Step 1: Inspect & Clean
If your unit has been deflated, plug it back in and let it inflate. Do a quick walk around the outside and check for any damage or unusual dirt or debris. Then climb inside and inspect the inside while you clean.
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Grab your broom! Even if the unit was set up inside, you may find things that have fallen out of pockets or stray buttons. If it was outside, there is probably grass or mulch inside. Sweep along the stripes on the floor, pushing debris out the vent holes in the corners of the unit.
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Time to vacuum! Using a handheld vaccuum will clean out those hard to reach crevices where the floor is seamed together. A quick run-through with the vaccuum will keep gunk from building up in the seams. A crevice tool is a good accessory to use, too.
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Step 2: Deflate & Unsecure
Make sure everything is out of the unit before you turn it off.
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Turn off the blower and unhook the straps that secure the blower tube to the blower.
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Unhook the straps on the other blower tube to allow air to escape.
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Pull up the stakes all around the unit or unhook sandbags and pack them up.
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Walk (in sock feet) from front to back on the unit, moving any remaining air toward the blower tubes.
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The unit is deflated and ready to be rolled up.
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Step 3: Folding
A good fold is critical to keeping the unit in good shape during storage and for making the unit easier to handle.
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Fold the sides in to the center, flattening them out as much as possible.
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Now, take the top back corner and fold it back out to the side of the unit. What we are doing is flattening out the back section.
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Grab the other top back corner from the other wall and pull it back over to the side to completely flatten the back of the unit.
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We are going to do the same thing to the front. If there is a decorative element on the front of the unit, pull it straight back. (Giraffe head shown in example)
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Pull back the corners on each side of the front to flatten it.
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Fold in the base of the unit all the way around
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Fold the safety step in.
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Now fold one side in to the middle.
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Now fold the other side over the first side
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Folding is complete! You are ready to roll.
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Step 4: Rolling
The last step: A tight roll will be much easier to handle. This will get easier the more you do it.
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Start your roll from the front of the unit. Roll it up just like a sleeping bag. Grasp the end tightly and fold it in, then push and roll it. See a short .mpg movie on starting the roll.
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Keep pushing and flattening the roll as you go. It helps to have someone walk on the roll right in front of you.
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The center of the roll is the hardest because that is where the bulk of the material is. You will have to really push on this section to get it to roll up.
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At the end of the roll, the blower tubes will be the on the outside. This will help you decide how to position the unit the next time you set it up.
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Slide the straps under the unit.
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Run the end of the straps through the D-rings on the other end of the straps and pull tight.
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Loop the end of the strap around and tie in a slip knot.
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Tip the unit up onto the end of the roll.
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Place the hand truck under the unit.
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Whew! You are finished! Ready to pack up and move on.
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