How to Clean a Trampoline Mat

Co-authored by Tanya Berenson and Amber Crain

Last Updated: June 26, 2020

While cleaning a trampoline mat can seem like a big endeavor, it's actually fairly simple. All you need is some clean water, soap, and a broom. From there, you just sweep and wet the mat and then scrub it down. Once it's rinsed and dried, you can enjoy your trampoline mat once again.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Sweeping and Soaking the Mat

1
Remove safety netting, if applicable. Some trampolines have safety netting around them. To clean the mat properly, you will either need to temporarily remove the netting, or hike the netting up so that you can sweep off debris and thoroughly clean the mat.
2
Sweep up any loose debris with a soft-bristled broom. Take a broom and get on the trampoline. Start in the middle and work outwards. Run the broom across the surface, sweeping any loose dirt or debris over the edge. Be thorough and make sure you remove all debris.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Spray down the mat with clean water. Use a garden hose and plain water to rinse the trampoline. Use a gentle setting on the hose, if your hose has multiple settings, to prevent damage.^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Keep spraying until the mat is soaked. The trampoline needs to be very wet before you clean it. Keep spraying it with the hose until the full surface is completely soaked in water. Do not worry about damaging the trampoline. Mats are highly resistant to water.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Scrubbing and Rinsing the Mat

1
Make your cleaning solution. Take a large bucket and fill it with lukewarm water. Add two tablespoons (30 mL) of liquid dish detergent into the water. Use your hand or a spoon to stir the mixture until it lathers.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You can also find professional-grade cleaners, like ones used for gymnastics trampolines, online or at sports stores.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tanya Berenson
  Gymnastics Instructor
  Expert Interview. 22 May 2020.}
2
Scrub the mat thoroughly. Take a scrub brush and soak it in the cleaning solution. Get on the trampoline and scrub the surface down thoroughly using light, sweeping motions. Keep scrubbing until water runs clean from the trampoline and all black gunk is removed form the mesh of the mat.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Rinse the mat with clean water. Take your hose, once again using clean water and the gentlest setting possible. Spray down the trampoline with your hose until runs clear off the trampoline. Make sure you rinse your trampoline completely, as soap residue can damage the trampoline.
4
Dry the mat with a clean, dry towel. Gently pat down the mat with the towel to remove as much moisture as you can. Then, let the trampoline air dry in the sun for a few hours. Make sure the trampoline is completely dry because even a small amount of moisture can cause someone to slip and become injured.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Avoiding Common Mistakes

1
Clean your trampoline on a sunny day. Trampolines need to air dry to complete the cleaning process. A trampoline should never be washed if the forecast predicts rain at any point during the day as this can inhibit the drying process.
2
Avoid products with bleach or pumice. Mild cleaners work best for trampolines, as they minimize the risk of damage. Never use a cleaner with bleach or pumice, as this can harm your trampoline.
3
Use a hose over a power washer. Never rent a pressure washer to clean a trampoline. This can damage the fabric. If you don't have a hose, you can use buckets to wet the trampoline.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I get the black stuff off my trampoline?

Tanya Berenson
Gymnastics Instructor
Tanya Berenson is a Gymnastics Instructor and the General Manager of the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics. With over 25 years of professional gymnastics experience, Tanya has also served as a consultant to USA Gymnastics, has served as the USA World Maccabi Games Head Coach, USA Gymnastics Meet Director, and RAS counselor. She holds a B.Ed. in Early Childhood Development from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Tanya Berenson

Gymnastics Instructor

Expert Answer

You can clean off the black residue with a cleaning solution. If you don't want to make one yourself, you can buy professional-grade cleaners online or in sports stores.
Question

What's the fastest way to remove debris when there is a net around the trampoline?

Community Answer

To clean the mat properly, you will either need to temporarily remove the netting, or hike the netting up so that you can sweep off debris and thoroughly clean the mat.
Question

Will cleaning it with just soap and water prevent kids from getting all black when they jump?

NannerBNanner107

Community Answer

Yes. The soap will remove the black stuff, and rinsing it with a hose will get off any remains.