Good times in the backyard with family and friends are synonymous with a trampoline. Trampolines come in various sizes, and you can set them above ground or in-ground. They are available in a wide range of shapes, including the basic round shape, octagon, rectangular, or even square, and if you don’t have enough space, they come in a mini size. They became popular in the 1930s Trusted Source Trampoline - Wikipedia A trampoline is a device consisting of a piece of taut, strong fabric stretched between a steel frame using many coiled springs. en.wikipedia.org , and still today, you can find them in backyards and amusement parks all over the world.
Trampolines don’t need a lot of maintenance, but regular cleaning is essential. When you go jumping on the trampoline, do you return to the house with dirty, darkened feet? If yes, then it is time to get your trampoline clean.
These structures are not hard to clean, and we will prove it by giving you tips on how to clean a trampoline. We will cover everything from common stains to how every section is effectively made clean. Let us not waste any more time and get right into it.
The best trampolines do not require daily cleaning; however, once the dirt starts to pile up, it is time to clean up. Dirty trampolines will not only dirty your clothes, but with young kids who put their hands in their mouth often, it is a hygiene risk. The only time you don’t have to clean your trampoline is during winter.
Every few weeks, you can wash out the trampoline and let it dry out in the hot sun. Make sure to sweep the jumping mat often to remove loose debris like leaves, twigs, or food crumbs.
If your trampoline is used daily by many people, then weekly cleaning is advisable.
Unlike cleaning the bathroom, you do not need various chemicals; in fact, the fewer chemicals, the better. The jumping mat can thin out while inflicted with heavy chemicals and a tough scrubbing brush.
To clean your trampoline, you only need a broom, soap, water, and a soft brush. You might also want to get some towels if you want to get rid of excess water fast. It is advisable to clean your trampoline with clothes that you do not mind getting wet, just in case you slip.
No matter how large or small your trampoline is, regular cleaning helps in maintaining its appearance. They are easy to clean, so you can have your children help you and complete it in a short while. Gather all the equipment you need to clean the trampoline as we will instruct below.
How to clean a trampoline matTrampoline mats are mostly made from woven polypropylene because this fabric is durable, smooth, and easy to maintain. These mats are usually waterproof, since they have to contend with outdoor conditions. The flexible material is also mildew-resistant, and it can sit in the sun without much damage as it features superb UV protection.
Now let us refocus back on cleaning these trampoline mats.
Unless you have an in-ground trampoline, there is a high chance that your trampoline comes with an edge protector. Clear the netting so that you work comfortably and avoid bumping into things. You can choose to raise the net while cleaning, but since you have to clean it anyway, it is best to remove it.
Among the things mentioned for cleaning a trampoline is a broom. The purpose of this broom is to clear away any debris from the surface, may it be leaves or just a little dust. Removing these particulates allows you to pay more attention to the surface while cleaning to avoid missing any spots. Ensure that your broom has soft bristles to remove dirt but not cause the fabric to wear out.
Now that the loose debris is out of the way, it is time to wet the fabric using water. You might be using a bucket or a hose, but you must cover the surface with water evenly. Adequate water allows the fabric to soak and loosen the dirt easier. Be gentle on the water pressure if you use a hose because the high pressure weakens the fabric over time.
When the trampoline mat is thoroughly wet, it is time to bring out the warm water, soap, and a scrubbing brush. It is convenient to use warm water because it helps loosen stains faster. Like we stated before, you do not need harsh chemicals to clean the mat; use about 1 oz of dishwasher liquid in the warm water, and you are good to go. You can also use professional cleaners designed for trampoline use only if you want to take it a notch higher.
Dip the soft bristle brush in warm soapy water and scrub the mat paying careful attention to heavily stained areas. In areas where the fabric is damaged or thinning, use less force while cleaning to prevent further damage.
Once you are sure that the surface is clean, it is time to rinse. Run your hose along the trampoline mat to clear off the soap suds. You know that the fabric is clear of any soap or dirt if the water running off the trampoline is clear. It is essential to clear off the soap from the surface as it may cause some stains once the fabric dries, or it may cause the fabric to be stiff.
Depending on the density of mat fabric, it might take a while for the surface to dry out completely; that is why using the towels are important. You can pat the surface to remove the excess water and let the sun do the rest. Do not allow anyone to use the trampoline while the surface is wet because that is a recipe for accidents.
Even if they are old towels, make sure that they are clean to avoid dirtying the surface all over again.
Here is a short video with all the key steps of trampoline cleaning.
The mat and the enclosure are not the only parts that need cleaning; the frame and springs need some attention too. These sections are generally of stainless steel, so rust is not a common occurrence; however, it is important to wipe them clean and avoid the accumulation of dirt. Admittedly, springs lose their elasticity with time, but that should not be due to lack of maintenance.
Use warm soapy water to clear off any dirt and let the springs together with the frame dry in the sun. If the sun is not shining, use towels to dry off any wet sections to reduce rust development.
When you find sections affected with rust, take the juice of limes together with some salt to make a paste. Apply the paste generously and let it dry; after some hours, get a toothbrush and remove the paste to reveal a rust-free surface.
If the rust stains on the metal are hard to remove, do not give up; there are still a few options to try. Professional products in the market can help keep off the rust and maintain the structure like the wipes from Weiman; they are perfect for removing residue and keeping the frame polished. If you are having persistent rust problems, use a rust converter like the one from BLACK STAR. These products are affordable, and they will last you for a while.
When the cleaning process is complete, apply some petroleum jelly or grease on the metal to prevent further rusting.
The surface, the frame, and the springs are clean, so it is time to deal with the enclosure. Just like the mat, you need a broom to remove loose particles. The broom should be preferably a hand broom for easier maneuverability, and it should have soft bristles. Once this is complete, take a hose and clean the enclosure off, maintaining a decent pressure to dislodge dirt easily.
If you had pulled the enclosure down for cleaning, let the netting dry off completely before putting it back. If the enclosure is up while cleaning, you may want to clean the enclosure before the mat. This is if you don’t want to go back and wipe water from the already clean and towel-dried mat.
There is not much activity going on in the backyard during winter, so your trampoline is left to the mercy of the snow. It might be tempting to buy a cover and let the trampoline remain dry, but this is a bad idea. By using a cover, there is a high chance that mold will develop on the surfaces because of the moisture trapped in the cover.
Instead, clear out the snow from every winter storm as you wait for sunny weather to come back. Once the weather improves, clear off the snow from the surface and clean each spring while looking out for rust signs. The jumping mat is easy to clean as you only need soap and water to remove any visible stains
Because trampolines are mostly set up outdoors, it is hard for them not to develop stains due to the elements. These stains are not permanent, but they may cause damage to the trampoline in the long run if left untouched. Also, some stains like mold may be a health risk for those with sensitive respiratory systems, so it’s best to have the trampoline clean at all times, especially with young children.
Below are some of the common stains associated with trampolines.
Mold/MildewMold and mildew are the most common type of stains when it comes to trampolines because of moisture. It is easy for the trampoline to get mold or mildew, mostly when covered over long periods. Mold is a fungus that is harmful to health in large quantities. It is advisable to clean these stains when they start appearing to prevent them from spreading.
All you need to clean off mold is warm water, soap, and a soft brush. If the mold or mildew is widespread, you might need to include some bleach in the cleaning water to ensure that the trampoline is safe for use. Once you are done cleaning, dry out the trampoline in the hot sun until all areas are completely dry; incomplete drying leads to the regrowth of mold and mildew.
Lichen is another member of the fungal family that affects trampolines. Just like dealing with mold, you can either use a power washer or regular soap and water. The washing liquid must have some bleach to keep the stains from reappearing after a short while. If you do not want to use bleach, there are products in the market designed to deal with the fungi family members.
If your trampoline is situated in an area with trees, you will most likely deal with tree sap stains. These stains are sticky; hence, they might be challenging to remove. You can use hand sanitizer to remove the tree sap or use warm soapy water.
If the sap is dried out, use some cooking oil to loosen the sap and then pry it off softly. Some have used Peanut butter or WD-40, and it worked; check out such tutorials online for the full scoop.
At times, children choose not to listen to instructions, and they carry snacks to eat on the trampoline before they start jumping around. If you have such children, worry not. You can quickly get rid of food stains by using soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. You may require some patience, in the long run, to train them not to bring food to the trampoline.
For overall maintenance of the trampoline, these tips and tricks will make your work easier:
Making rookie mistakes while cleaning may result in you getting injured or having to spend money to replace damaged parts. Such rookie mistakes include;
Trampolines are good for your heart, muscles, and overall health, so you need to get one if you don’t have one. The information provided in this article proves that cleaning trampolines is an easy task with simple steps. You neither have to put on a hazmat suit nor use strong chemicals, so it should be an enjoyable experience.
If you have a large family, you can teach them how to clean a trampoline and have them take it from there just if you are unavailable. Children especially enjoy cleaning activities because they get to play with water.
Choose a hot sunny day to clean the trampoline, and after it dries, you can jump on there and have some fun! Do not forget that regular maintenance is essential for the trampoline to be in use for a long time.
