The seasons change, and as they do, the care of your inflatable does, too. The information in this section will go a long way to ensuring your giant inflatables retain their usefulness year after year.

Have other concerns about seasonal use? Contact us today.  We’ll also be glad to offer a quote on custom inflatables for your next marketing campaign or event.

Weather Hazards for Advertising Inflatables

Winter brings its own set of challenges when it comes to inflatables. Temperature isn’t a problem for inflatables, but storms of various sorts can certainly do major damage. The most common threat to your inflatable during the winter months however, is wind!

During stormy weather, for instance lightning can stop your inflatable in its tracks in several ways. If the power goes out so will your blower, which means your inflatable will deflate. The high winds that often come with storms can tear tether straps or anchor points on your inflatable. Unsecured objects can also hit your inflatable tearing or otherwise damaging the material.

You would do well to monitor weather forecasts several days prior to the scheduled use of your inflatable and, of course if possible, pick the most optimal days. However, if you notice dark clouds beginning to form in the distance, go ahead and deflate your inflatable prior to the storm developing.

It’s best to not only deflate your cold-air inflatable, but also to roll it up and secure it. Once the storm has passed, it is advisable to re-inflate and allow the inflatable to completely dry before packing it away.

NEVER LEAVE A WET INFLATABLE PACKED UP – IT WILL MOULD AND ROT.

 

Once high winds are in progress, deflation (or inflation for that matter) is very dangerous. The inflatable could easily get away from you or literally take flight with you in tow resulting in serious injury. The cost of an inflatable is a small price to pay to ensure your safety and the safety of others. If a storm is in progress, leave your inflatable and seek shelter for yourself.

 

We never recommend deflating DURING stormy conditions.

 

As mentioned earlier, heat generally isn’t a problem for inflatables either. Heat can cause problems, however, with the environment surrounding your inflatable. Take caution when inflating your unit on hot asphalt (or asphalt rooftops). These surfaces can often have spots of melted tar that can possibly stain, stick to, tear, melt and otherwise harm your inflatable. Similarly take caution when it’s very cold, icy or snowing.

It’s important to protect the inflatable by setting it on a tarpaulin for inflation, usage and deflation. This will prevent the tar or other debris on the ground from sticking to the inflatable.

If you pay attention to your surroundings and the weather, and take a few precautionary steps toward keeping your inflatable protected, you should have a safe and prolonged lifespan of your inflatable.

It’s Spring Cleaning Time – for your Inflatables too!

Annual maintenance is a must to keep your inflatable working properly and looking its best. For those inflatables that are used frequently, more regular cleaning is recommended.

Keeping your inflatable clean will not only increase its life by preventing mould, mildew and the general stink factor, but it will do wonders for its appearance as well. We’ve seen amazing transformations of older, dirty inflatables after a good cleaning.

Wash with cotton cloth or use a sponge (Foam) and soapy water. Cleaning may not remove mildew or roof tar; yet can be very effective at removing roof grease, mud and almost any other type of airborne dirt.

However even the most meticulous hand cleaning job can leave spotty areas where more concentrated cleaning took place so it is important to wash and clean your inflatable in an overall even manor.

After washing use dry cloth and once again clean it and make sure that it is completely DRY only then fold and pack it away.

WARNING: commercial machines are not recommended for washing inflatables with elaborate artwork. Some artwork has been known to chip, peel or melt in the machine washing process.

For more information about cleaning your custom inflatables, contact us today.

 

Brrr… It’s Too Cold To Fly!

 

If you live or work in cold-weather climates, you’re sure to be dragging out your coat, hat, and gloves during these seasons.

It also means your helium inflatables probably need to be packed away until spring.

Why? Helium contracts in cold weather, which means your inflatables will likely be grounded. Yes, you can fly helium-filled inflatables in winter months, but the process is a bit complicated. (More on that another time.) Usually, helium inflatables are packed away and other types of inflatable (cold-air) are brought out for use during cold-weather months.

Unless you plan to use smaller helium inflatables indoors in climate-controlled environments, you’ll want to make arrangements to prep and pack these away. It isn’t hard to prep them for winter storage. You simply need to follow three easy steps to ensure your helium inflatables will keep safely over the winter. That way they will be ready to draw in crowds from far and wide when the weather turns warmer.

All inflatables need to be completely dry before deflating and packing for any length of time. The product should be stored in a climate-controlled environment that is free of moisture. Packing your inflatable when damp, or storing it in a highly humid area can result in mould or mildew that will damage or possibly destroy your balloon.

 

  • Step One – Clean the outside of your inflatable as above and dust with talc powder. The cleaning will help get rid of dirt and control mould while the talc powder will keep the inflatable from sticking to itself while in storage.
  • Step Two – Inspect your equipment. Consider replacing the tether line if it’s worn or dirty. Check your fixings. Are they bent or warped? They might require replacing, too. Make sure internal lights work (if applicable) and that you have repair kits on hand as well.
  • Step Three – Carefully roll your inflatable (do not fold) and pack it in a sturdy box to protect the material from being crushed or punctured.

By following these simple procedures, your inflatables will hibernate peacefully throughout the cold weather and be ready to boost your business again in the spring.

Have more questions about caring for your inflatables? Contact us we would be happy to help.