7 Winter Maintenance Tips for Bouncy Castle Operators

We know there’s a certain level of anxiety when it comes to the winter months. Will my inflatables stay in good condition in the cold? Will the damp weather ruin them?

Looking after your bouncy castles or inflatable during the colder months is essential to prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in top condition for the busy peak season.

We have prepared some practical winter maintenance tips:

1. Thorough Cleaning Before Storage

Clean each inflatable thoroughly with mild detergent and water to remove dirt, grass, and debris.

Airquee’s bespoke material is antifungal, antibacterial, and features a gloss finish, making it simple and easy to clean. Always ensure inflatables are completely dry before storage, as leaving them wet for too long can cause irreversible staining and mould.

To prevent long-term damage, fully inflate the units and dry them off as quickly as possible. Leaving them for a little while, running a towel across them and using a slightly warm hair dryer are all easy ways to ensure you’ve got no remaining dampness.

2. Inspect for Damage

There are two main areas you need to keep an eye on with your inflatables;

  • Seams and Stitching: Check all seams and stitching for wear or small tears. Repair these immediately to avoid the problem worsening and your inflatable becoming unusable and unsafe.
  • Surface Wear: Look for signs of abrasion, thinning material, or de-lamination of the PVC especially on high-traffic areas like entrances and step and slide sheets.

Airquee are on hand to support with any repairs, replacements or general advice if your inflatable has developed any damage. Reach out to us on info@airquee.com and one of our team will be sure to help you out!

3. Safe and Secure Storage

It’s important to find an ideal place to store your inflatable over winter, especially if you don’t plan on using it!

Avoiding Damp Areas and storing inflatables in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture will prevent mould and material degradation. You earn extra bonus points if you have a protective cover to put over your inflatables, like the storage bag supplied by Airquee or another cover. Having a cover over them ensures you are best protected against dust and accidental tears.

4. Prevent Rodent Damage

It goes without saying, rodent damage is last thing you want to find when bringing your inflatables back out for the busier seasons. There are ways to avoid that from happening – seal the area completely and ensure there are no gaps in doors, walls, gates or however you’re storing it. If you can avoid rodents getting in, you can avoid them chewing through the material and save on costly repair bills.

You can also use mothballs or rodent-repellent sachets nearby, but away from direct contact with the castles.

5. Maintenance of Accessories

Alongside your inflatables, it’s important to keep your blowers and other accessories in top condition too! Inspect and service blowers, checking for dirt, dust, damage, or loose parts. It’s better to give them a proper clean before the winter, rather than them sitting dirty for a month or two! Same as your inflatables, make sure you store them in a dry environment to avoid any water damage or mould.

6. Keep Insurance and Certifications Up-to-Date

This one’s a bit different to the other tips, but use the downtime to renew insurance, update risk assessments, and check that your equipment complies with safety standards and has a valid annual test. You don’t want to get to your first big event of the year and see things are out of date!

7. Plan for Repairs

Winter is typically a quieter time for our industry, so take advantage of a less busy time. Book in or send your inflatables for professional inspections or repairs. Addressing the smaller issues now can save money, time and stress later down the line!