When company shows up to spend the night, air mattresses are a convenient, easy to store, and flexible item.A small leak can leave the flat on the floor by the morning.Finding a leak can be similar to looking for a needle in a haystack.This method is most likely to reveal the problem if you inspect the valves first.Try one of the other methods if that doesn't work.
Step 1: The bedding should be removed from the air mattress.
There are no holes or tears in the mattress with the bedding on.If you want the bedding to be out of the way, move it to a safe place, away from the area where you will look for leaks.
Step 2: You have enough room to move the air mattress.
You need to be able to flip the mattress and inflate it.It is a good idea to do this inside a tent if you are camping.Make sure you have adequate light.You will need to be able to see.
Step 3: You don't need to worry about the mattress bursting if you fill it as much as you can.
Air mattresses are not designed to be filled with high pressure sources.You can inflate the mattress with your breath or an air pump.Air mattresses can be used to aid in inflation.Do not put too much pressure on your mattress.It can cause a mattress to burst.
Step 4: Look at the valve.
It's a good idea to do this before inspecting the rest of the mattress because the valve is a common source of leaks.Since valves are a main source of leaks, doing this first can save you a lot of time.The valve plug should be completely inserted into the valve stem.Make sure the valve stem is completely pressed against the stop behind it for double locking valves.The valve is unlikely to be patched if there is a problem.If the valve plug won't seal against the stem you can try a thin piece of plastic.If the valve stem is completely pressed into the stop behind it, you will be able to see a leak in the mattress.
Step 5: There is a spray bottle of warm water.
To get an even amount of soap across the whole mattress, mix thoroughly.You can use a soapy wet rag if you don't have a spray bottle.A sponge with soapy water or bubble soap will work for this method.
Step 6: It's a good idea to spray or wipe the valve first.
There will be bubbles on the surface if you escape air.Make sure the mattress is inflated.The valves are a common source of leaks, so always check the valve area first with any method.If you see bubbles near the valve, make sure it's sealed properly.
Step 7: The surface of the mattress needs to be sprayed.
The first thing to do is to start with the seams.The leak will be visible with soap bubbles.Don't worry if you get soap on the mattress.The mattress will dry after this is wiped off.
Step 8: Once you locate the leak, use a permanent marker to mark it.
There is no permanent marker on the mattress.If you dry the area with a towel, it will be easier to mark the mattress.Once the mattress is dry, you can use a piece of duct tape or felt marker to make your mark clear.
Step 9: The mattress can be dry in the wind for an hour or two.
The seams will take a long time to dry.If you don't dry a mattress before storing it, mold can form.Before you put it away, make sure it is completely dry.It must be completely dry before you can use a patch on your mattress.
Step 10: Take a look at the air mattress.
With the mattress still fully inflated, you should do this.A hole can be seen when a mattress is inflated.This can be done in an area with a lot of light.Do this in a systematic way.The sides of the mattress should be inspected first.The seams of the mattress are a common area for tears.
Step 11: The palm of your hand should be moving along the mattress surface.
You may feel the escaping air brush against your skin.It is possible to wet your hand with cold water.Escaping air will make your skin feel cold.Slowly move your hand along the surface of the mattress.You might not feel the sensation of escaping air if you move too fast.
Step 12: Use your hand to apply pressure to the mattress.
With your ear near the mattress, move your head along the surface.Your ear is sensitive to air.A hissing sound can be made by escaping air.Large holes or leaks are more likely to be found by listening for escaping air.The most common area for leaks is around the seams of the mattress.
Step 13: The leak can be marked with a pen or piece of tape.
You will be able to locate the leak when you patch it.Instructions on how to patch a leak will be provided by some manufacturers.Others will want you to send the mattress for repair.The manufacturer has instructions on how to patch your mattress.Different methods are required for different materials.If you find a leak, inspect the rest of the mattress.There could be more than one hole contributing to the problem.
Step 14: Check the label of your mattress.
Some manufacturers don't recommend that you submerge their products.Submerging an air mattress puts it in contact with water.The fabric may become saturated.Seams may begin to degrade once an air mattress is saturated with water.Synthetic fabrics may have protective coating on them.
Step 15: The mattress should be partially inflated.
You can't see air escaping under the water if it's not partially inflated.It may be difficult to submerge in a pool or bathtub if the mattress is fully inflated.
Step 16: Take the valve stem out of the pool and put it in the bathtub.
Pressure should be applied around the valve stem.If you can force air out of the valve, that's great.A stream of bubbles can form around a leak.As you apply the pressure, look for these around the valve.The fabric needs to be submerged under the water.Look for bubbles when there is a leak.This can be done in sections.Trying to find leaks in the whole mattress at one time is more difficult than looking at a smaller area.The areas around the seams are important to pay attention to.There are holes and tears in the seams.Once you find the source, mark the leak with a permanent marker.Permanent marker isn't likely to bleed on a wet surface.The area around the leak can be partially dried with a towel.If you want to make your mark clearer, place duct tape or a larger mark near the leak.
Step 17: You can dry the mattress in the sun or the wind.
It will take a long time for the seams to dry.mold can form if you don't dry the mattress before storing it.Before you put it away, make sure it is completely dry.It must be completely dry before you can use any kind of patch on your mattress.
Step 18: This method can be done using an outdoor table.
If you have a wooden table, cover it with a blanket, newspapers, or vinyl tablecloth.A wood table can get wet.The method requires a good deal of water and a hose.You can use a deck or patio to do this.If you are working on wood, make sure it is covered.
Step 19: The area around the valve should be flooded with water by attaching a garden hose.
As a leak could only be seen for a few seconds, move slowly.Looking for bubbles in the water.There is a leak in the valve and bubbles can indicate it.To make sure the valve is sealed properly, inspect it.
Step 20: The mattress should be flooded with water.
Work slowly by using a small stream of water.Look for bubbles escaping from the leak in the mattress.Look for bubbles around the seams.The sites of tears and holes are usually escaping air and seams.
Step 21: Once you find the source, mark the leak with a permanent marker.
Permanent marker isn't likely to bleed on a wet surface.To mark the leak, you can partially dry the area with a towel.If you want to make your mark clearer, place duct tape or a larger mark near the leak.
Step 22: You can dry the mattress in the sun or the wind.
It will take a long time for the seams to dry.If you don't dry a mattress before storing it, mold can form.Before you put it away, make sure it is dry.It must be completely dry before you can use any kind of patch on your mattress.