adding a commercial water slide to your business inventory

How to Efficiently Remove Water from a Bounce House and Protect Your JumpOrange Investment

How to Efficiently Remove Water from a Bounce House and Protect Your JumpOrange Investment

Key Takeaways:

  1. Water damages inflatables fast - Mold, smells, and material breakdown happen if you leave water in too long.
  2. 5 easy ways to dry your bounce house:
    • Tilt it to use built-in drains.
    • Use a wet vacuum for stubborn puddles.
    • Soak up water with towels.
    • Air dry completely in sunlight.
    • Store only when 100% dry.
  3. Prevention is key - Always check for leaks, clean after use, and use a protective tarp underneath.
  4. Renters need to care too - Even if you're using a toddler water slide rental, always drain it before returning to avoid extra fees.
  5. Quality matters - JumpOrange's commercial-grade inflatables are built to last but still need proper drying after use.
  6. Dry = longer life - Taking 30 minutes to properly dry your inflatable means years more use for backyard parties and events.

So, you’ve had a blast with your commercial water slide or bounce house at a backyard party, but now there’s water inside that just won’t go away. Maybe it rained, or the kids splashed a little too much in the splash pool. Whatever the reason, leaving water sitting on your inflatable is a bad idea.

Water can cause mold, mildew, and even damage the material over time. The good news? Getting it out isn’t hard—you just need to know the right tricks.

Why You Should Never Leave Water in Your Bounce House

Before we get into how to remove water, let’s talk about why it’s so important:

  • Mold & Mildew – Wet inflatables = perfect breeding ground for gross stuff.
  • Material Damage – Sitting water weakens the vinyl, making tears more likely.
  • Extra Weight – Water adds pounds, stressing seams and blowers.
  • Bad Smells – Stagnant water = funky odors that won’t go away.

If you’ve rented a toddler water slide rental or own a commercial inflatable, keeping it dry means it’ll last longer and stay safer for kids.

How to Get Water Out of a Bounce House or Inflatable Slide

Okay, time for the real deal—how to actually remove that water. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Tilt & Drain (The Easy Way)

Most inflatables have built-in drains for this exact reason.

  • Turn off the blower so the inflatable deflates slightly.
  • Lift one side to let water flow toward the drain.
  • Open the drain valve and let gravity do the work.

If your inflatable doesn’t have a drain, you can still tilt it and let water spill out from the entrance.

2. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum (For Stubborn Puddles)

Sometimes, water gets trapped in corners or seams. A shop vac works great for this:

  • Set it to "wet mode" (so you don’t ruin the vacuum).
  • Suck up remaining water from low spots.
  • Wipe down any leftover dampness with a towel.

3. Towel Dry the Inside

For smaller inflatables (like a toddler blow-up water slide), a few big towels can soak up leftover moisture:

  • Spread towels across the wet areas.
  • Press down to absorb water.
  • Repeat until mostly dry.

4. Let It Air Dry Completely

Even after draining, some moisture stays behind. To avoid mold:

  • Leave it inflated in the sun for a few hours (UV helps kill bacteria).
  • Flip it over if possible to dry both sides.
  • Use a fan to speed things up on cloudy days.

5. Store It Properly

Never pack up a bounce house or inflatable slide while it’s damp.

  • Make sure it’s 100% dry before folding.
  • Store in a cool, dry place (not a hot garage—heat weakens vinyl).
  • Keep it away from rodents (they love chewing on inflatables).

Extra Tips to Protect Your Investment

Want your commercial water slide or bounce house to last for years? Follow these simple care tips:

  • Check for leaks – Small holes can turn into big problems. Patch them early.
  • Clean after each use – Hose off dirt and debris before drying.
  • Avoid overloading – Too many kids = extra stress on seams.
  • Use a tarp underneath – Protects from sharp objects and mud.

What If You’re Renting Instead of Owning?

If you’re using a toddler water slide rent service for a birthday party or church event, you might not have to worry about long-term care—but you should still:

  • Drain the water before the rental company picks it up.
  • Wipe down surfaces to prevent extra cleaning fees.
  • Report any damage so you’re not held responsible later.

Most inflatable rentals include basic maintenance, but it’s always good to check.

Why JumpOrange Inflatables Are Worth the Care

Taking care of your inflatable means it’ll stay fun and safe for every community event, corporate event, or special event. JumpOrange designs its inflatables with durability in mind, but even the toughest commercial-grade inflatables need proper care.

Here’s what makes them stand out:

  • Commercial-grade materials – Built to handle heavy use.
  • Easy-to-clean surfaces – Less hassle after parties.
  • Smart drainage systems – Makes water removal simple.

Whether you own a wide selection of inflatables for business or just one for family fun, keeping them dry means more unforgettable experiences without the headaches.

A Dry Inflatable is a Happy Inflatable

Water + inflatables = fun… until the party’s over. Then, it’s all about quick drying and smart storage. Whether you’re using a toddler water slide rental for a little one’s party or a commercial water slide for big events, these tips will keep your investment in great shape.

And if you’re looking for top-quality inflatable obstacle courses that are easy to maintain, check out JumpOrange’s largest selection of inflatable units—from obstacle courses to carnival games, they’ve got everything to make your next event unforgettable.

Now go dry that bounce house and keep the fun rolling!

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