How to Maintain and Care for Your Air Track: Complete Guide
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Your air track is an investment in your athlete's training. With proper care and maintenance, it will provide years of safe, reliable training. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your air track in top condition — from daily care to long-term storage and troubleshooting common issues.
Daily Care Routine
Before Each Use
- Inspect the surface — check for any visible damage, tears, or wear. Pay special attention to seams and valve areas.
- Check the training area — clear the space of sharp objects, stones, jewellery, and anything that could puncture the surface.
- Verify inflation — press on the surface to ensure it feels evenly firm. Top up air if needed.
After Each Use
- Wipe down the surface — use a damp cloth with mild soap to remove sweat, dirt, and chalk.
- Dry completely — never store the track while damp. Moisture trapped inside can cause mould and material degradation.
- Release a small amount of air — if storing overnight, slightly deflating reduces stress on the seams.
Cleaning Your Air Track
Regular Cleaning (Weekly)
- Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap
- Wipe the entire surface with a soft cloth or sponge
- Rinse with clean water to remove soap residue
- Dry thoroughly with a towel, then air dry completely before storing
Deep Cleaning (Monthly)
- Fully inflate the track for easier cleaning
- Use a soft-bristle brush for stubborn marks
- For persistent stains, use a mixture of water and white vinegar (50/50)
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely in a shaded area
What NOT to Use
- Never use bleach, acetone, or harsh chemicals — these can degrade the PVC material
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers — steel wool or rough scouring pads can scratch and weaken the surface
- Don't use a pressure washer — high-pressure water can damage seams and valves
Proper Inflation
Getting the Right Pressure
The ideal inflation depends on the athlete's weight and the skills being practised:
- Softer (less air) — better for beginners, young children, and when learning new skills. The surface should have some give when pressed.
- Firmer (more air) — better for advanced athletes and skills requiring strong rebound. The surface should feel responsive but not rock-hard.
A good rule of thumb: you should be able to press down about 2-3cm with your hand. If you can't press at all, it's over-inflated. If it sinks more than 5cm, add more air.
Inflation Tips
- Always use an electric pump designed for air tracks — mouth inflation or bicycle pumps won't achieve proper pressure
- Don't over-inflate — excessive pressure stresses the seams and can cause damage
- In hot weather, air expands — inflate slightly less than usual to compensate
- In cold weather, air contracts — you may need to top up after the track reaches ambient temperature
Storage Guide
Short-Term Storage (Between Sessions)
If you use your air track daily, it's fine to leave it partially inflated in a clean, indoor space. Just ensure it's away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and sharp edges.
Long-Term Storage (Weeks or Months)
- Clean and dry the track completely
- Fully deflate by opening the valve and gently pressing out remaining air
- Roll the track tightly from the opposite end to the valve (this pushes remaining air towards the valve)
- Place in the included carry bag
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the stored track
Storage Conditions
- Temperature: 5°C to 35°C (avoid freezing temperatures and extreme heat)
- Humidity: low humidity is best — a dry cupboard or storage room is ideal
- Sunlight: UV exposure degrades PVC over time — store out of direct sunlight
Repair Guide
Small Punctures and Tears
Every 365 Flips air track includes a repair kit. For small punctures (under 2cm):
- Deflate the track completely
- Clean the damaged area with rubbing alcohol and let dry
- Cut a repair patch at least 2cm larger than the tear on all sides
- Apply the included adhesive to both the patch and the track surface
- Press firmly and hold for 30 seconds
- Allow 24 hours for the adhesive to cure before inflating
Finding a Slow Leak
If your track loses air gradually:
- Inflate the track fully
- Mix soapy water in a spray bottle
- Spray along all seams and the valve area
- Watch for bubbles — they indicate where air is escaping
- Mark the spot and repair with the patch kit
When to Contact Us
For damage larger than 5cm, seam separations, or valve issues, contact our team. We'll assess whether the track can be repaired or if warranty replacement is appropriate.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Track loses air overnight | Temperature change or slow leak | Check valve seal; test for leaks with soapy water |
| Surface feels uneven | Under-inflation or internal thread damage | Inflate to proper pressure; if persistent, contact us |
| Musty smell | Stored while damp | Inflate, clean with vinegar solution, dry completely in shade |
| Valve won't seal | Debris in valve | Clean valve with compressed air; check for damage |
| Surface discoloration | UV exposure or chemical contact | Cosmetic only — doesn't affect performance. Store out of sun. |
Maximising Your Air Track's Lifespan
Follow these habits and your air track will last for years:
- ✅ Clean after every use
- ✅ Dry completely before storage
- ✅ Use on clean, flat surfaces
- ✅ Remove shoes and jewellery before use
- ✅ Store in a cool, dry place
- ❌ Don't leave in direct sunlight for extended periods
- ❌ Don't over-inflate
- ❌ Don't use harsh chemicals
- ❌ Don't drag across rough surfaces
Need a replacement pump or repair supplies? Browse our pump and accessories collection. Questions about your 365 Flips air track? Get in touch — we're here to help.
Related Articles
- How to Choose the Right Air Track
- The Ultimate Guide to Air Tracks
- 10 Benefits of Air Track Training
Seasonal Care in Lebanon's Climate
Lebanon's climate presents specific challenges for air track owners. Here's how to adapt your care routine to local conditions:
Summer (June-September)
Lebanon's summers are hot and humid, especially along the coast. During this period:
- Never leave your air track in direct sunlight for more than 2 hours — UV exposure degrades PVC and heat causes the air inside to expand, stressing seams
- Train in the morning or evening when the surface won't be uncomfortably hot to touch
- Inflate slightly less than usual — the air inside will expand as the track absorbs heat
- Store indoors — even a shaded outdoor area can reach temperatures that stress the material over time
Winter (December-March)
Cool temperatures and rain require different precautions:
- Avoid using on wet surfaces — moisture underneath can create a slippery base
- Wipe off condensation before training if the track was stored in an unheated space overnight
- Allow the track to warm to room temperature before heavy use — PVC is slightly less flexible when cold
- Top up air after reaching room temperature — cold air contracts, reducing firmness
Humidity Management
Coastal areas like Beirut, Jounieh, and Byblos have high humidity year-round. This makes thorough drying after cleaning even more critical. Consider using a dehumidifier in your storage area, or store the track with a silica gel packet inside the carry bag to absorb excess moisture.
When to Replace Your Air Track
Even with perfect maintenance, air tracks have a finite lifespan. Here are the signs that it's time for a replacement:
- Persistent air loss — if you're topping up air multiple times per session despite no visible leaks, the material may have developed micro-pores
- Uneven surface — if the track develops lumps, dips, or areas with different bounce levels, the internal drop-stitch threads may be damaged
- Visible material degradation — cracking, flaking, or permanent discolouration of the PVC surface
- Seam separation — any visible gap along a seam, even if small, is a sign the track is approaching end of life
- Reduced bounce — if the track feels noticeably less responsive even at full inflation, the material has lost elasticity
A well-maintained 365 Flips air track typically lasts 3-5 years with regular use (3-5 sessions per week). Light use can extend this to 7+ years. When it's time for a replacement, browse our current air track range — our materials and construction improve with every generation.
Warranty and Support
Every 365 Flips air track comes with a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects. This covers:
- Seam failure under normal use
- Valve defects
- Material delamination
- Drop-stitch thread failure
The warranty does not cover damage from punctures, misuse, or exposure to conditions outside the recommended guidelines in this article. If you need warranty service, contact us with photos of the issue and your order number — we'll assess and respond within 24 hours.