Keeping Your Trampoline Mat Clean and Safe
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:16 November 2025
With warmer months settling in across Perth, backyard trampolines are quickly becoming the centre of weekend activity again. While parents keep an eye out for safety nets and springs, the trampoline mat itself often gets missed. But this is the surface where all the action happens. A dirty or worn-out mat isn’t just harder to clean, it can also become slippery or start showing signs of damage that pose a safety risk. Kids land on it, roll across it, and jump for hours—it takes a beating.
Taking better care of the trampoline mat isn’t about making it look nice for guests. It's about making sure the trampoline stays safe, fun, and ready for use throughout the season. And when maintenance isn’t quite enough, knowing when to switch to a new mat can prevent sudden slips or dangerous tears. The mix of dry heat, falling leaves, and coastal breezes in Perth means regular attention is worth your time.
Regular Cleaning Practices For Your Trampoline Mat
Cleaning the trampoline mat regularly helps keep it safe and extends how long it lasts. Dirt, sap, bird droppings, and fine dust off gum trees tend to settle into the surface quickly. If left too long, this grime can cause small splits and make the mat slippery. A routine clean, even once a fortnight during peak use, can make a real difference.
Start by dry brushing loose leaves or dirt off the surface. Avoid stiff brushes that might damage the mesh. Then use a soft sponge or cloth with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Don’t use bleach, heavy cleaners, or anything rough—that can wear down the UV coating or stretch the fabric. Let the mat dry in full sun before letting anyone jump on it again.
For residents in Perth, spring cleaning shouldn’t be too wet or rough. High UV levels after winter can weaken materials, so cleaner residue left behind might make the mat crack faster under sun exposure. Rinse well and avoid using pressure washers, which seem quick at first but can cause damage to seams you've never noticed.
Benefits of staying on top of regular mat cleaning:
- Stops dirt from grinding into the fabric and weakening it
- Keeps the bounce consistent and smooth
- Reduces risk of slips caused by slick build-up
- Helps spotting early signs of damage like tiny tears or stitching issues
Consider adding mat cleaning to your outdoor check-up list after mowing the lawn or during weekend sweep-ups. If the kids are already outdoors and barefoot, it only takes a few extra minutes to rinse things down and have it dry before the late arvo sun sets.
Spotting Signs Of Wear And Damage
No trampoline mat lasts forever. Over time, even the strongest mesh can weaken under sun, pressure, and repeated jumping. That’s why checking the mat each season—especially around late spring when use ramps up—is key. Catching small issues means you’re less likely to face a full tear or unsafe jump zone.
Start by giving the surface a close look. Stand on the mat and slowly bounce up and down without leaving your feet. Feel for any soft spots or thin patches and listen for creaks or changes in bounce resistance. Discolouration in the middle can mean UV damage. Fraying edges near the springs often means the stitching is loosening. Thinning areas look slightly see-through or different in colour compared to the rest of the mat.
Types of early warning signs include:
- Loose stitching or threads near the border
- Small holes or tears that seem to be spreading
- Areas that feel warmer or rougher to the touch
- Uneven tension, where one side dips more than the other
- Faded patches from sun exposure, typically in high-use zones
If the tear is small and away from the centre, it might be fixable for a short time, but eventually, most mats need to be fully replaced. A Perth dad recently emailed us after thinking a patch job would do, only for the hole to open up wider after one rain shower and a heavy jump session. The sooner a compromised mat is swapped out, the less chance there is for a sudden injury mid-bounce.
Before deciding to repair, think about how old the mat is, how often it’s used, and whether the damage is affecting tension. If the damage is in the centre or there’s more than one spot, replacement is usually the safer choice. A well-installed new mat brings back that steady bounce and gives everyone peace of mind again.
Safety Measures For A Clean Trampoline Mat
Keeping your trampoline clean is just one part of the picture. The other part is making sure it’s safe every time someone steps on it. Perth weather has a way of throwing surprises—strong UV days, sudden gusts off the coast, or extended dry periods that can wear down materials quietly in the background. That’s why regular checks and a few simple habits go a long way in catching early signs of trouble before they turn serious.
Start by giving the trampoline mat a once-over before heavy use. This is especially useful if it's been sitting awhile, like during school term when it’s used less. Check the attachment points where the springs connect to the mat. If stitching is loose or you notice uneven tension, that's a red flag. Do a spring count too—kids can go hard on one side and stretch things out without meaning to. A lopsided bounce isn’t just off-putting, it can throw off balance and cause accidents.
A few easy ways to protect your trampoline mat:
- Use a trampoline cover when it’s not in use, especially during long dry spells
- Set the trampoline in a shaded or partially covered spot to reduce UV exposure
- Avoid using the trampoline during the hottest part of the day
- Trim overhanging branches nearby to keep leaves, sap, and sticks off the surface
- Do a check at the start of each school holiday and again before winter storage
Trampolines in coastal suburbs of Perth seem to cop it harder thanks to salty wind and sandy build-up. If you're closer to the water, things like rust resistance and UV protection need extra attention. Even without heavy play, exposure from the elements can weaken stitching or create dry, brittle sections. Don’t assume it’s fine just because no one’s injured yet. A skipped inspection could mean a missed hazard waiting to happen.
How To Properly Install A Replacement Trampoline Mat
Replacing a trampoline mat might sound tricky, but with the right prep, it becomes a pretty straightforward process. The key is getting the basics right—wrong size, over-stretched springs, or uneven attachment can all cause problems down the track. That’s why starting with the correct measurements matters more than most people think.
Before buying a new mat, take time to measure your trampoline’s frame and spring count. Never guess. Even small differences in mat size can overstretch the springs or leave slack too loose to allow proper bounce. Measure across the middle of the frame edge to edge, and count all the spring hooks around the frame to match them up correctly with the mat you’re ordering. If your springs are worn or rusting, it’s smart to swap them out during installation too.
To install the new mat:
1. Lay the mat inside the frame and position it evenly
2. Attach springs at opposite corners first—that helps keep the tension balanced
3. Work your way around by attaching springs in a criss-cross pattern
4. Use a proper spring tool rather than makeshift items like pliers or screwdrivers
5. Once all the springs are in, press down gently on the mat to test the tension
Don’t forget to check the frame before installing. If the frame has bent legs or wobbly joints, the new mat won’t perform right and may wear out quicker. One Perth family shared that their mat wore out on one side within six months—turned out the frame was sagging slightly downhill, causing uneven stretch every time the kids jumped.
A new mat should feel tight, bounce evenly, and show the same clearance from all spring points. If it’s rippled, pulls too hard on one end, or doesn’t land flush, pause and recheck your setup. This isn’t the step to rush through—getting it right keeps it safe and long-lasting.
Keeping Your Trampoline In Top Shape Year-Round
Looking after a trampoline throughout the year takes a bit of planning, but nothing too complicated. Perth’s mix of dry summers, leaf-shedding trees, and the occasional storm makes it worth checking your setup with each season change. A little effort now can save you time, money, and stress down the road.
Give the mat a look over every few weeks, more if your kids are using it daily. Clean off build-up and make sure the stitching and seams are holding up. If anything seems loose or uneven, don’t leave it to chance. Worn mats can shift quickly from safe to split. Jumping on compromised spots not only ruins the bounce, it raises the risk of someone slipping or falling through.
A few benefits of ongoing trampoline care:
- Kids can play without worrying about weak spots or slips
- Reduces long-term costs by catching wear early
- Keeps the bounce consistent and reliable
- Avoids surprise repairs right before school holidays or birthdays
Simple habits, like covering it when it’s not in use, spraying it down during warm weeks, and checking on it after storms, add up. It’s not just about maintenance—it’s about making sure the trampoline remains a trusted outdoor play space that brings everyone outside.
Bounce Into A Safer And Cleaner Trampoline Experience
A clean, well-maintained trampoline mat isn’t just nice to look at—it changes the way the trampoline feels and how much your family enjoys using it. When the surface is dry, tight, and free from damage, every bounce lands smoother. That adds to the fun, but also to the peace of mind knowing everyone's jumping on something reliable.
Little changes in upkeep make a difference. Identifying wear, cleaning regularly, and knowing exactly when to replace the mat can prevent headaches later. Perth families know how fast backyard gear can wear down during long summers—your trampoline works just as hard. Keep it strong, keep it clean, and you’ll make it through every season with bounce to spare.
For a trampoline that stays safe and fun all year round, make sure to replace worn-out mats promptly. Explore our range of high-quality replacement trampoline mats at Jump Star Trampolines and ensure your family keeps bouncing happily and safely. With reliable options, your trampoline will be ready for action anytime.
