The rainy season brings welcome freshness to the air but it also brings one of trampoline fabric’s worst enemies: moisture.Rainy seasons are tough on trampolines.Rainy days might feel refreshing, but your trampoline doesn’t enjoy them nearly as much.Too much moisture? That’s trouble. Not just for the metal parts that might rust, but even more for the fabric.Leave your trampoline damp for too long and you’ll likely end up with mold or mildew—turning it slippery, smelly, and unsafe. The good news? A few simple care habits can keep your mat and cover clean, dry, and jump-ready all season.
This article dives into three effective, practical strategies to help you:
1. Check and improve drainage/ventilation
2. Choose the right protective treatments and fabrics
3. Implement a cleaning & maintenance routine
Stagnant air and lingering moisture are mold’s best friends.Mold is a very tenacious and fragile thing. When you pay attention to it and try to remove it, it will no longer exist, but if you forget about it and there is no proper air circulation, it will spread rapidly.
Think a tarp will keep your trampoline dry? It might keep the top dry, but underneath is a different story. When moisture gets trapped and there’s no airflow, mold and mildew can start to grow.
Ensure Proper Drainage & Ventilation
Mold loves wet spots and still air. A tarp or standing water makes an instant swamp on the frame. Without fresh breeze, even light mildew quickly spreads.
Moisture buildup is a mold magnet
Water-resistant materials can handle splashes—but not full-on soaking. When moisture gets trapped inside, it can quietly degrade the material from within, leading to long-term issues.
That means weaker threads, sagging seams, and yes, mold creeping in.
Drying out quickly keeps mold at bay
When water hides between layers, under covers, or near seams, it may sit for days in humidity. Keeping air moving through every gap lets that moisture evaporate, starving mold before it starts.
Quick ways to improve airflow
1. Elevate the cover:To keep the mat dry, lift it off the ground using a support frame or adjustable legs. This helps air flow underneath and keeps mold from forming.
2. Spray the underside: Just give under the mat a quick rinse after it rains—it helps get rid of moisture and stops water from collecting.
3. Open under-tarp gaps: Ensure any protective covers aren’t sealed tight.A little extra overlap gives the fabric room to breathe by letting air in. But when leaves and dirt collect under the trampoline, they hold onto moisture and can cause problems. Be sure to clear it out often, especially after it rains.
4. Trim nearby foliage:Want to help your trampoline dry quicker? Trim back the plants above it or shift it into the sun—yes, even soft sunlight makes a difference.
Select Mold-Resistant Materials & Protective Coatings
The fabric you pick really affects how likely mold is to show up. Some materials just attract mold more than others, especially if they’re not treated.Choosing the right fabric goes a long way. Some materials are naturally more mold-resistant, and with the right protective coating, it gets even better.
What material helps most?
Polypropylene (PP) mesh: Super light, stands up to the sun, and doesn’t soak up moisture—perfect for home trampolines.
Polyester mesh: A tighter weave and stronger sun protection, but you’ll pay a bit more.
PVC-coated polypropylene or polyester: If you’re going all-in on outdoor use, this one’s a solid pick. The PVC keeps it dry, resists mold, and holds up in any weather.
They’re good at fighting off mold on their own, but with the right surface protection, they do an even better job.
Coating with protective finishes
Mildew-resistant spray: Use an antifungal fabric spray (like a plant-safe mildew inhibitor) after cleaning and drying. This layer acts as a preventative shield.
UV- and mold-resistant primers: Use cushions or tapes on frame contact points. These prevent water from pooling at perimeter seams and stitching.
Pro tip:
Although a high-quality polyester trampoline or a PVC-coated trampoline will cost you more initially, you will save more in the future with its mildew resistance and less frequent cleaning and replacement costs. Less time thinking and worrying pays for itself, right?
Routine Cleaning & Preventive Care
Even got the best ventilation and materials you still need a little help. A solid cleaning and maintenance habit ensures your trampoline stays mold-free.
Monthly maintenance routine
Sweep or hose off debris
Don’t let leaves and branches sit around after it rains—grab a broom or a blower and get them off. Wet debris is just asking for mold.
Mild soap scrub-down
Mix some warm water with a bit of mild detergent or baking soda, then grab a soft brush—just skip the wire ones—and gently scrub the mesh clean.
Apply mold inhibitor
Once dry, spray with a mildew inhibitor following product instructions; spray seams and edge connectors generously.
Sun-dry thoroughly
Leave the trampoline uncovered for a full dry cycle—weather permitting. UV light helps deactivate remaining spores.
Inspect seams and stitching
Mold-laden seams are weak points. Replace or repair any areas with visible wear, pulling seams, or thin spots.
A Rainy-Season Routine
Here’s a simple monthly checklist to keep your trampoline fabric mold-free:
| Task | After Rain | Weekly | Monthly |
| Remove standing water | ✓ | ||
| Clear debris | ✓ | ||
| Clean with soap & brush | ✓ | ||
| Apply mold inhibitor | ✓ | ||
| Inspect and repair seams | ✓ | ||
| Sun-dry uncovered | ✓ |
To keep the trampoline fabric away from mold problems, you can set reminders on your phone or calendar to prevent more serious problems in the future.
Bonus Tips: Seasonal Storage & Additional Protection
1. Off-season storage:Before you pack it away for summer or winter, make sure the fabric is totally dry. Use a breathable storage bag—skip the airtight ones.
2. Use a breathable cover:Planning to store your trampoline outside? Pick a tarp that can handle the sun and mold, but leave some ventilation so it doesn’t trap moisture inside.
3. Consider elevated storage: Use wooden or PVC stilts under the frame in damp climates to reduce ground moisture transfer.
4. Professional recoating: If your PVC layer shows wear, many fabrics can be sprayed with a clear waterproofing sealer for another season of protection.
Why These 3 Tips Matter
Show your trampoline fabric a little love! These three simple steps will help prevent mold and keep the fabric in great condition. Your jumps stay safe and fun, rain or shine.
1. To prevent mold growth, keep it dry and well ventilated.
2. If you want to prevent mold from day one, your best bet is to use materials like PVC-coated polyester or polypropylene—they’re designed to resist moisture.
3. Remember to maintain long-term protection with monthly cleaning and maintenance using mild soap, mildewcide, and inspections.
Follow these three simple tips. Nail them early on, and you won’t have to worry about bad weather at all.
