaging the item. This is especially true for beach chairs that require disassembly or have safety features that make folding a more-complicated-than-usual task.
- Disassemble One Piece at a Time
Some beach chairs have parts that need to be disassembled like the tube-like steel for the frame. For those that require disassembly, make sure that you carefully take out one piece from the other correctly. Plus, users also need to ensure that they have packed all the parts of the beach chair.
- Mind Proper Carrying
Some manufacturers provide a carrying case for the beach chair so that carrying it around will be a breeze. If this is the case, then make sure to place the chair inside it for maximum protection. This is because, aside from making the item easy to drag along, a carrying case also serves as a protector of the beach chair. So, if your chair comes with a carrying case, then it is highly advisable to use it.
- Consider Washing in Running Water
One of the most common problems of a beach chair is rusting and discoloration, especially for those with metal parts. Rusting happens because the chair gets into contact with the sea water, and the salt content causes the discoloration.
Those who want to prevent the rusting to happen may then consider washing the chair with tap water or chlorinated water to remove traces of the sand and sea water. Using a hose to wash off sand and seawater is the easiest and quickest way to complete this task.
One may also choose to use soap to clean the chair as an added precaution. Like with the sand and water, the soap has to be removed entirely as well. The user may also choose to wipe off the wet areas of the chair using a rag or a microfiber towel.
- Dry It Out Completely
Ideally, the beach chair should be dried before putting it back in its carrying case or before heading back home. Arguably, not all beachgoers have the time to wipe the chair before loading it in the vehicle completely.
If you brought the beach chair home while it was still wet, then it’s best to take it out of its carrying case or the vehicle immediately. You may want to consider rewashing the chair as the damp portion of the fabric may accumulate odor as it was not dried completely.
One can dry it outside like in the garden or patio after washing so that the sun can help in the drying process. If this is not feasible, then air drying is the alternative. Users may also consider placing a fan in front of the chair to make the drying process faster.
- Ensure Proper Storage
Proper storage is just as crucial as folding the chair properly. It is highly recommended to keep the unused beach chair in a dry and enclosed area.
Yes, a beach chair can handle sunlight and some sea water, but when not in use, then the best practice is to keep it in a dry place. This is because storing it in a moist area may cause the growth of bacteria or molds. Alternatively, the beach chairs can also be used at homes in open areas like the garden, patio or poolside.
How to Fold a Beach Chair?
Knowing how to fold a beach chair properly is one of the best ways to ensure that the chair lasts long as incorrect folding may result in permanent or irreversible damage. Fortunately, most of the products on the market are easy to fold, and the user only needs to press one end of the chair to the other. Others, however, can be quite complicated.
Step 1: Before moving the beach chair, make sure that you have removed the sand from the seat as well as on the frame. Leaving sand on the chair may cause trouble in the future.
Step 2: If your chair has a more sophisticated design, then the first thing to do is find the area or point of the chair that allows them to be folded. Some may require the unlocking of a safety feature before folding can be down. Once this safety feature has been unlocked or undone, proceed with the closing of the beach chair.
Step 3: The user just has to lift the edge of the seat and press it towards the back portion. If there are straps for protection, then attach the straps.
Folding and Caring for a Beach Chair Is Easy
The beach chair is one of the best beach gears to have, but it requires proper care so that it would remain durable.
Properly folding the chair is easy and almost intuitive, but some chairs have some features which make folding a bit complicated. It is highly advisable to read the instruction guide provided by the product maker.
Washing, drying and storing the chair are all critical, too, so one can use the beach chair for many years.