Has your jungle gym found itself dirty and in need of maintenance, but you don’t know where to start? You aren’t alone! Many owners find that their jungle gyms quickly become dirty, but aren’t sure of the best way to clean them. That’s why we are here: to ensure your jungle gym can be cleaned in an afternoon, providing a clean and safe space for your children to play. Check out this brief guide to learn how to clean and maintain your jungle gym, providing hours of fun for your children.
How to clean a jungle gym
Cleaning a jungle gym is not unlike cleaning other outdoor play equipment. You will need to remove debris, wash all the surfaces, and ensure it is dry before your children use it again. The cleaning instructions may vary depending on the material of your jungle gym and any specific guidance provided by your manufacturer. It is best to check your user manual first to ensure there is no specific guidance you need to follow before cleaning the jungle gym, as this will help avoid damaging it or voiding the warranty. For general cleaning guidance, you can follow our steps below to keep your jungle gym squeaky clean:
1. Remove debris
To start, remove any loose dirt, leaves, branches, or other debris. You can remove them by hand or use a garden hose to do so. Make sure the jungle gym and area around it are free from toys, too, as they will get wet or covered in dirt as you clean.
You should also remove accessories like climbing holds, ropes, or swings, to ensure you can reach every part of the jungle gym for a thorough clean. If you have a metal jungle gym, use this opportunity to look for any rust or loose screws, tightening them as you go. For wooden jungle gyms, you should remove any moss and sand down any splintered or rough areas.
2. Wash all surfaces
Next, make a cleaning solution to wash the jungle gym with. This is usually made from mild dish soap or detergent and warm water. You can also find specific cleaners for your outdoor play equipment, but ensure they are suitable for the material used in yours. You should avoid using harsh cleaners or bleach ,as they can strip away important sealants or protective sprays, potentially damaging your jungle gym.
Once you have your cleaning solution, use a soft cloth or sponge to wash down metal or plastic surfaces. For wooden jungle gyms or toucher grime, a soft bristle brush is best to help lift out the dirt and leave your set sparkling. You might want to add more water when attacking these tougher areas, and we recommend using your garden hose. Pressure washers are considered an option by some, but you should check that your manufacturer allows it. For some jungle gyms, pressure washers can damage them, so we recommend checking first or avoiding them where possible.
3. Rinse the jungle gym
After all parts of the jungle gym have been cleaned, it’s time to rinse away any remaining dirt or soapy residue. This final rinse ensures no residue is left behind, which can cause the jungle gym to feel sticky or show marks. Use a garden hose to remove all soapy residue, avoiding pressure washers unless your manufacturer allows it.
4. Dry all surfaces
Finally, you want the jungle gym to be fully dry before your children use it. You can allow the jungle gym to air dry, especially on a sunny day, or you can dry each surface yourself using towels or cloths. Drying the jungle gym yourself will also reduce the chance of water spots, resulting in a perfect finish.
How to maintain a jungle gym
Along with cleaning your jungle gym, you will want to perform regular maintenance to ensure that it remains in good condition for years. The maintenance you carry out will vary depending on the material of the jungle gym and the guidance from your manufacturer, but typically, maintenance will include the following:
Carry out regular inspections
You will need to spend time inspecting the jungle gym for signs of damage or areas that require replacement. These will vary depending on the material, but typically you will be looking for:
- Splinters, cracks, rot, or signs of mould on wooden frames
- Loose screws or bolts and signs of rust on metal frames
- Bolts, screws, and nuts on any frame, tightening loose ones and replacing damaged ones
- Tight anchor points and replacing rusty or damaged components that keep the jungle gym secured to the ground
- Cracks, breaks, or frays on swings, slides, and ropes, replacing any worn-out parts as needed
- Any compression issues on the shock-absorbing material underneath the jungle gym, replacing it as needed
Protect the materials
Wooden jungle gyms, in particular, will need to be protected from the elements to avoid rot or mould from developing, which can weaken their structure. You will typically apply a stain, sealant, or oil to the wooden jungle gym, providing it with the protection it needs. This is typically done annually, but you may be able to do it less frequently, depending on the sealant you use and the manufacturer’s requirements.
Metal jungle gyms can also benefit from a protective spray to prevent rust, especially when left outside during wet weather. If possible, it’s worth considering relocating the jungle gym to sheltered areas during the winter months or dismantling and storing it to ensure it remains protected from the elements.
Find your jungle gym today
Cleaning and maintaining your jungle gym doesn’t need to be tricky, especially if you follow the guidance we have provided today. Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure that your jungle gym lasts as long as possible and remains in good condition, providing your children with years of use. When looking for a jungle gym to add to your home, we recommend checking out Vuly. They offer a vast range of jungle gyms to suit every family and budget, along with extended warranties that provide added protection. Head to Vuly to find your new jungle gym set today!
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