Inflatable Tunnel Care, Cleaning, and Storage Guide
A little care after each event makes the next setup much easier. Remove dirt, let every fold dry, and store the whole kit together. When your tunnel needs a cleaner, repair, or packing method beyond these basics, use the instructions for your build.
First, know what you are cleaning
Current tunnel options include 300D, 420D or 600D polyester, with exact availability depending on the build and size. The “D” stands for denier, a measurement based on yarn mass. The number tells you how many grams 9,000 meters of yarn would weigh.
Within the current Standard options, a higher denier means a heavier yarn grade. It does not tell you the finished fabric thickness or set an operating limit by itself. The rest of the fabric construction and the tunnel build matter too.
Remember: A higher denier is not a reason to scrub harder. Use the same gentle care unless the instructions for your tunnel give you another method.
How dye-sublimated graphics are different
MVP Visuals uses dye-sublimation to print custom tunnel graphics on polyester. During printing, heat moves the dye into the polyester, so the design becomes part of the finished fabric instead of a separate layer on top.
That does not make the tunnel immune to abrasion, unapproved chemicals, or damp storage. Care for the fabric and graphic together: avoid scraping, clean gently, and dry completely before packing.
After every event: six simple checks
- Move to a clean work area. Keep the fabric away from sharp or abrasive objects while you inspect and pack it.
- Remove loose dirt. Lift debris away so it is not pressed into the fabric during wiping or folding.
- Wipe visible dirt gently. Use a soft damp cloth and no more pressure than you need to lift the dirt.
- Look over the whole tunnel. Check the fabric, seams, air-system openings, and attachment points before the next event.
- Let it dry completely. Check the folds and the panels that touched the ground, not only the most visible surface.
- Pack and make a note. Follow the packing instructions, keep the matching equipment together, and record anything that still needs attention.
Start with the gentlest cleaning method
Most after-event care begins with removing loose dirt and wiping the fabric with a soft damp cloth. What you do next depends on what you find.
Work through manageable sections of the interior and outer panels, including surfaces that touched the ground. Rinse dirt out of the cloth before moving to another area so you do not spread it across the fabric. Use the same gentle wiping method throughout, and check the interior and folds for moisture before packing.
| What you find | What to do | When to stop |
|---|---|---|
| Loose surface dirt | Lift it away without scraping or dragging the fabric across it. | Stop if the material is embedded or begins to mark the surface. |
| Ordinary dirt or a light mark | Wipe it with a soft damp cloth, then dry the area completely. | Stop if the mark does not lift with this method. |
| Unknown residue or a persistent stain | Identify what contacted the tunnel and check the care instructions for your build. | Ask MVP Visuals before using a cleaner, disinfectant, stain treatment, or powered cleaning equipment. |
| Tear, seam issue, damaged hardware, or air-system issue | Set the tunnel aside and note the location of the problem. | Contact MVP Visuals before repairing or returning the tunnel to use. |
When you contact MVP Visuals, include the order number, tunnel type, material option if you know it, a clear description, and photographs of the affected area. Those details help the team give you guidance for the right build.
Let every fold dry before packing
Moisture can hide where fabric overlaps, where a panel rested on the ground, or where air cannot circulate. A dry-looking outer panel does not mean every fold is ready for the bag.
- Open the folds and check the surfaces that touched the ground.
- Let air reach damp areas until the fabric is dry throughout.
- Keep damp fabric out of the carry bag and final storage location.
- If you cannot dry the tunnel completely at the event, keep it out of final storage and finish drying it as soon as practical.
Tip: Do not rely on a timer. Airflow, temperature, humidity, tunnel size, and the amount of moisture all change the drying time. Check the fabric itself.
Give the tunnel a quick once-over
Checking the same areas after every event makes it easier to notice a change before the next crew needs the tunnel.
| Area | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Printed fabric | Persistent marks, abrasion, punctures, tears, or areas that remain damp |
| Seams and attachment points | Visible separation, distortion, or hardware that no longer sits as expected |
| Air-system openings and closures | Visible damage or anything that differs from the supplied instructions |
| Blower and cord | Visible damage that needs attention before the next setup |
| Bag and supplied equipment | Missing, damaged, or damp items that need attention before storage |
Pack it for the next event
Standard tunnels include a carry bag. Follow the packing method for your tunnel, then keep the dry tunnel in a cool, dry place away from sharp or abrasive objects.
- Make sure the tunnel is completely dry before final packing.
- Keep the tunnel, blower, instructions, and matching equipment together as a kit. Use the bags intended for each component rather than forcing everything into one bag. Keep loose hardware and equipment from pressing against the fabric.
- Label the kit with the order number or build name so equipment does not get mixed between tunnels.
- Store it where moisture, traffic, sharp edges, and other equipment will not contact the fabric.
- Attach a note to the kit if anything must be resolved before the next event.
Know what the tunnel warranty covers
Inflatable tunnels have a one-year warranty for manufacturing defects under normal and expected use. It does not cover damage caused by weather, accidents, abuse, alterations, or failure to secure the tunnel properly.
If a claim is approved, replacement pieces are sent at no charge and the customer is responsible for shipping. Review the complete MVP Visuals warranty policy and claim form before submitting a claim.
Help the team identify the build: include the order number, a description of the issue, and clear photographs when you contact MVP Visuals.
Before the tunnel goes back out
- Correct tunnel, blower, equipment, and instructions are together
- Fabric is dry and free of unresolved marks or damage
- Seams, openings, closures, and attachment points show no unresolved issue
- Blower and cord show no visible damage
- Missing equipment and notes from the last event have been resolved
- Crew has the current setup and takedown guide