It’s important that you repair a damaged playground as soon as possible to avoid accidents. The following cleaning / repair methods cover both metal and wood playground parts.
General Repair and Maintenance
Required Tools and Materials
Garden hose
Wrenches
Screwdrivers
Damp cloth
Bucket of water
Wood sealant
Pressure washer
Sandpaper
Caring for Wood Parts
If there are splinters or cracks, apply sandpaper on it. You can also use the sandpaper on any rough or sharp areas. If necessary, apply some wood sealant. To remove dust, use a damp cloth. Remember that wood is susceptible to mold too. You also need to know what type of wood it is. Different wood types require different kinds of cleaners.
Caring for Metal and Plastic Components
To repair a damaged playground’s rusted metal parts, apply sandpaper on it. To fortify the components, you should apply stain. To remove dirt from plastic parts, connect a bottle cleaner to the hose and spray it. You can also use a pressure washer rather than a hose.
If any of the screws or bolts is loose, tighten it with a screwdriver or wrench. It doesn’t matter if you assembled the playground yourself or it was pre-built; check the screws and bolts every month.
Getting Rid of Graffiti
If cleaning with soap and water isn’t enough to remove the graffiti, try this approach.
Required Tools and Materials
Stiff brush
Chemical solvent
Baking soda
Power pressure washer
Safety glasses
Step 1
To repair a damaged playground riddled with graffiti, put solvent on the afflicted component. Note: if you don’t have a chemical solvent, use baking soda instead. It’s less potent, but you can be sure that it won’t damage the equipment. Some playground equipment may not be compatible with chemical solvents. Do some research on the solvent just to be sure.
Step 2
Rub the area with the stiff brush. Wipe in a circular manner. If the graffiti doesn’t come off, put on a second or even third layer.
Step 3
Don your safety glasses and apply the pressure washer on the spot. Apply the washer in even strokes around the afflicted area. You may need to experiment to get the right distance to eliminate the graffiti.
Tips and Warnings
When you repair a damaged playground made of wood, determine if the wood needs replacement. Whenever possible, only use treated wood. You can also apply paint over the graffiti rather than wash it off. That can be easier than trying to hose it. Wear a safety mask when painting.
In fact, it’s probably a good idea to paint the playground every now and then. It’s the quickest way of making it look new. In the case of wood, it provides extra protection too.
If you’re using a pre-built playground, follow the instructions on how to assemble it. If you’re building it yourself, double check all the measurements.
If you’re handy with tools, learning to repair a damaged playground shouldn’t be too troublesome. By inspecting the site regularly, you can be confident that it’s a safe place for kids to play in.
