Our 7-Step Cleaning & Sanitization Process
This guide walks you through our complete cleaning process, explaining the products we use, the standards we maintain, and why professional-grade sanitization matters for your family's safety. After thousands of successful Central Florida events, we've refined our cleaning protocols to deliver the spotless equipment you deserve.
Why Professional Cleaning Matters
What's at Stake
Children playing on inflatables are barefoot, face-down, and fully engaged with surfaces. They bounce, slide, climb, and roll across every square inch. Sweat, dirt, grass, food residue, and germs transfer constantly during active play. Without proper cleaning, each rental spreads the previous event's contamination to the next customer.
Common concerns parents have:
- Germs and bacteria from previous users
- Dirt and debris tracked in from other yards
- Food residue or sticky spills
- Mold and mildew (especially on water slides)
- Unpleasant odors from inadequate cleaning
- Visible stains or discoloration
Professional cleaning eliminates these concerns. Our customers consistently mention cleanliness in five-star reviews because they notice the difference immediately—equipment arrives spotless, smells fresh, and looks practically new despite hundreds of prior uses.
Our Commitment
Every rental. Every time. No exceptions. This isn't marketing language—it's operational reality embedded in our processes. Equipment doesn't leave our facility for the next customer until it passes our cleaning inspection. Dirty equipment can't be accidentally dispatched because our system prevents incomplete cleaning cycles.
We invest significantly in commercial cleaning equipment, hospital-grade sanitizing products, climate-controlled storage, and the extra time required for thorough sanitization. This investment protects your family and sets us apart from competitors cutting corners to save costs.
Our 7-Step Cleaning Process
Step 1: Immediate Post-Event Inspection
Cleaning begins the moment equipment returns to our facility after pickup from your event. Our team immediately inspects for visible damage, excessive dirt, unusual stains, or any issues requiring special attention.
What we look for:
- Tears, holes, or seam damage requiring repair
- Heavy soiling needing pre-treatment
- Mold or mildew (especially on water equipment)
- Unusual stains or substances
- Wear patterns suggesting maintenance needs
Equipment requiring repairs goes immediately to our maintenance area and won't be cleaned until repairs are complete. This ensures we're not cleaning equipment that might need replacement or significant repair work.
Step 2: Industrial Vacuuming
Our vacuuming process: Commercial vacuums with HEPA filtration remove fine particles and allergens along with visible debris. We vacuum all interior bounce surfaces where children play, climbing walls and obstacle course elements, slide surfaces from top to bottom, entry and exit areas seeing heavy foot traffic, and every seam, crevice, and corner where debris accumulates.
Standard household vacuums lack the power to effectively clean commercial inflatables. Our industrial equipment removes embedded dirt, grass, sand, and debris that residential vacuums miss. This critical step prevents turning dirt into mud during subsequent wet cleaning.
Why this matters: Skipping thorough vacuuming means wet cleaning just spreads dirt around rather than removing it. Many rental companies spray and wipe without proper vacuuming, leaving equipment looking clean but actually still dirty.
Step 3: Pre-Treatment & Deep Cleaning
Cleaning products we use: Commercial inflatable cleaners specifically formulated for vinyl and PVC materials that won't damage or degrade surfaces while effectively removing dirt, oils, and organic matter. These pH-balanced solutions clean without leaving residues that attract new dirt or create slippery surfaces.
Deep cleaning techniques: Soft-bristle brushes scrub high-traffic areas receiving concentrated use like entry/exit zones, climbing holds, and popular bounce spots. Power washers (low pressure, appropriate for inflatables) rinse stubborn dirt and grass stains. Hand scrubbing reaches detailed areas, seams, and corners where automated cleaning can't access effectively.
Special attention goes to areas children contact most—bounce floors, climbing walls, slide surfaces, and safety netting where hands grip constantly.
Stain treatment: Stubborn stains receive targeted treatment with specialized products. Grass stains, food residue, and mud each require different approaches. We'll spend extra time on problem areas rather than accepting "good enough" results.
Step 4: EPA-Approved Sanitization
After deep cleaning removes visible dirt, we sanitize using hospital-grade disinfectants that kill 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and germs.
Our sanitizing products: EPA-registered disinfectants approved for use on surfaces children contact directly. These commercial-strength sanitizers kill harmful pathogens while remaining safe for children once dry. Unlike harsh chemicals requiring extensive rinsing, our sanitizers are designed specifically for play equipment and high-contact surfaces.
Application process: Complete surface coverage ensures every square inch receives sanitizing treatment. Proper dwell time allows products to work effectively—we follow manufacturer specifications for how long sanitizers must remain on surfaces before rinsing. Spray application reaches all areas including vertical surfaces, corners, and detailed elements.
What our sanitizers eliminate:
- Common cold and flu viruses
- Bacteria including E. coli and Staphylococcus
- Fungi and mold spores
- Other pathogens that spread through contact
Safety considerations: Our sanitizers are tough on germs but gentle on people. Once dried and rinsed per manufacturer instructions, they're completely safe for children. We use the same product categories hospitals use on pediatric equipment and playroom surfaces.
Step 5: Complete Rinsing
Why rinsing matters: Cleaning product residue can make surfaces sticky, attracting new dirt faster. Sanitizer residue may create slippery surfaces or leave chemical smells. Incomplete rinsing leaves equipment feeling unclean even if technically sanitized.
Our rinsing process: We use clean water and pressure appropriate for inflatable materials, ensuring complete removal of all products. Multiple rinse cycles guarantee no residue remains. Special attention to seams and corners where products can pool. Visual and tactile inspection confirms residue-free surfaces.
Equipment must feel clean to the touch, not just look clean. If surfaces feel sticky, slippery, or coated, rinsing continues until tactile testing confirms residue removal.
Step 6: Commercial Air Drying
Our drying process: Commercial air movers create high-velocity airflow throughout inflatables. These industrial fans are far more powerful than household fans, drying equipment in hours rather than days. Complete inflation during drying ensures all interior surfaces receive airflow. Extended drying time guarantees 100% dryness with no damp spots remaining.
Water equipment receives extra attention: Water slides and wet/dry combo units need especially thorough drying to prevent mold and mildew growth. These items get additional drying time and special inspection of areas prone to water retention.
Why commercial drying equipment matters: Household fans simply can't move enough air to dry large inflatables properly. Without adequate airflow, moisture remains in seams, corners, and interior areas, creating perfect conditions for mold growth. The musty smell some rental companies' equipment has comes from inadequate drying.
Climate-controlled facility: Our warehouse maintains optimal temperature and humidity for drying. Florida's humidity makes proper drying even more critical—equipment dried in humid outdoor conditions never truly dries completely.
Step 7: Final Inspection & Storage
After cleaning and drying, equipment undergoes final inspection before being approved for the next rental.
Final inspection checklist:
- Visual examination confirms spotless appearance
- Tactile testing verifies residue-free surfaces
- Smell test ensures fresh, clean odor (no musty or chemical smells)
- Functionality check tests zippers, seams, and structural integrity
- Damage assessment identifies any wear requiring attention
Only equipment passing inspection proceeds to storage. If anything fails inspection—visible dirt, lingering odors, tackiness, or damage—it returns for additional cleaning or goes to maintenance for repairs.
Climate-controlled storage: Clean equipment stores in our climate-controlled warehouse, never outdoors where dust, pollen, moisture, and pests could compromise cleanliness. Indoor storage maintains equipment in pristine condition between rentals.
Organization system: Our inventory system tracks each item's cleaning completion, repair status, and availability. Equipment can't be dispatched for delivery until all cleaning and inspection steps are marked complete in our system. This prevents accidentally sending out equipment that hasn't been properly cleaned.
Equipment-Specific Cleaning Protocols
Bounce Houses & Dry Inflatables
Frequency: After every rental plus deep cleaning quarterly regardless of use. Annual professional inspection includes comprehensive cleaning audit.
Water Slides & Wet Inflatables
Additional steps for water equipment: Extra sanitization targeting mold and mildew prevention. Extended drying time ensuring 100% moisture elimination. Mold inspection of seams, valleys, and water-retaining areas. Odor check confirming no musty smells indicating inadequate drying.
Why this matters: The musty smell some water slides have comes from inadequate drying and sanitization. Our enhanced protocols prevent mold growth that creates health concerns and unpleasant odors.
Concession Machines
Concession cleaning process: Disassembly of removable components for individual cleaning. Sanitization of all food-contact surfaces using food-safe products. Cleaning of external surfaces, wheels, and handles. Component reassembly with functionality testing. Final wipe-down before storage.
Health compliance: Our concession cleaning meets or exceeds local health department standards for food service equipment rental. We use food-safe sanitizers appropriate for surfaces that contact edible products.
Tables & Chairs
Cleaning process: Washing with appropriate cleaners for material type (plastic, wood, metal). Sanitization of all surfaces guests contact. Leg and support structure cleaning (not just tops). Stability testing during cleaning. Inspection for damage requiring repair.
Storage: Tables and chairs store in designated areas protecting them from dust and debris until the next rental.
Carnival Games & Interactive Equipment
Game cleaning includes: Booth or structure cleaning with focus on child-height surfaces. Game pieces washing and sanitizing (balls, rings, bean bags). Replacement of excessively worn game supplies. Testing to ensure all components function properly.
Supply hygiene: Fabric items like bean bags receive special laundering attention. Plastic and rubber items undergo sanitization. We maintain backup supplies so worn items can be retired immediately rather than staying in rotation too long.
Cleaning Products & Safety
What We Use
Commercial-grade cleaners: Formulated specifically for inflatables and party equipment, these products clean effectively without damaging materials or leaving residues. They're far superior to household cleaners in both effectiveness and material compatibility.
EPA-registered disinfectants: Hospital-grade sanitizers proven effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These products meet EPA standards for disinfectant efficacy while remaining safe for use on children's play equipment.
Food-safe sanitizers: Concession equipment uses sanitizers meeting food service standards. These products can contact food surfaces without creating safety concerns.
What We Avoid
We never use harsh chemicals that damage inflatable materials like bleach solutions that degrade vinyl and PVC, abrasive cleaners that scratch or wear surfaces, or products leaving sticky residues attracting new dirt. We avoid anything with strong lingering odors concerning for children with sensitivities and chemicals requiring extensive safety precautions or protective equipment.
Child Safety
All our cleaning products are:
- Safe when properly used: Following manufacturer guidelines ensures safety
- Non-toxic after drying: Once dried and rinsed, products leave no harmful residues
- Hypoallergenic options: We consider allergies and sensitivities when selecting products
- Scent-free or mild: Strong chemical smells indicate inappropriate products
Our priority: Equipment should smell clean and fresh, not like chemicals. Strong "clean" smells actually indicate excessive product use or inadequate rinsing—proper cleaning leaves equipment virtually scent-free.
Quality Control & Verification
Inspection Standards
Every item receives inspection after cleaning verifying:
- Visual cleanliness: No visible dirt, stains, or residue
- Tactile test: Surfaces feel clean and dry, not sticky or damp
- Odor check: Fresh smell without mustiness or chemical odors
- Structural integrity: No damage, proper function of all components
Random Quality Audits
Beyond standard inspections, we conduct random quality audits where management spot-checks cleaned equipment before delivery. These audits verify our cleaning staff maintains standards consistently and identify any training needs immediately.Customer Feedback Loop
Customer reviews mentioning cleanliness (positive or negative) trigger immediate investigation. Positive feedback reinforces our team's excellent work. Any cleanliness concern prompts re-inspection of that equipment and process review to prevent recurrence.Our commitment: If equipment arrives less than spotless, we want to know immediately. Call (407) 970-0253) and we'll address the situation right away. However, this virtually never happens—our cleaning standards and multi-layer inspection process catch issues before delivery.
Why Our Cleaning Standards Matter
Health & Safety
Proper sanitization protects children from germs, bacteria, and viruses that spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Florida's warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for microbial growth—thorough cleaning and drying prevent health concerns.Equipment Longevity
Regular, proper cleaning extends equipment life significantly. Dirt, debris, and moisture degrade inflatable materials over time. Our cleaning protocols preserve equipment condition, meaning our inventory stays newer and looks better longer. You benefit from equipment that looks practically new despite hundreds of previous uses.Your Peace of Mind
Knowing equipment arrives spotless and sanitized allows you to focus on celebrating, not worrying about cleanliness. Parents can confidently let children play barefoot and face-down without concerns about what they're contacting.Our Reputation
Our cleaning standards represent a competitive advantage we're proud to maintain. Many customers specifically mention cleanliness when explaining why they choose Orlando Amusements over competitors. We earn this reputation through consistent execution of these standards.Comparing Cleaning Standards
Professional vs. Backyard Operations
Professional companies (like us):
- Commercial cleaning equipment (industrial vacuums, air movers, pressure washers)
- Hospital-grade sanitizers and EPA-registered disinfectants
- Climate-controlled drying and storage facilities
- Systematic cleaning processes every rental
- Quality control inspections before each delivery
- Investment in proper products, equipment, and time
Backyard operations:
- Household cleaning supplies (if anything)
- Garden hoses and shop vacuums
- Outdoor storage where equipment accumulates dust, pollen, moisture
- Inconsistent cleaning depending on how dirty equipment looks
- No sanitization between rentals
- Time and cost-saving shortcuts
The difference shows immediately. Our equipment smells fresh, looks spotless, and feels clean to the touch. Equipment from operations cutting corners smells musty, shows visible dirt, and leaves guests questioning cleanliness.
Retail Purchase vs. Professional Rental
Families considering buying bounce houses for home use should understand cleaning realities:
Buying challenges:
- Lack of commercial cleaning equipment for proper sanitization
- Difficult storage (most homes lack climate-controlled space)
- Time investment (proper cleaning takes hours per use)
- Ongoing cleaning supply costs
- Mold and mildew risks from inadequate drying
- No professional inspection catching wear/damage early
Renting advantages:
- Professional cleaning every use without your effort
- Commercial equipment ensuring thorough sanitization
- Climate-controlled storage maintaining pristine condition
- Fresh, clean equipment every rental
- No long-term cleaning responsibilities
- Equipment that's actually cleaner than most families can achieve at home
Our cleaning standards mean rented equipment often exceeds the cleanliness of owned equipment. Families simply can't replicate commercial cleaning processes at home.
Special Situations & Requests
Allergy & Sensitivity Accommodations
We're happy to discuss specific cleaning needs for children with allergies or sensitivities.
Available accommodations:
- Scent-free cleaning products by request
- Extra rinse cycles ensuring complete product removal
- Hypoallergenic sanitizer options
- Equipment rotation avoiding specific previous-use scenarios
Advance notice helps: Mention special needs during booking so we can accommodate appropriately during cleaning.
Extra Cleaning Requests
Have specific concerns? We'll address them.
Examples of accommodations we've made:
- Additional sanitization cycles for immune-compromised guests
- Extra drying time for customers concerned about moisture
- Photo documentation of cleaning completion upon request
- Special attention to specific equipment areas
Our philosophy: Your comfort and confidence matter. If special cleaning attention provides peace of mind, we're happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Post-Event Cleaning Concerns
If equipment arrives less clean than expected (extremely rare), contact us immediately at (407) 970-0253.
We'll:
- Send crew to re-clean on-site if time permits
- Replace equipment with cleaned alternative if available
- Document the concern for investigation
- Address the situation immediately without hassle
This virtually never happens because our multi-layer inspection process catches issues before delivery. However, on the infinitesimally rare occasion something slips through, we make it right immediately.
Cleaning During Your Event
What You Should Do
Equipment arrives clean and ready to use. During your event:
Recommended practices:
- Enforce "no shoes" rule on inflatables (prevents bringing in outside dirt)
- Don't allow food or drinks on bounce surfaces (prevents spills and stains)
- Wipe up any spills immediately on concession equipment
- Remove large debris before pickup (toys, decorations, significant trash)
What you DON'T need to do:
- Deep clean equipment (we handle this at our facility)
- Sanitize or disinfect (our process covers this completely)
- Attempt stain removal (we have specialized products)
- Vacuum or wash (requires commercial equipment we provide)
Post-Event Condition
Equipment won't be pristine when we pick up—we expect normal use wear:
Expected conditions after events:
- Dirt, grass, and debris from children's play
- Minor food stains or spills
- Normal wear and tear from active use
- Typical party remnants
Not expected:
- Intentional damage or vandalism
- Extreme soiling beyond normal party use
- Negligent equipment care (leaving inflated during storms, etc.)
Our cleaning process handles normal party mess completely. You're not responsible for equipment being clean—just reasonably cared for during use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many customers specifically mention cleanliness in reviews because the difference from other rental companies is obvious. Trust your senses—properly cleaned equipment looks, smells, and feels clean.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Book Clean Equipment Today
📞 Call: (407) 970-0253 - Discuss our cleaning standards
💻 Browse: View All Equipment - Book spotless rentals online
📧 Email: info@orlandoamusements.com - Questions about cleaning processes
Related Resources
Rental Information:
- Inflatable Rental Guide - Complete rental terms
- Safety Guide - Safety and supervision
Planning:
- Party Planning Guide - Event tips
- Setup Requirements - Space planning
Equipment:
- Bounce Houses - Spotless bouncers
- Water Slides - Sanitized slides
- All Equipment - Complete inventory