Whether you are hitting the lake or going camping for a week, each time you use your cooler there are a few things you should do to help with longevity and optimal performance.

• Wipe down your straps and gasket. Removing moisture, dirt, dust and anything else that may be on your components helps with keeping your parts nice longer, but also helps with performance.
• Take off your drain plug and wipe down the gasket and in the drain hole. You do not want anything that may have dried, or gotten in the way to reduce performance

No matter what cooler you buy, over time they begin to smell, however there are real steps you can take to prevent and help with keeping your cool smelling fresher for a lot longer.

• First, clean your cooler before and after each use. Moisture and humidity grow bacteria faster which often leaves a scent.
• Treat your cooler like a large Tupperware dish. Wash with a non-abrasive washcloth or paper towels, warm water and dish soap.
• The top two tips truly are the best things you can do, but if you use your cooler for wild game or it just can't get a smell out you can try a cooler deodorizer or reviver. There are various products on the market.

Rubber tension straps are critical for the best performance, but like any rubber product, they wear out quickly if not taken care of properly. Here are some tips to help prevent straps from deteriorating.

• Keep it out of direct sunlight and other hot areas
• Do not lift the lid by the straps (this photo shows the molded indents between the straps that is meant for lifting)
• Keep the straps clean. A simple wipe down after each adventure does wonders

Very similar to the before use instructions, before storing your cooler, it is a good habit to clean the cooler and make sure it is dry after use. Doing so will help ensure your components are in the best condition they can be.

• Wash your cooler out with soap and water.
• Let your cooler dry and wipe it down with a dry rag to get all the moisture out.
• Clean each component. Straps, drain plug and gasket are the 3 most important parts to keep clean. Dirt, dust, and other grim such as salt can dry out rubber components. A simple wipe avoids potential damage.

You are done with your cooler. Now what? Storing your cooler is just as paramount in keeping your cooler in the most optimal condition. Here are a few things to keep in mind when storing your cooler.

• Keep it stored out of direct sunlight. Even if there is a window in your garage and it gets hit with direct sunlight, that can dry out the straps faster and lead to discoloration over extended periods of time.
• Make sure it is dry. This helps with smell, but also if you have it stored in an uninsulated room, over a winter the ice freezing is still not good for the cooler.
• Leave the front straps unlatched. If the cooler isn't in use, the straps don't need to be either. This helps with longevity.