The safest way to clean up the trampoline is to clean up the loose debris such as fallen leaves and branches with a soft broom, so as to avoid scratching the mat surface. Next, mix warm water and mild detergent in a bucket to make a cleaning solution-pay special attention here, don’t use bleach or irritating chemicals, they will damage the anti-ultraviolet coating of the jumping pad.

Gently scrub mats and safety pads with a soft sponge or brush, focusing on muddy spots, then rinse the entire structure thoroughly with a garden hose until all remaining soap bubbles are washed away. The last step is critical: wipe the spring and frame with a dry towel to prevent rust, and let the mat dry thoroughly in the sun before putting it into use.

This video demonstrates the process of cleaning a trampoline:

Prepare The Tools

Based on the recommended cleaning method, you need to prepare the following items:

• Soft broom: It should be cleaned without damaging the woven fibers on the mat surface.
• Gentle detergent: This soap is strong enough to remove dirt and is also safe for materials.
• Warm water and buckets: The effect of warm water dissolving dirt is indeed better than cold water.
• Soft sponge or soft brush: used to physically remove mud and stubborn stains.
• Garden hose: for subsequent flushing stages.
• Dry towel: specially used to dry metal parts (springs and frames).

Step 1: Safe Removal Of Loose Debris

The first step is to clean the surface. You must remove any leaves, branches or small stones that have piled up on the mat. While it may be tempting to grab a shovel or hard rake, I strongly recommend that you strictly stick to a soft broom.

Hard or sharp tools can easily catch the mesh of the jumping mat or scratch the safety mat. Gently sweep outward from the center of the trampoline to ensure that the surface is clean before you touch the water. This will prevent loose dust from turning into a puddle of unhandled mud during the cleaning process.

Step 2: Formulate A Safe Cleaning Solution

The integrity of the trampoline depends largely on the chemicals you use. When mixing the solution in a bucket, combine warm water with mild detergent.

• Be sure to follow the advice: Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals. Most trampoline mattresses and safety pads are treated with a UV-protective coating to protect against sun exposure. Irritant chemicals such as bleach, chlorine or abrasive detergents will strip this UV protection. Once the protective layer degrades, sunlight can quickly make the mat brittle and unsafe. A simple mixture of soapy water is the safest way to maintain the life of the material.

Step 3: Scrub Mats And Safety Pads

When the solution is ready, use a soft sponge or a soft brush to soapy water. Apply solution to pads and vinyl safety pads.

Concentrate on dealing with muddy spots or bird droppings, scrubbing gently in circles. Be extra careful when handling safety pads (colored rings covering springs). These are usually made of vinyl or PVC and can easily break if you scrub too hard. The goal is to remove dirt, not wear the surface texture.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly To Remove Residue

After scrubbing, rinse the entire structure with a garden hose. I usually don’t recommend using high-pressure cleaners because they may damage the mat fibers or force water into the filling foam. A standard hose provides enough pressure to flush away the dirty foam.

It is important to keep flushing until the water is clear. If soap residue is left on the mat, it will become extremely slippery when wet and sticky when dry, posing a safety hazard to the jumper.

Step 5: Dry The Frame And Air Dry The Mat

The final stage of the cleaning process involves a “two-step” drying technique to ensure safety and durability.

• Wipe the spring and frame: Take a dry towel and manually wipe the metal spring and steel frame. Even if it is galvanized steel, if it is soaked in water for a long time, it will eventually rust. Manual drying of these metal parts is a critical maintenance step to prevent rust and rattles.
• Air-dried mat: Unlike metal parts, jump mats should be allowed to air dry completely and naturally in the sun. Sunlight helps evaporate moisture trapped in the mesh.

Don’t let anyone jump on the trampoline until it’s dry, because the surface can be slippery and very dangerous. Following this process-cleaning, washing with mild soap, rinsing and drying properly-can ensure that your trampoline will remain clean, safe and in good condition for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Author: Mark Davis

“With years of experience in outdoor equipment maintenance, I specialize in practical care guides. I advocate for gentle cleaning methods to extend your gear’s lifespan—believing that a soft brush, mild dish soap, and proper drying techniques are all you need to keep your trampoline safe and rust-free.”