How to Safely Remove Algae and Mildew from Your Outdoor Inflatable Gymnastics Mat
As a company that specializes in making homes look their best, we know the satisfaction of a good before-and-after. We often see homeowners struggling with stubborn algae and mildew, not just on their houses, but on other outdoor items as well. That’s why we weren’t surprised when a long-time client asked if we could help with their kids’ inflatable air gymnastics mat.
Left outdoors in a humid climate, especially under a shady tree, these expensive training mats can become a breeding ground for slick, green algae and unsightly mildew. This isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a safety hazard. A slippery surface can lead to accidents, and the presence of organic growth can trigger allergies. Before you consider throwing a dirty mat away, try this simple and effective cleaning method we used to restore our client’s mat to a like-new condition.
The best part? No pressure washer is needed!
Our Simple & Effective Cleaning Process
This cleaning method is straightforward and uses readily available supplies. We were able to get fantastic results for our client, and you can too.
What You’ll Need:
A bucket
Pool chlorine or regular household bleach
A soft bristle brush (a Nyltex or car washing brush works perfectly)
A garden hose with a sprayer nozzle
Step 1: Preparation is Key
Before you start cleaning, it’s important to protect the surrounding area.
Pre-wet the Mat: Give the entire inflatable mat a good rinse with your garden hose.
Protect Your Lawn: If your mat is on or near grass, saturate the lawn with fresh water. This will help dilute any cleaning solution runoff and prevent damage to your grass.
Step 2: Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Next, you’ll create a simple but powerful sanitizing solution.
For Pool Chlorine: Mix a solution of 1 part pool chlorine to 3 parts water in your bucket.
For Household Bleach: If you’re using standard household bleach, you’ll need a stronger mix. Combine 1 part bleach to 1 part water (a 50/50 ratio).
Safety Note: Always mix chemicals in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and eye protection as a precaution.
Step 3: Gentle Brushing and Dwell Time
Now it’s time to tackle the grime.
Dip your soft bristle brush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the entire surface of the air mat.
Because these mats are non-porous, you don’t need to apply heavy pressure. A light, consistent brushing is all it takes to lift the algae and mildew.
Once you’ve scrubbed the mat, let the solution sit and work its magic for a few minutes. This “dwell time” is crucial for killing the organic growth.
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat
The final step is to thoroughly rinse the mat.
Using your garden hose, rinse the mat completely, making sure to wash away all of the cleaning solution and loosened grime.
While rinsing the mat, also give the surrounding grass another good soaking to further dilute any runoff.
Inspect the mat. If any stubborn spots of algae remain, simply repeat the brushing and rinsing process until the mat is perfectly clean.
We were amazed by the transformation of our client’s mat—it looked brand new! With a little bit of time and the right technique, you can save money and ensure your kids have a safe and clean surface for their tumbling.
Nick LoomisOwner-Operator
Since 2012, Nick Loomis of Hot Water Pressure Washing has been a trusted expert in Tallahassee's exterior cleaning industry. With over a decade of experience, he's passionate about two things: delivering incredible results for his customers and finding innovative solutions to do the job right.
