Maintaining an indoor playground is important for the safety and well-being of children. Learn how to effectively take care of one with these tips.
Indoor playgrounds provide a great place for kids to have fun year-round. When there is inclement weather, children can utilize these spaces without their parents having to worry about exposure to the elements. As the person who oversees the indoor playground, you must ensure that it always stays safe. You can accomplish this with a few maintenance tips.
Perform Regular Checks
To ensure all the equipment in the playground is in good working order, make a habit of surveying the area regularly. Your equipment will break down over time, so staying on top of things is crucial. If you fail to do so, the indoor playground can become unsafe for children.
It would be best if you designated a team member to perform daily checks before anyone plays on the equipment. Important areas to include in your inspection are:
- Slides
- Nets
- Tie rips
- Tuff pads
While you’re inspecting the playground, you should keep in mind the importance of age-appropriate equipment. This ensures the children can exercise effectively in a space that’s tailored to their age. It also helps keep them engaged and safe.
Clean Equipment With Soap and Water
Developing a cleaning schedule is an important part of maintenance. You may wonder how often you should clean your indoor playground equipment. A general rule of thumb is to do so weekly, but you may want to sanitize certain areas more often, depending on the level of use. Some parts of the playground may need daily cleaning.
As for the products you should use to clean your equipment, soap and water work well. This old standby is great for removing any surface-level grime. You can fill a bucket with warm water and a sponge to clean the indoor playground equipment.
Sanitize With Non-Toxic Cleaners
Another important tip for maintaining an indoor playground is to sanitize the equipment. Non-toxic sanitizing products, which are EPA-approved, are great options, as they help keep germs at bay while keeping the area safe for kids. You can opt for sprays or wipes, depending on your preference.
To figure out if a product is approved by the EPA, you can research the item on their website. Each product has a registration number and a list of the predominant ingredients used in the item’s manufacturing.
Bleach Solution
Alternatively, you can make your own sanitizing solution by diluting bleach with water. A good rule of thumb is to use 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Once you apply this solution, you will have to rinse it with soap and water to ensure the equipment is safe.
Alcohol Solution
You also may want to utilize a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. However, this product only lasts for about a day, so you will need to apply it more frequently than the bleach mixture. You will also need to rinse away this solution with water.
Proper cleaning and sanitizing of the playground are vital and cut down the chances of children catching a cold or getting sick from the equipment. Checking high-traffic areas every day will help you stay on top of cleaning and repairs. By following these best practices, you can keep your indoor playground ready for kids at all times.
