Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Holiday Inflatables Looking Festive for Years

Before you use your inflatable

• Read the directions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for exposure to extreme temperatures and moisture, such as snow, ice or rain.
• Location, location! Choose a flat, clean area far away from Christmas trees and other sharp objects to display your inflatable.
• Check for tears and rips at the start of each new season. Small holes will prevent the inflatable from properly filling, and over time, small holes will become bigger holes.
• Everything has a limit. Follow recommended weight limits, restrictions and recommendations.

When setting up your inflatable

• Always secure inflatables with stakes well seeded into the ground. For added peace of mind, feel free to use additional stakes and a mallet to seed them into the ground and stronger nylon rope.
• Be aware of securing the rope too tightly—the tension may stretch or cause the inflatable to tear. Although inflatables come with a basic set of stakes and nylon twine, you may consider getting more and adding them to your installation.
• Keep your inflatable away from heat. This means open flames, fire pits, heaters and furnaces. Even extended periods of time in the direct sun can do long-term damage to your inflatable. The sun weakens the nylon and vinyl materials, making them more prone to tears and compromising the seams. You can’t fully avoid the sun, but be conscious of the damage it can do.
• Make sure nothing is around the fan that could find its way into the fan housing and prevent the fan from spinning. Check for small sticks and dry leaves. If you can access the inside of the fan housing, it is a good idea to reinforce the seam between the fan and the fabric, as it will see the most strain.
• Inflatables are not meant to be jumped on. To prevent seams from bursting or accidentally deflating your inflatable, avoid applying unnecessary pressure. You’d be surprised how easily parts can come loose or seams can pop. Even a small rip or tear can prevent your inflatable from filling and holding air, which will prevent it from displaying properly.
• Pets are curious creatures, which means it is best to keep them away from your inflatables.

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Know when NOT to use your inflatable

• Inflatables are NOT meant to withstand all types of weather exposure. Be sure to put your inflatable away before stormy weather, including high winds, thunderstorms, tornadoes, snow, heavy rain, or hail.
• Inflatables don’t do well in any extreme. Exposure to high temperatures can and will damage an inflatable.

How to store holiday inflatables

• When it is time to store your inflatable with your other holiday decorations at the end of the season, make sure it is clean and fully dry before you store it in the included bag or a plastic storage bin.
• To clean the inflatable, use water, mild soap and 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar. Use an all-purpose cleaning cloth or soft sponge, and make sure the inflatable is clean. Let it air dry thoroughly before storing it. Mildew and mold can easily form if the inflatable is stored while still damp. It is harder to get rid of mold than it is to prevent it. Try to keep the original box with instructions and all moving pieces together. You may also consider a plastic storage bin with a snap-in-place lid to keep it dry and clean during the offseason.

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How to repair holiday inflatables

• Some inflatables come with small repair and patch kits for holes and tears in the material. Another option for repairs is flexible tape, such as electric or duct tape—they come in many colors to match the section you are repairing or reinforcing. Whenever possible, attack repairs from the inside out; this will help the repair last longer.
• If the fan or blower stops working, check for sticks or debris in the fan housing that are preventing the blades from spinning. For ultimate safety, make sure the fan is unplugged when troubleshooting issues.
• Make sure your extension cord and outlet are working properly. Use an extension cord protector to protect the plug connection from moisture.

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FAQ

Are all inflatables created equally?

No, the quality and durability of inflatables vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some fabrics and materials are more durable than others. Take advantage of inflatables on display and inspect the quality. A thicker material will probably hold up better.

How long do inflatables last?

High-quality inflatables can last five to ten years if taken care of and stored well. The time frame will vary based on the material used to manufacture the inflatable.

Should inflatables be turned off during the day?

The answer is not whether you should have your inflatable on or off during the day. The more important answer is how long to run your fan. Most manufacturers recommend running the fan for eight hours to avoid overheating or short-circuiting your inflatable. Power surges during thunderstorms may also affect how well your inflatable fan runs.

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