How to Clean a Playground
Playground equipment lives outside. As a result, it is inevitably going to get dirty as the months and years roll by. To make the playground as inviting as possible and help the equipment hold up over the long run, you’ll want to clean the play area from time to time. Fortunately, cleaning your playground doesn’t have to be a major hassle. With some basic equipment and a good plan, you can bring the shine back to your gear in no time at all. Here’s how to clean a playground.
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Start Simple
Plastic is featured prominently in playground equipment, so targeting those portions of the playground is a good place to start. To clean the plastic parts of your playground, you’ll need all-purpose soap, a soft brush, water, and a towel:
- Rinse the plastic pieces using a garden hose or by pouring water on them out of a bucket.
- Add some soap to the plastic surfaces and use your brush to scrub off as much dirt and grime as possible.
- Wash the plastic surfaces off with more clean water and see how they look. If you aren’t happy with the results at this point, add more soap and scrub some more.
- Use your towel to dry everything off thoroughly.
You don’t need to use any fancy equipment or harsh chemicals to clean the plastic components of your playground equipment. However, it’s easier to remove debris from the plastic if you keep up with this task, so don’t allow too much time to pass between cleanings.
Address Mold and Mildew
Your playground may also be susceptible to mold and mildew growth, especially during times of the year when there’s a lot of moisture in the air. As you do your initial cleaning, keep your eye out for any areas of growth that need special attention.
To address mold and mildew, rather than using soap, use a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water. You might need to scrub a little more aggressively to remove the mold and mildew than when trying to get rid of dirt. However, unless it has been growing for a long period of time, it should come off the plastic relatively easily.
Away from the Equipment
You will likely spend most of your time cleaning the actual playground equipment, but don’t forget to address the rest of the grounds. For instance, there are probably at least a couple of benches included in the playground, and those could benefit from periodic cleaning, as well. Cleaning the entire playground, rather than just the equipment, will make it a more inviting place for the whole family.
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We hope this guide on how to clean a playground assists you! At American Swing, we offer high-quality playground equipment for both residential and commercial settings. For more information on our products or to place an order for a new playground project, browse our offerings today!
