Cleaning and maintaining the seals on an outdoor cooler is essential to ensure effective insulation and prolong the lifespan of the cooler. Here are some steps to help you:
- Start by opening the cooler and inspecting the seals. Look for any signs of dirt, debris, or mold on them.
- To remove loose dirt and debris, wipe the seals with a dry cloth or use a soft brush. Be gentle to avoid damaging the seals.
- For stubborn dirt or mold, create a cleaning solution by mixing mild soap or detergent with warm water. Dip a cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently clean the seals.
- Pay extra attention to the crevices and corners where dirt tends to accumulate. Use a toothbrush or a cotton swab to reach these harder-to-clean areas.
- Rinse the seals thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Make sure the seals are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
- Inspect the seals for any signs of cracking, splitting, or deterioration. If you notice any damage, consider replacing the seals to maintain the cooler's effectiveness.
- To keep the seals in good condition, prevent exposure to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and harsh weather conditions when not in use. Long exposure to these elements can degrade the seals over time.
- Apply a seal conditioner or silicone lubricant to the seals occasionally. This helps to maintain their flexibility, preventing them from drying out or cracking.
- Store the cooler properly when not in use. Clean and dry the seals, and keep the cooler in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight.
Remember, maintaining the seals on your outdoor cooler is crucial for keeping your cooler functioning optimally and extending its lifespan. Regular cleaning and inspections will help ensure that your cooler remains in good condition and provides reliable insulation for years to come.
Best Outdoor Coolers of 2024
Rating is 5 out of 5
Permasteel 80-Quart Outdoor Patio Cooler with Wheels | Beverage Rolling Cooler for Backyard Deck, PS-A205-80QT-BR, Wood Grain Accent, Brown
- LARGE 80-QUART CAPACITY – The Permasteel outdoor cooler for patio and deck offers plenty of space to store up to 110 12-oz cans or 50 bottles plus extra room for ice
- DRINKS STAY COLD FOR UP 36 HOURS – Keep beverages chilled longer with this Permasteel outdoor beverage cooler when combined with ice packs and cold cubes - perfect for beer, juices, soda, water, and other refreshing drinks and beverages
- FULLY REMOVABLE FLIP-TOP LID FOR QUICK & EASY ACCESS - Easily lift open the outdoor bar cooler half-way for instant access or remove the top completely
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE – Simple set up means you’ll be up and running with the Permasteel stand up cooler as soon as 10-15 minutes to host friends and family with cold drinks in your backyard, deck, patio, or porch
- EXTRA FEATURES & US-BASED SUPPORT – This outdoor cooler on wheels also come with an integrated, built-in bottle opener and cap catcher, drain plug, bottom shelf for additional storage, and customer service support from the US
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Permasteel 80-Qt Classic Outdoor Patio Cooler for Outside Beverage Rolling Cooler Bar Cart with Wheels & Handles, Retro Design, Blue
- COOL OFF THIS SUMMER WITH A CLASSIC RETRO STYLE COOLER - The Permasteel 80-Qt Classic Retro Style Outdoor Patio Cooler is perfect for keeping your drinks cold at all your summer parties! Made with elegant powder-coated steel, this outside cooler is well constructed with an insulated basin to keep your beverages cold for up to 36 hours.
- RELAX & ENTERTAIN – Have friends over for a BBQ or outdoor party and keep drinks cold in this stylish 80-quart cooler. The integrated bottle opener makes it easy to open cold drinks without having to search for a separate utensil, while the cap catcher ensures you won't lose any caps.
- 110 CAN CAPACITY – This outdoor drink cooler can hold up to 110 12-oz cans, so you can easily entertain a large crowd.
- EASILY ACCESS YOUR COLD DRINKS WITH THE FULLY REMOVABLE SPLIT DOUBLE-HINGED LID - No need to miss any of the fun! The fully removable lid makes it easy to access your cold drinks.
- MOVE YOUR OUTDOOR DRINK COOLER AROUND WITH EASE - With four heavy-duty casters, it’s easy to move your outdoor drink cooler around from party to party.
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Rustic Outdoor Beverage Cooler for Patio - 45 Qt. - Rustic Brown
- Fully insulated to keep drinks cold longer!
- Side handles make this very easy to transport, even when full!
- 45 Quart capacity holds approximately 45 cans and Ice
- Includes drainage spout and bottle opener
- Easily prop the lid open so that you can grab drinks with only one hand free
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Cuisinart CCC-3517 Portable 80-Quart Outdoor Cooler Cart with Dual-Sided Lid, BBQ Cart with Bottle Opener (Fits 100 Cans or 50 Bottles)
- 80 QT. CAPACITY: Cooler fits up to 100 cans or 50 bottles at a time with ice and keeps drinks cold for up to 48 hours
- DUAL-SIDED LID: Allows for quick and easy access inside the cooler, minimizing the amount of time the lid remains open
- BOTTLE OPENER: Easily open drinks from the cooler while the caps collect in the catcher below
- 4 WHEELS: Easily position the cooler in the perfect shady spot in your backyard, allowing you to keep your drinks cooler for longer
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
EDOSTORY 80 Quart Black Rolling Ice Chest Cooler Cart,Patio Backyard Party Drink Beverage Bar Stand Up Cooler Trolley with Ice Scoop
- [Keep Cool and Warm]: keep a variety of drinks for a longer duration, such as wine, beer and beverages. Keep cool for 24 hrs, keep warm for 8hrs and keep the temperature difference less than 10℃ in 8 hours
- [Large capacity]:Our cooler is 80 Quart / 20 Gallon capacity,Can store up to 100+ cans or 55+ bottles.suit for patio, backyard or any outdoor leisure occasion, such as dinner party, BBQ or backyard party. Have a nice weekend with your family and your friends
- [Convenient Design]:4 multi directional rolling wheels – rotates 360 for easy transportation,Bottle Openers can easily Open bottle cap,2 fold back lids offer easy access from either side.
- [ice scoop]:This cooler have a ice scooper to help you shoveling ice cubes.
- [Durable construction]: our cooler interior of our cooler cart is PP lined injection-foam-unitized without smell.exterior is made by iron which can Can withstand minor external impacts.
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Permasteel 80-Qt Antique Patio Cooler for Outside | Outdoor Beverage Cooler Bar Cart, Rolling Cooler with Wheels and Handles, Wooden Teak Accent, Black
- 80-QUART STORAGE CAPACITY – This teak wood-accented outdoor patio cooler offers plenty of space for up to 110 12-oz soda, beer, or other beverage drink cans plus ice
- DRINKS STAY COLD FOR UP TO 36 HOURS - Host and entertain guests at your party knowing that your drinks will stay cold and within reach. The rustic style of this Permasteel outdoor bar cart will make your family event or get-together stand out. This outdoor patio cooler on wheels will definitely be an eye-catcher at your parties.
- CONVENIENT & PORTABLE – The Permasteel outdoor rolling cooler comes with 4 heavy-duty caster wheels and handles to make it simple and easy to move the patio cooler as needed. Two of the casters can be secured in a lock position for stability when needed.
- SPLIT HINGED LID – The Permasteel outdoor cooler makes it simple to open the top to grab a drink without having to remove the enter lid
- BOTTOM SHELF RACK FOR ADDITIONAL STORAGE – Designed to provide extra space to store additional drinks—cases of beer, soda, or other alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Or can be used for plates, napkins, utensils, etc.
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Keter Pacific Cool Bar Outdoor Patio Furniture and Hot Tub Side Table with 7.5 Gallon Beer and Wine Cooler, Grey
- OUTDOOR BAR TABLE: Elevate your next gameday party. This portable bar table allows your guests to grab chilled beverages while never being far from any of the action.
- POP UP BAR & HIDDEN COOLER: Lid elevates upwards 10 inches above the rim for use as a patio bar table. The top reveals a hidden cooler with 7.5-gallon capacity. Keep up to forty 12 oz. cans ice cold.
- VERSATILE USE: When not being used as a party bar, shut the top and use as a patio coffee table. When elevated, it is the ideal height for use as a hot tub table so you will always have a spot for your drink, snacks, and phone.
- ALL-WEATHER-RESISTANT: Unlike real rattan and wicker, the thick exterior resin prevents rusting, peeling, and denting in all weather conditions, rain, or shine.
- EASY CLEANUP & LOW MAINTENANCE: Built in drainage plug makes cleanup a breeze. After the party is over and the ice is melted, simply pull the plug to drain the cooler and let it dry before putting it away until next time.
- GIFTS FOR DAD: The perfect gift and outdoor bar set accessory for the #1 BBQ Grill Master in your life. It is the ultimate sidekick to his outdoor kitchen.
- BETTER WITH KETER: We are driven to invent. We create lifestyle solutions for use in and around the home in ways only we can. We design using sustainable and innovative technologies to create products that enhance people’s spaces and elevate their experiences.
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels, Leak-Proof Wheeled Cooler with 100+ Can Capacity, Keeps Ice for up to 5 Days, Great for Beach, Camping, Tailgating, Sports, & More
- KEEP IT COLD: TempLock FX Insulation throughout delivers multiday ice retention
- TAKE IT EASY: Heavy-duty wheels and an easy-tow handle are built for the long haul
- UPGRADE: The 316 Series is made with 15% less plastic than comparable Coleman coolers
- LOSE THE LEAKS: Tethered drainplug resists leaks and won't get lost
- ENJOY A BIG SIP: Four cup holders prevent spills; each holds up to a 30 oz tumbler
- CLEAN UP QUICK: Stain-resistant liner & the EZ-Clean lid make cleanup a breeze
- TAKE A LOAD OFF: Sturdy Have-A-Seat Lid supports up to 250 lbs.
- GO BIG: 100-quart size holds up to 80 cans and 50 lbs. of ice
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Veradek Outdoor Cooler Side Table - 2 in 1 - Designed for use as Outdoor Side Table, Patio Table, Outdoor Patio Decor and Outdoor Bar, Portable Bar, Patio Bar, Ice Chest
- KEEP COOL - Keeps 48 12 oz. cans cool for up to 12 hours with an ice capacity of 40L of 10.5 Gallons. Cool gifts for dad or mom!
- MODERN DESIGN - Clean, modern design. From the balcony, to the patio, to the pool, the Cooler Table fits any house and any space. Comes in various colors including black, white, sandstone and gray.
- ALL WEATHER RESISTANT - The most durable backyard furniture, deck furniture, outside decor, outdoor tables you will ever own. Weather tested in -20 degrees to +120 degrees. Fade and crack resistant.
- MADE FROM REAL STONE - The only outdoor bar set, patio accessories or outdoor end table made from a PATENTED stone-plastic composite. The look/feel of stone with the performance of plastic.
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
Keter Modern Cool Bar Outdoor Patio Furniture and Hot Tub Side Table with 7.5 Gallon Beer and Wine Cooler, Dark Grey
- OUTDOOR BAR TABLE: Elevate your next gameday party. This portable bar table allows your guests to grab chilled beverages while never being far from any of the action
- POP UP BAR & HIDDEN COOLER: Lid elevates upwards 10 inches above the rim for use as a patio bar table. The top reveals a hidden cooler with 7.5-gallon capacity. Keep up to forty 12 oz. cans ice cold
- VERSATILE USE: When not being used as a party bar, shut the top and use as a patio coffee table. When elevated, it is the ideal height for use as a hot tub table so you will always have a spot for your drink, snacks, and phone
- ALL-WEATHER-RESISTANT: Unlike real rattan and wicker, the thick exterior resin prevents rusting, peeling, and denting in all weather conditions, rain, or shine. Fade Free
- EASY CLEANUP & LOW MAINTENANCE: Built in drainage plug makes cleanup a breeze. After the party is over and the ice is melted, simply pull the plug to drain the cooler and let it dry before putting it away until next time
- GIFTS FOR DAD: The perfect gift and outdoor bar set accessory for the #1 BBQ Grill Master in your life. It is the ultimate sidekick to his outdoor kitchen.
- BETTER WITH KETER: We are driven to invent. We create lifestyle solutions for use in and around the home in ways only we can. We design using sustainable and innovative technologies to create products that enhance people’s spaces and elevate their experiences.
How to remove mold and mildew from outdoor cooler seals?
To remove mold and mildew from outdoor cooler seals, follow these steps:
- Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a solution of one part bleach and four parts water.
- Put on protective gloves and eye goggles to prevent any irritation or harm to your skin and eyes.
- Spray the cleaning solution directly onto the affected areas of the cooler seals. Ensure that the solution covers the mold and mildew completely.
- Allow the solution to sit on the cooler seals for about 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen the mold and mildew.
- Use a soft-bristle brush or a toothbrush to scrub away the mold and mildew. Scrub in circular motions to effectively remove the buildup.
- Rinse the cooler seals thoroughly with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and mold residue. Ensure that all traces of the cleaning solution are washed away.
- Dry the seals completely with a clean towel or allow them to air dry naturally.
- Once the seals are dry, inspect them to ensure that all mold and mildew has been removed. If any residue remains, repeat the cleaning process.
- To prevent future mold and mildew growth, regularly clean the cooler seals and keep them dry after each use. Store the cooler in a well-ventilated area to discourage mold and mildew growth.
Additionally, consider using a mold and mildew inhibitor or a silicone-based sealant to protect the cooler seals and prevent future growth.
How to check the integrity of outdoor cooler seals?
To check the integrity of outdoor cooler seals, you can follow these steps:
- Clean the seals: Use a mild soap or detergent solution and a soft cloth or sponge to clean the seals. Remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may be present on the surface of the seals. Ensure that the seals are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
- Close the cooler properly: Close and secure the cooler lid or door tightly. Ensure that it is closed correctly and that the seals are properly aligned.
- Perform the dollar bill test: Take a dollar bill (or any similar-sized paper currency) and close it between the cooler lid/door and the body of the cooler where the seals are located. Make sure the bill is inserted along the entire length of the seal.
- Gently pull the dollar bill: While holding one end of the bill, try to pull it out along the cooler seal. If you encounter resistance and the bill does not easily slide out, the seals are intact. However, if the bill slides out without any resistance, it indicates that the seals are not properly sealed.
- Check for visible gaps or damage: Inspect the seals visually for any cracks, gaps, or tears. Pay close attention to the corners and edges of the seals as they are often the most vulnerable areas.
- Test the cooler's cooling efficiency: If you suspect that the seals are compromised, you can put some ice or cold water inside the cooler and observe if there is a noticeable decrease in the cooling efficiency. If the temperature inside the cooler rises more quickly than it would with intact seals, it suggests that the seals may need to be replaced.
If you find any issues with the seals during this inspection, it is recommended to replace them to ensure the cooler's performance and to prevent cool air leakage.
What is the recommended technique to clean outdoor cooler seals?
The recommended technique to clean outdoor cooler seals is as follows:
- Start by unplugging or turning off the cooler to ensure your safety.
- Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap in a bucket or basin.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the seals. Be careful not to use excessive force or abrasive materials that can damage the seals.
- Pay close attention to any areas with built-up dirt or debris and give them extra attention.
- If the seals are particularly dirty or stained, you can also use a mixture of vinegar and water or a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) to help remove stubborn stains or mold.
- Once you have thoroughly cleaned the seals, rinse the cloth or sponge and wipe away any remaining soap residue.
- Afterward, wipe the seals with a clean, damp cloth to ensure all the soap or cleaning agents have been removed.
- Allow the seals to air dry completely before plugging in or turning on the cooler.
It is important to regularly clean and inspect the seals of an outdoor cooler to maintain their efficiency and prevent any potential issues.
What is the recommended temperature for cleaning outdoor cooler seals?
The recommended temperature for cleaning outdoor cooler seals is usually between 60°F (15°C) to 120°F (49°C). It is important to avoid extremely high temperatures as it can damage the seals.