Inflatable arches are a great way to promote your brand or event because they're eye-catching and can be seen from a distance. The challenge comes when you want to clean them.
Due to their large sizes and heavy materials—like PVC or denier polyester—used to manufacture them, cleaning custom inflatable arches can be daunting.
You don't know which corner to start from, and it feels like the dirt will never come off. You start asking yourself questions like:
- What equipment do I need to clean this inflatable arch?
- Can I use a pressure washer on it?
- How do I get the dirt out of all those tiny spaces?
- Will I be able to lift the arch after cleaning it?
These are concerns when it comes to cleaning most custom inflatables. If you don't know how to go about it and the tools to use, you may damage your inflatable arch in the process.
If you're stuck with a dirty arch, wondering how to clean it quickly and effectively, the following two steps will help you.
Step 1 - Gather All the Necessary Supplies
Inflatable Arch Made From PVC
For your cleaning process to be smooth and effective, you need the necessary supplies before starting. These include anything required to clean the arch itself and any tools needed to move it.
Remember, not every cleaning supply is suitable for every type of inflatable arch. The following are factors to consider when choosing cleaning supplies for your inflatable arches:
- The size of the arch: This helps you determine how much of each cleaning solution you'll need.
- The type of inflatable arch: Not all cleaning solutions are the same. For instance, you can’t use a PVC cleaner on an inflatable made with vinyl.
- The type of dirt on the arch: If there’s grease or oil, you’ll need a degreaser; if there’s mold or mildew, you'll need an antifungal solution like the Lysol laundry additive.
Based on these factors, you need to choose a cleaning solution compatible with both the type of dirt on the inflatable arch and the material it’s made from. For example, if your arches are made with PVC, use a general-purpose cleaner like dish soap.
You can also have MVP Visuals customize your inflatable arch with your preferred material for ease of cleaning. As demonstrated by the review below from one of our customers, we always deliver quality products.
The table below illustrates the supplies you’ll need, their use, and how to choose.
| Supply | Use | How to Choose |
| Bucket | To hold the cleaning solution | Size matters here. The bucket should be large enough to hold the amount of cleaning solution needed. |
| Cleaning solution | To remove dirt like dust, grease, stains, and clutter | Choose based on the type of material (PVC or denier polyester) and dirt (grease, dust, or stains). |
| Gloves | To protect yourself from hazardous substances | Latex or latex-free gloves protect against contamination from germs, bacteria, and viruses harbored on your arches. |
| Ladder | Used to reach high areas of the arch | Choose based on the size of your arch. If you have a tall arch, the ladder should also be tall to help you reach the furthest point. |
| Sponge | To apply the cleaning solution | The sponge should be soft and not likely to scratch your arch. Microfiber and nonabrasive cellulose are the best. |
| Squeegee | To remove the cleaning solution from the arch's surface | The material used to make the squeegee. Rubber is the preferred material to prevent scratches on the arch. |
| Vacuum cleaner or soft brush | To scrub the arch and loosen any dirt or debris | Choose based on the material used to make the arch. A soft nonabrasive brush is ideal for the safety of your arch. |
You can also use a pressure washer to clean PVC inflatables but make sure you set it to low pressure so you don't damage the inflatable.Â
However, power washers shouldn’t be used to clean denier polyester inflatables. That’s because the material is a littler gentler and it can easily be damaged, meaning it needs a softer touch.Â
Step 2 - Cleaning the Inflatable Arch
Cleaning an inflatable arch is a three-step process:
- Pre-cleaning
- Washing
- Post-cleaning
Each step is important in ensuring your arch is clean and ready for use.
Pre-cleaning
This is the first step in the cleaning process. It involves removing any loose dirt or debris from the arch’s surface with a brush or vacuum cleaner. This helps prevent the dirt from spreading and makes it easier to wash off later.
For your pre-cleaning step, follow this procedure:
- Wet the surface of the arch with water.
- Apply the cleaning solution to the arch using a sponge or brush.
- Scrub the arch with the brush to loosen any dirt or debris.
- Rinse the arch with water.
- Repeat steps two to four if necessary.
Expert Tip: If your arch gets covered in a thick layer of dirt, use a pressure washer to speed up the pre-cleaning process. Ensure you set the pressure washer to low pressure to avoid damaging the inflatable arch.
Washing
The second step in the cleaning process is washing the arch with a cleaning solution. This helps to remove any stubborn dirt or grease from the surface.
For your washing step, here’s the procedure:
- Spray the arch with water to wet it.
- Apply the cleaning solution to the arch using a sponge or brush.
- Scrub the arch with the brush to loosen any dirt or debris.
- Rinse the arch with water.
- Inspect the arch to see if any dirt or debris remains.
- Repeat steps two to five if you can still see dirt on the arch.
Post-cleaning
The third and final step of cleaning inflatable arches is post-cleaning. This involves drying the arch and inspecting it for any damage.
The following steps will help you during the post-cleaning step:
- Dry the arch with a towel or air-dry it.
- Inspect the arch for any damage by looking for tears, rips, or holes.
- Repair any damage with a patch kit.
- Roll the inflatable arch tightly, then tie it with a rope.
- Place the tied inflatable arch back in its storage bag.
- Store it when dry to avoid a pungent smell or the destruction of fabrics.
Over to You Now
You can now clean your inflatable arches quickly and easily. Although cleaning your inflatable arches is one way of increasing their lifespan, the quality of the manufacturer and the materials they're made from are crucial factors. You want an experienced seller who understands what works best in inflatable arches.
MVP Visuals has been manufacturing custom inflatables for different industries since 2006. We have vast experience in this industry and understand the best way to customize inflatables to meet your specific needs.
Get a quick quote to begin your inflatable journey today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean an inflatable arch?
The best way to clean an inflatable arch is by using a three-step process: pre-cleaning, washing, and post-cleaning. This will ensure that your arch is clean and ready for use.
How often should I clean my inflatable arch?
Clean your inflatable arch every time you use it. This will help keep it clean and in good condition by preventing the accumulation of dirt, which can be tough to remove.
Can I use a pressure washer to clean my inflatable arch?
Yes, you can use a pressure washer to clean your PVC inflatable arch but make sure it's set to low so you don't damage the arch. It's also important to wet the arch's surface before using the pressure washer.
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