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Views: 188 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-19 Origin: Site
Inflatable water slides bring tons of fun to summer events, parties, and outdoor gatherings. Whether you own one for personal use or operate an inflatable rental business, knowing how to properly dry an inflatable water slide is essential. Not only does it extend the life of the unit, but it also helps prevent mold, mildew, and foul odors from forming inside the material.
Though water slides are built for getting wet, they must be thoroughly dried before storage. Leaving moisture trapped inside—even a small amount—can ruin the slide’s fabric over time. In this detailed and beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through the complete process of drying your inflatable water slide the right way. From deflation to final storage, each step will ensure your slide stays in great condition, clean, safe, and ready for its next use.
Many people think inflatable water slides dry on their own once the sun comes out. While that might help with surface drying, the truth is that trapped water inside folds, seams, and layers can remain long after use. If left unchecked, this moisture can lead to several problems:
Mold and mildew growth, which can damage the material and release harmful spores.
Staining and discoloration, especially in shaded or folded areas.
Unpleasant smells that make the inflatable unappealing or even unusable.
Material rot and seam weakening, reducing the lifespan of your investment.
Increased weight, making it more difficult to roll up and store properly.
By taking time to dry your inflatable properly, you prevent damage and keep it looking—and smelling—fresh and clean.
Once the event is over and it's time to clean up, begin by turning off the water source and letting the remaining water drain from the slide. Most inflatable water slides are designed with built-in drain flaps or outlets at the bottom. Open them and allow gravity to pull water down and out.
If your slide is set up on a flat surface or if water has pooled in deep areas, you may need to tilt the slide gently toward the drainage point to help it along. Some owners use a soft broom or squeegee to guide water toward the exit.
Be patient during this step. Removing as much water as possible before deflation will save time and effort later on.
One of the most effective ways to dry an inflatable water slide is while it’s still fully inflated. With the blower still on and the unit upright, let the slide sit in the sun for an hour or two. The sun and airflow will help dry large surface areas, especially the top and exposed sides.
Use a clean, dry towel to wipe down sections where water tends to collect. Focus on flat spots, corners, and the slide lanes—these areas tend to hold onto water even after draining. A microfiber cloth works well for absorbing moisture without leaving fibers behind.
If you can, leave the inflatable out on a sunny, warm day. Sunlight acts as a natural sanitizer and speeds up the drying process considerably.
Even when a slide looks dry from the outside, there are always hidden spots that retain moisture. These include:
The underside of steps or climbing walls
Inside tunnel entrances or small domes
Seams where vinyl is sewn or welded together
Inside bumpers or barriers
Use a towel to reach into folds and crevices. Gently press rather than rub, to soak up water without damaging the material. If necessary, use multiple dry towels so you're not reapplying moisture with a soaked cloth.
You can also use your hand to slightly separate seams or folds while wiping, ensuring that air and sun reach inside. The more detailed your drying effort is here, the less likely mold or odors will form during storage.
A regular household fan or a leaf blower can work wonders when drying an inflatable water slide—especially when time is short or the weather isn’t fully cooperative. Set up the fan to blow air into difficult areas like tunnels or stair openings. The moving air helps evaporate moisture faster than relying on sun and breeze alone.
If you’re using a leaf blower, switch it to the lowest or medium setting. Move it gently along the slide’s surface, focusing on areas where water tends to collect. Keep the blower at a safe distance to avoid damaging the fabric with excess force.
Some commercial rental businesses use industrial air movers or drying fans for this purpose. These tools work faster and are worth considering if you're drying multiple units each week.
Once the slide is as dry as possible, turn off the blower and begin deflating it. As air escapes, watch for water that may have been trapped inside seams or creases. Lay the slide flat and gently walk across it to press out lingering moisture.
Open up folds or rolled edges and wipe them down again. At this point, you should carefully inspect the slide for any leftover damp areas or dirt. It’s much easier to handle final touch-ups before the slide is fully collapsed.
If you notice any stubborn wet spots, now is the time to air them out for a bit longer before proceeding.
Spread the deflated slide out over a clean, dry surface and give it one last towel-down. This is your final chance to remove any remaining water, especially from parts that were compressed during deflation.
Flip or fold sections gently to expose the bottom layer to the air. Let the entire surface air out for another 30 minutes if possible. Don’t rush this step. Storing even slightly damp material can undo all your hard work and lead to mildew within days.
If rain is expected or the ground is already wet, use a tarp underneath the slide to prevent it from soaking up moisture from below.
Once the inflatable is fully dry, carefully roll or fold it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Store the unit in a clean, dry location—preferably indoors. A climate-controlled environment is ideal, especially in humid regions.
Use a breathable storage bag or tarp to protect the slide from dust and pests. Avoid airtight plastic coverings, as they can trap any residual moisture and encourage mold.
Place the blower, extension cords, and any accessories in separate dry bins or containers, labeled for easy setup next time.
Set up on a slight slope to allow better drainage.
Avoid shaded areas, which stay damp longer and slow down drying.
Clean while drying—wipe off dirt, grass, and leaves while the inflatable is inflated.
Use drying powder or mildew spray if storing the unit for a long time.
Don’t fold wet—even slightly damp areas can lead to mold in storage.
Even after drying, check your inflatable regularly, especially before long-term storage. Open it up once every few weeks in humid weather to ensure no mold or moisture has developed. Use mildew-resistant sprays or odor-absorbing products if needed.
Keeping your inflatable clean and dry not only extends its usable life but also protects your reputation if you run a rental business. Clients expect clean, fresh-smelling slides, and a well-maintained unit ensures they keep coming back.
Drying an inflatable water slide might seem time-consuming at first, but it’s one of the most important tasks for anyone who owns or rents out inflatables. With patience and the right method, you can avoid mold, unpleasant smells, and costly repairs.
The key is to act promptly after use—drain, towel, air out, and inspect before storage. Whether it’s for family fun or part of your rental business, a well-dried inflatable stays clean, lasts longer, and keeps everyone safe and happy.
Make it a habit, and drying your water slide will become second nature. And in return, your inflatable will stay in top shape for seasons of excitement to come.
