How to Clean a Backyard Trampoline
Jolie Kerr is a cleaning expert, advice columnist, and New York Times bestselling author of My Boyfriend Is Boiling In My Purse … And Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha About . Her flagship column, Ask a Pure Man, debuted in 2011. Here at Offspring, we’ve launched a new iteration of it, with a focus on parenting and all the mess it brings.
Have you ever explained how to clean a trampoline? What if you, like me, haven’t touched the trampoline all winter, and now it’s covered in juice, bird droppings and other adherent filth? What should I do?
I’ve never actually been asked how to clean a trampoline, so it’s a unicorn question! Well done, actually find a topic that not only didn’t cover, but that I’ve never been asked about before, but if you have a question, then someone else is doing it too, so let’s get down to it.
Cleaning the trampoline is a breeze – soap and water are all you need! – but there are some important safety considerations to consider that set them apart from how you can wash other equipment in your backyard.
Before adding water and detergent to the trampoline, rinse the mat with a broom or scoop and brush. You might be tempted to skip this, given that you’re just going to (spoiler alert!) Plug in a hose on this thing, but don’t: it’ll make the rest of the job easier if you take a minute or so to sweep before you start wet cleaning remove loose dirt, twigs, leaves, etc.
This is also the time to do a preliminary check for damage, and clearing leaves and the like will allow you to better see if there are any holes, tears, or bumps in the jump mat. If the jump pad is damaged, it must be replaced. It is also important to use the correct tools and pad cleaners to avoid damaging the pillow during the cleaning process, which is actually very simple and definitely a job that children can get involved in.
Rinse the mat with a hose until it is wet through and through.
Start by wetting the rug; Trying to scrub it off while it dries can lead to tears, but the water will provide a kind of lubricant that will allow you to cleanse it without causing harm.
Soapy water and a soft brush or rag are all you need.
Since the jump pad can be easily ripped or abraded, making it unsafe to use, it is important to stick to a soft nylon brush or rag when cleaning. Stay away from steel wool, scouring pads, or even heavy duty scrubbing brushes, unless they have particularly soft bristles. Be sure to wipe down not only the rug, but also the springs and pads. It’s also important to stay away from detergents that are stronger than regular old dish soap; chemicals used in other household cleaning products can damage the rug, making it unsafe to use.
Drain the hose until the water runs clear.
After thoroughly cleaning the rug, there should be a rather coarse amount of brown foam left on it, which will tell you how much grime and grime you have cleaned off. It’s time to rinse the rug, and you should do it very, very well so that there is no soap residue left. So: rinse the mat with a hose until the drain is completely transparent.
Dry with towels and in the sun
Wipe the mat and frame with towels first, then let the trampoline dry completely before using it. A wet mat is not safe for jumping. It is also time to do a second pass to check the mat for any damage that may have been discovered during the cleaning process.
This is definitely a job that kids can help with, but it’s important to note that the rug will become quite smooth when dipped in soapy water; make sure no one climbs or walks on it to avoid slipping or injuring yourself. The smoothness issue is also why it is so important to rinse the mat very well and not go crazy with soap – using too much soap will make the rinse endless.
Once your trampoline is clean and completely dry, put your child back on and jump! Alternatively, consider purchasing a trampoline cover to protect it from branches, leaves, and bird droppings when not in use.