Trampolines add excitement to backyards but can accumulate dirt and stains over time, detracting from their appearance and safety. Pressure washing offers a practical solution, significantly reducing cleaning time and reaching all corners effectively.
This method utilizes water and air, sparing the need for harsh chemicals and promoting environmental friendliness. Pressure washing your trampoline is safe as long as precautions are taken to prevent damage to delicate components like the mat and netting.
Using a gentle pressure setting, maintaining a safe distance, avoiding direct contact with springs, and conducting the cleaning in a controlled environment are key practices to ensure a successful and safe trampoline cleaning experience.
Why pressure wash your trampoline?
Why Pressure Wash Your Trampoline? Pressure washing is an effective and efficient way to clean your trampoline, especially if it’s become heavily soiled or stained. Here are a few benefits of pressure washing your trampoline:
- Saves Time: Pressure washing your trampoline can clean a trampoline in a fraction of the time it would take to do it manually with a sponge and soap.
- Thorough Cleaning: A pressure washer can reach deep into the crevices and corners of your trampoline, ensuring that it’s thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom.
- No Chemicals Needed: Pressure washing uses just water and air to remove dirt, debris, and stains, so you don’t have to worry about using harsh chemicals on your trampoline.
- Safe for the Environment: Unlike some cleaning methods, pressure washing uses no chemicals or solvents, making it an environmentally-friendly option.
Is it Okay to Pressure Wash My Trampoline?
Yes, it’s okay to pressure wash your trampoline, but you need to be careful to avoid damaging it.
Trampoline materials, like the mat and netting, can be delicate, and a high-pressure setting could cause tears or punctures. Here are a few things to keep in mind when pressure washing your trampoline:
- Use a Gentle Setting: It’s important to use a gentle setting on your pressure washer to avoid damaging the mat and netting. A pressure washer setting of 1500–2000 PSI is typically recommended for cleaning trampolines.
- Hold the Wand at a Safe Distance: When you pressure wash your trampoline, it’s important to hold the wand at a safe distance from the trampoline, typically around 12–18 inches. This will help prevent damage to the material while still providing a thorough cleaning.
- Avoid Direct Contact with Springs: The springs on your trampoline can be sensitive to high-pressure water, so it’s important to avoid direct contact with them when pressure washing.
- Clean in a Controlled Environment: It’s best to clean your trampoline in a controlled environment, like a backyard or garage, rather than in an open field where wind and other elements can cause problems.
Also, read How to Safe a Trampoline from High Winds?
How to Clean Your Trampoline: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Pressure Wash Your Trampoline
With these guidelines in mind, let’s move on to the step-by-step guide on how to pressure wash your trampoline.
1. Gather Supplies
Here are some of the supplies you’ll need to pressure wash a trampoline:
- Pressure washer: You’ll need a pressure washer that’s powerful enough to effectively clean your trampoline.
Look for a pressure washer with adjustable pressure settings so you can control the strength of the water stream to avoid damaging the trampoline.
- Nozzle: A nozzle is an attachment for the pressure washer that controls the shape and direction of the water stream. Look for a nozzle with adjustable settings to choose the right one for your trampoline.
- Detergent: A pressure washer detergent is specifically designed to be used with a pressure washer to effectively clean the trampoline. Look for a detergent that’s safe for use on your trampoline and the surrounding area.
- Protective Clothing: When using a pressure washer, it’s important to protect yourself from the high-pressure water stream. Wear protective clothing, such as long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, to keep yourself safe.
- Eye Protection: To protect your eyes from the high-pressure water stream, wear eye protection, such as goggles or safety glasses.
- Extension Cord: If you’re using an electric pressure washer, you’ll need an extension cord to reach the trampoline. Make sure the extension cord is rated for outdoor use and is long enough to reach the trampoline.
- Water Hose: To fill the pressure washer with water, you’ll need a water hose. Make sure the water hose is long enough to reach the pressure washer and the trampoline.
2. Remove Debris
Before you start pressure washing, remove any loose debris from the trampoline, like leaves, sticks, and toys.
3. Mix Detergent
Fill a bucket with water and mild detergent. Stir.
Precautions Should be Taken
When pressure washing a trampoline, it’s important to take certain precautions to avoid damaging the trampoline or injuring yourself. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:
1. Know the strength of the water stream: The strength of the water stream from a pressure washer can be powerful enough to damage the trampoline or the surrounding area. Make sure you’re familiar with the adjustable pressure settings on your pressure washer and adjust them as needed to avoid damaging the trampoline.
2. Wear protective clothing: To protect yourself from the high-pressure water stream, wear protective clothing, such as long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Wear eye protection, such as goggles or safety glasses, to protect your eyes from the water stream.
3. Keep children and pets away: Pressure washing a trampoline can be dangerous, so make sure to keep children and pets away from the area while you’re cleaning.
4. Use a stable platform: Make sure you’re standing on a stable platform while pressure washing the trampoline. Avoid standing on the trampoline itself, as this can be unstable and dangerous.
5. Avoid pointing the water stream directly at the seams: The seams of the trampoline can be weakened by the high-pressure water stream, so avoid telling the water stream directly at the seams.
6. Be careful around electrical equipment: If the trampoline is near any electrical equipment, such as a pool pump, take extra precautions to avoid damaging the equipment or electrocuting yourself.
7. Use a safe detergent: When using a detergent with a pressure washer, make sure to use a detergent that’s safe for use on the trampoline and the surrounding area. Avoid using a detergent that’s toxic or harmful to the environment.
By following these precautions, you can avoid damaging the trampoline or injuring yourself while pressure washing it. Always be cautious when using a pressure washer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.
FAQ
What type of pressure washer should I use to clean my trampoline?
It’s important to use a pressure washer that’s powerful enough to effectively clean your trampoline, but not too powerful as to damage it. Look for a pressure washer with adjustable pressure settings, so you can control the strength of the water stream. A pressure washer with a maximum pressure of 2000-3000 PSI should be sufficient for most trampolines.
Can I pressure wash my trampoline safety net?
Yes, you can pressure wash your trampoline safety net, but be cautious and avoid using a water stream that’s too powerful. You may need to adjust the pressure setting on your pressure washer to a lower setting to avoid damaging the safety net.
What type of detergent should I use to pressure wash my trampoline?
Use a pressure washer detergent that’s safe for use on your trampoline and the surrounding area. Look for a detergent that’s specifically designed to be used with a pressure washer and is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
How can I remove rust from the springs of my trampoline?
o remove rust from the springs of your trampoline, you can use a rust remover or a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Apply the rust remover or mixture to the springs and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, rinse the springs with a pressure washer and let them air dry.
How often should I pressure wash my trampoline?
How often you pressure wash your trampoline depends on how frequently it’s used and the weather conditions in your area. It’s recommended to pressure wash your trampoline at least once a year, or more frequently if it’s exposed to dirt, debris, or other elements that can cause it to become dirty.
