Keep Your Pool Floats In Tip Top Shape For Next Year With A Common Household Ingredient

Common pool toys, like floats, make it easier to relax by the pool and add to the summer fun. However, frigid air and a fall in temperature will have you forgetting all about the pool and preparing for the upcoming seasons. But before you store the good floats away and bid them goodbye till the next summer, it's essential to clean them to ensure they stay in tip-top shape when you get them out of storage next year. So, arm yourself with white vinegar to clean these pool accessories and eliminate unwanted stains.

While it's a good practice to clean them after each usage to prolong their life, you must rinse and dry them to eliminate the chemicals from the pool, dirt, lingering bacteria, and grime before storing them for next season. Before you get to the cleaning part, it's necessary to deflate the floats to avoid damaging them accidentally. You can open up the air valve and allow the pool toy to deflate on its own or use a deflation pump to speed up the process.

After the float is deflated, remove excess water before grabbing a spray bottle. Now, pour white vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio in the bottle and shake the solution well. Once ready, spray the cleaning solution on the pool accessory and get a gentle sponge (or brush) to scrub the dirty surface. Next, rinse the float with water to get rid of the scrubbed dirt and residual cleaning solution. The acetic acid in white vinegar makes it an ideal choice for cleaning floats, as it would not only remove the accumulated yuck but also disinfect the float and kill lingering bacteria and germs.

Let the wet toy completely air dry, or rub a clean towel over it, to prevent mold and mildew from attacking it. This will also prevent discoloration and ensure the floatie stays in shape for next year's shenanigans. Once the float is dry, fold it and place it inside an airtight container before moving it indoors to avoid weather damage. Alternatively, you can store the clean float inside a cool, dry, and ventilated space like your garage to keep it from getting frozen and cracking during winter. However, ensure it's not in close proximity to tools and objects that can nick and damage it.