Believe it or not, properly cleaning your bounce house can make or break the reputation and success of your inflatables business.

Good cleaning techniques can be the difference between a sick customer and a happy customer. And besides that, well-cared-for bounce houses last longer, which translates to more inflatables rentals and more revenue for your business.

Cleaning your bounce house isn’t difficult, but it does involve a certain amount of know-how. Read on for our guide to professionally cleaning your bounce house.

Why is it Important to Clean Your Bounce House?

If you want your bounce house to last as long as possible, you’ll want to purchase more durable commercial bounce houses. These bounce houses tend to be made of higher-quality materials and deep-layered stitching. And they can last between 3-7 years, if they’re properly cared for and maintained.

The keyword here is if. A bounce house’s longevity depends on a variety of factors, including how it’s stored, how often it’s used, and how many people use it at once. But how you clean your bounce house and how frequently you clean it are key in extending its lifespan.

There are other reasons to keep your bounce house clean too. For instance, you can keep your customers (and their kids) safe by preventing the growth of bacteria and mold, and the spread of infectious diseases. 

So let’s jump right into this step-by-step guide to cleaning your bounce house.

Step 1: Prepare Bounce House and Equipment

Before you start cleaning, you’ll want to prep your work space. Lay out a large waterproof tarp on the ground and inflate the bounce house on top of it. You’ll also want to remove any components like steps, netting, or side rails to clean separately.

Now’s also a good time to gather all the cleaning supplies you’ll need. Most everything on this list is a household cleaning product — steer clear of harsh cleaners like bleach and solvents. You’ll need:

• Warm water
• Spray bottle
• Dishwashing detergent
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Bucket
• Clean rags or sponges
• Bleach-free disinfectant wipes
• Vacuum cleaner (handheld is best)
• Small brush or broom
• Soft-bristled brush (for scrubbing)
• (Optional) Leaf blower
• (Optional) Rubber gloves

At this stage, you’ll also want to visually inspect the bounce house to identify any particularly dirty or high-traffic areas. This will help you assess how much work needs to be done.

Step 2: Vacuum and “Dry Clean”

First things first: The “dry clean.” Sweep out any visible debris, like small rocks, leaves, crayons, and grass. If you find personal items like jewelry or toys, return them to your customers. This will definitely earn your business some brownie points.

Then, use a small brush or handheld vacuum to clean out any sand or dirt that may have lodged in the crevices. This debris might seem harmless, but it can cause abrasion that may damage the vinyl of your bounce house.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to dry clean the underside of the bounce house.

Step 3: “Wet Clean” and Use a Mild Cleaner on Stains

Now it’s time to mix your homemade bounce house cleaner in your spray bottle. We recommend a mixture that’s three parts water and one part vinegar, plus a few drops of bleach-free dishwashing detergent. 

As you wet clean, go panel by panel, applying your bounce house cleaner to dirty areas and scrubbing using a sponge or rag. Scrub as vigorously as you can without damaging the vinyl. You might want to use mild soap or all-purpose cleaner to combat any stubborn stains, especially if your bounce house is a light color. Then, rinse with a water bucket or a hose. 

(Note: Some people like using power washers, but we recommend caution with this method to avoid damaging the vinyl. If you must use a power washer, use it only on its lowest setting.)

Step 4: Apply a Disinfectant Spray

You’re almost done cleaning your bounce house. The next step is to curb the spread of colds, flus, and other viruses by disinfecting it. Bleach-free disinfectant wipes work great here. Just be sure not to use bleach, bleach-based, chlorine, or Methyl Ethyl Ketone cleaners, as they cause color fading and vinyl damage.

Make sure you cover any areas where children might have touched, including on the landings, sidewalls, and netting. And remember, you don’t need to rinse the disinfectant away unless manufacturer instructions specifically tell you to.

Step 5: Let it Dry

Congrats! You’ve done the hard work, and now it’s time for your bounce house to dry.

After your wet cleaning, use some clean rags or towels to mop up any excess water, then let the sun do the rest. Generally, the drying process takes anywhere from a few hours to a day. If you need to speed things up, consider using a leaf blower.

Now your bounce house is ready to be deflated and stored in a cool, dry place. But the last thing you want is for your bounce house to develop mold or mildew, so before storing make sure it’s completely dry. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Bounce House?

Your bounce house should be cleaned regularly. But the exact frequency depends on the duration of use and type of event. After a kid’s birthday party, it’s probably ready for a full scrub down. But if it’s used lightly for an hour or two, you may be able to get away with a simple dry clean and disinfectant spray.

As a rule of thumb, you’ll need to wet clean your bounce house at least every five light uses or after a large event.

You’ll also need to wet clean it after each use where you notice it’s still dirty after the dry clean, you smell a funky odor, someone’s made a mess inside the bounce house, or you plan to store the bounce house for a long period of time.

To make sure you don’t accidentally rent out your inflatable during its cleaning days, Goodshuffle Pro offers a Conflict Buffer feature. With our event rental software, you can set items to require a certain number of days for cleaning after they’re returned, and prevent yourself from overbooking them when they aren’t ready yet. No more rushed cleaning jobs.

Become an Expert Bounce House Cleaner

Now it’s time to put your skills to the test. While cleaning a bounce house may seem like a lot of work, when you know what you’re doing it’s a fairly simple process — especially once you get to know the trouble areas of your bounce house. And the end result will be a clean bounce house that is ultimately better for your business, your employees, and your customers.

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