Trampoline maintenance: discover the best winter tips

Trampoline maintenance starts with a simple check before you begin jumping. In this blog, we explain step by step how to safely and effectively clean the safety pad and jumping mat using lukewarm water and a soft cloth, and which products you should absolutely avoid. You will also read when it is smart to partially or fully store the trampoline for winter, how to prevent damage from rain, frost or UV, and what to look out for when it comes to anchoring and robotic mowers. In addition, we cover short safety checks such as inspecting the springs, frame and net, so you can enjoy your trampoline longer and with more safety. Follow the tips in the rest of the article for practical maintenance and simple solutions to common issues.

What is most important in trampoline maintenance?

The most important aspect of trampoline maintenance is regular inspection and cleaning of the jump mat, safety pad, springs and frame.

Trampoline maintenance begins with a short routine before every use: check if the jumping mat has no cracks, make sure the safety pad fully covers the springs and check whether the frame feels solid. Use the term ‘trampoline maintenance’ as a guide for a fixed maintenance routine: clean dirt weekly and inspect parts monthly. At Etan, we notice that many problems can be prevented by a short visual check before jumping.

Pre-use checklist

• Jumping mat: no holes, loose stitching or sagging.
• Springs: properly placed, hooks secured in the slots.
• Safety pad: no tears, securely attached and dry.
• Frame: no dents, rust spots or loose bolts.
• Safety net: firmly attached, zipper or closure working.

How do you safely clean the safety pad and jump mat?

Use lukewarm water, a soft cloth or sponge and only a mild cleaning agent when necessary.

For safe cleaning, lukewarm water with a soft cloth is sufficient. Avoid aggressive products. Do not use solvents, hot water, chlorine or vinegar: these damage the UV coating and the foam of the pad. If you want to replace parts or need a new pad, take a look at a suitable safety pad. During autumn, a suitable protective cover can be useful. If you also want to keep the trampoline secure during strong wind gusts, make sure to purchase an anchoring set.

Step-by-step cleaning of the pad

1. Remove loose dirt with a soft brush or cloth.
2. Make a solution with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap.
3. Wipe the pad with a sponge; rinse with clean water afterward.
4. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth to prevent moisture from remaining.

Cleaning the jump mat without damage

First wipe away dust, sand and leaves. For stains, wet the area and allow it to soak. Use a soft cloth or sponge, no abrasive scrubs. Allow the mat to air dry or dry manually with a clean cloth. Avoid pressure washers: they can damage fibers and coating.

Handling limescale and bird droppings

Remove limescale preferably with soft water, such as stored rainwater. Let the limescale soak and wipe away. Soften bird droppings with a wet cloth, allow to soak and remove gently. Do not use aggressive cleaning products that dry out the pad.

Note: do not use groundwater to clean your trampoline pad! Groundwater often contains iron which can cause rust on the safety pad, trampoline frame and springs.

When should you partially or fully store your trampoline for winter?

Store the trampoline (partially) in winter during long periods of frost, snow or heavy rain to prevent damage and UV deterioration.

In cold, wet periods, the lifespan of the safety pad decreases and mold or surface rust can appear on the frame. If possible, remove the safety pad and safety net and store them indoors. Fully disassembling and storing the trampoline inside is ideal, but keeping at least the pad and net indoors significantly extends lifespan. In this case, make sure the trampoline cannot be used; a trampoline without a pad and/or net is dangerous.

When should you store everything?

• When prolonged frost or heavy snow is expected.
• If there is no safe place to protect the trampoline from wind and ice.
• If you want to prevent color and material damage from winter sun and wet periods.

When is partial storage enough?

If full disassembly is difficult, bring the safety pad and net indoors. Leave the frame and mat outside, but ensure the mat is not too loose and remove leaves and water to reduce frost damage.

Practical winter tips

• Label parts during disassembly to make reassembly easier.
• Store foam parts flat and dry; not on radiators or in damp basements.
• Use a breathable cover if partially covering the trampoline; a full cover may trap condensation.

How do you prevent damage from rain, frost and UV?

Prevent damage from rain, frost and UV by drying parts, storing indoors where possible and using protective coatings.

Moisture seeps into foam and seams, causing mold and brittleness. Salt from irrigation systems may cause surface rust on pipes. Be aware that weed killers and aggressive chemicals can damage the pad. Regular drying and proper rinsing prevent many problems.

Rust prevention and treatment

Dry the frame and remove loose rust with a soft wire brush. Apply a protective spray: for galvanized steel use Alu-Zinc spray; for stainless steel use a suitable stainless-steel coating. Dry afterward and inspect the frame annually.

UV protection

UV radiation makes safety pads brittle and discolors material. To reduce color fading, avoid placing the trampoline in full sun permanently and replace the pad when wear appears. Do not use aggressive cleaners that strip the UV layer.

Irrigation systems and chemicals

Adjust sprinklers so they do not spray directly onto the trampoline. Iron-rich groundwater may cause brown stains. Keep weed killers and chlorine away; these agents damage the cover and foam.

What should you look out for regarding anchoring and robotic mowers?

For anchoring and robotic mowers, correct placement of the anchoring set and adequate distance are essential for safety and preventing damage.

Proper anchoring prevents the trampoline from shifting or tipping during wind. Use a suitable anchoring set and check the attachment every season. When using robotic mowers, we recommend placing the boundary wire at least 30 cm from the trampoline, or otherwise following the manufacturer's recommended distance.

Robotic mower tips

• Place the boundary wire at least 30 cm from the trampoline; more distance is better.
• Consider a physical border or grass edge to prevent the mower from hitting the frame.
• Trim remaining grass manually with shears and remove loose cuttings.

Mowing with a hand mower or lawnmower

Remove the safety pad before mowing along the trampoline. Always keep sufficient distance and use grass shears around edges to prevent damage.

Anchoring: how firm is firm enough?

Ensure that anchors are placed deep enough and suited to the ground conditions. Check bolts and eyelets for wear and replace parts that are loosening. In loose soil, use extra-long stakes or concrete anchors.

Which short safety checks should you always perform before jumping?

Before every use, check springs, frame, jump mat and safety net for loose, worn or damaged parts.

A quick safety check takes one minute but prevents many accidents. Check that all springs are properly hooked and that the pad fully covers the springs. For TwinSpring springs, check extra carefully that the hooks are placed in the correct slots; incorrect placement may look almost correct but causes unsafe tension.

Checklist trampoline parts

Springs

• Are all springs intact and correctly hooked?
• No deformation or rust?

Jump mat

• No holes, loose stitching or sagging areas?
• Are all triangles still firmly attached to the mat?

Safety pad

• Full coverage over the springs?
• No tears?
• Attachment to the frame intact and secure?

Frame

• No loose bolts, deformation or sharp edges?
• No rust?
• Are the hook eyelets not too worn?

Safety net

• Secure attachment?
• Zipper/closure still functional and strong?
• No rust?
• Are the eyelets (where springs attach) not too worn?

When to replace parts?

Replace springs or jump mat when visible wear appears or when jumping becomes uneven. A worn safety pad must be replaced because it offers less protection during falls and absorbs dirt faster. Unsure? Take a photo and consult a specialist.

Common problems and simple solutions

1. Uneven bounce: check spring tension and replace worn springs.
2. Loose mat: the mat may stretch; replace with a model that fits your frame.
3. Stains and mold: clean with lukewarm water and mild soap, dry well afterward.

At Etan we provide tailored advice and supply parts and accessories to help your trampoline last longer and stay safe.

Regular maintenance is key: perform a quick visual inspection before every use and clean the frame, jumping mat and pad regularly.

Use lukewarm water and a soft cloth or sponge; avoid solvents, hot water, chlorine, vinegar and pressure washers that damage coating and foam.

During prolonged frost, heavy snow or long wet periods, store the safety pad and net indoors and preferably keep parts or the entire trampoline dry and sheltered.

Dry the frame properly, treat early rust and protect against UV so materials age more slowly.

Perform a quick safety check of springs, mat, frame and net before each use, check anchoring and ensure robotic mowers keep enough distance from the boundary wire.

Explore the pads, covers and anchoring sets mentioned in the article for practical options and suitable solutions if you want to replace parts or need additional protection.