How to Clean a Trampoline Mat (Step by Step Guide)

Last updated: February 21, 2024

If you have a trampoline in your backyard, you will know how dirty it can get over time. Bird poop, moss, mold, leaves, black residue, you name it.

Regardless of how top-rated your backyard trampoline is, it still requires regular cleaning as it’s standing outside and is exposed to the elements.

It’s important to clean your trampoline mat after winter in preparation for the sunny season ahead and remove the dirt accumulated during those colder months.

In this step-by-step guide, I am going to outline the process of properly cleaning a trampoline mat.

Before you start cleaning that trampoline mat, let’s first look at the equipment you’ll need to do the job.

The Tools

The right tools will not only make the process of cleaning your trampoline mat easier but will also prevent damage.

Luckily, they are simple and easy-to-find tools, and most of them are probably already present in your home.

Tools needed to efficiently clean the trampoline mat:

• Dustpan and push broom
• Water hose
• Two buckets
• Warm water
• Mild detergent
• Sponge or soft scrub
• Two large dry towels
• Rust protection spray

Let’s now discuss the cleaning process.

The Cleaning

Now that you know the equipment you’re going to need, here is how to clean a trampoline mat, step by step:

1. Sweep away
2. Do a preliminary check
3. Hose it down completely
4. Create a soapy water solution
5. Start scrubbing
6. Rinse and let it dry

Let’s discuss these steps in a bit more detail.

1. Sweep Away

Some people skip and go straight to hosing down the trampoline mat, but sweeping the mat makes the rest of the process much easier.

Sweeping removes all the dirt and debris before water comes into the equation. It helps loosen up dust and other dirt that might have gotten stuck to the mat during winter.

Use a dustpan to collect the resulting dirt and debris and simply throw it away. You might be surprised how much dirt you can sweep off the mat this way.

2. Do a Preliminary Check

After sweeping away the twigs, dust, and other debris from the trampoline mat, your next step should be inspecting it for any apparent damage.

Check if there are any holes, tears, or snags on it. If you do find damage, you should have it replaced or look for ways to repair it before cleaning. Check out my guide to fixing trampoline mat holes for some great tips.

This step is important because cleaning it while it has tears may make matters worse. That’s another reason why sweeping before hosing it down is essential.

Also, make sure you remove the trampoline’s net and spring pad before you apply any water.

3. Hose it Down Completely

Once you’ve established that there is no damage, you have the green light to hose down the trampoline mat with plain water.

We’re advocating for hosing it down because a hose pipe can spray water at a relatively high pressure. That helps loosen the sticky dirt and debris the push broom can’t remove, such as bird poop and tree sap.

As a result, it makes cleaning the trampoline mat so much easier. Hose it down until completely soaked, sweep away the water, and follow the steps below.

4. Create a Soapy Water Solution

To complete the process, you will now need warm and soapy water. Fill up your bucket with warm water and add a detergent to create a solution.

Ensure it’s a mild detergent because harsh cleaning products may damage your trampoline mat. While doing this, fill another bucket with warm, plain water and set it aside.

5. Start Scrubbing

Dip the sponge or soft bristle brush into the warm, soapy water solution you created, and start scrubbing the trampoline mat.

So far, you will have dealt with the easy-to-remove dirt and debris by sweeping and hosing the mat down. With the scrubbing, you will focus on stubborn dirt such as mold, bird poop, and other nastiness.

The warm water will make the process a tad easier, but be careful not to scrub too hard, as this may cause scratches or even tears.

Also, avoid going hard on the soapy solution; otherwise, rinsing it off might become more challenging. Start by applying to a small section, and scrub gradually until the entire mat surface is cleaned.

6. Rinse and Let It Dry

Once you are satisfied with your cleaning work, rinse off the mat with the plain water you set aside earlier. Alternatively, you could hose it off until the water is clear. Next, use the large dry towels to dry it up.

Dry out as much water as possible and let nature do its thing by sun drying it. Remember not to allow the kids or anyone on it until it’s completely dry. A wet trampoline mat is unsafe for everyone.

Be sure to check the mat for damage again, as you may have missed some tears or holes during the preliminary inspection and the cleaning process.

This is optional, but it may be wise to spray some rust protector on the trampoline’s frame to prevent rusting, as some of the water might have splashed on it during cleaning.

Most people will do a thorough clean of their trampoline once a year, after the winter months. That is okay, but I would recommend cleaning once a month, depending on the surroundings and the weather conditions the trampoline is exposed to.

The more often you clean, the easier the cleaning job is. Plus, you will prevent long-term damage by cleaning and inspecting regularly.

The best time to clean your trampoline mat is in the morning and early afternoon. This will allow the sun to assist you during and after cleaning. Any remaining water will evaporate faster, and the mat will dry properly.

More maintenance tips to keep your trampoline in good shape:

• Sweep regularly.
• Ensure it’s properly placed, ideally in the shade, to prevent sun damage.
• Regularly inspect for damage and make repairs as needed.
• Use a winter cover if it won’t be used for an extended time.
• Use an anchor kit to keep your trampoline from blowing away.

As you can see, cleaning a trampoline mat, especially after the cold winter months, isn’t super complicated. But it’s important to do it properly to prevent damage in the long term.

The mat is the most critical component of the trampoline, and in many ways, it’s also the most vulnerable. This is why it’s crucial to look after it so that you don’t need to replace it.

To make cleaning more fun, why not get your kids involved to help you out? Even if they can do only minor tasks, it makes the process more entertaining, and your kids will feel great about it, too.