A slow leak in your air mattress the night before guests arrive. A pool float that deflates halfway through a summer afternoon. A kiddie pool that sags on one side before the kids even get in. Sound familiar? The good news: most inflatable items — made from vinyl, PVC, or similar materials — can be repaired quickly with the right approach and the right products.

This guide walks you through how to find, fix, and seal holes in virtually any inflatable item, from air mattresses and pool floats to inflatable toys and kiddie pools.

Before you can fix the hole, you need to find it. Fully inflate the item, close the valve, and try one of these methods:

• Soapy water test (recommended):
  Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray sections of the inflatable one at a time, press gently, and watch for small bubbles. Bubbles mean air is escaping from that spot.

• Submersion test:
  For smaller items like pool floats or beach toys, submerge the inflated item in a bathtub or basin and look for a stream of tiny air bubbles rising from the leak.
• Listen and feel:
  In a quiet room, move your hand slowly over the surface. You may hear a faint hiss or feel a light stream of air on your skin.

• Gorilla Waterproofing Tape (comes in: clear, black, & white)
• Marker (optional)
• Dish soap (optional)
• Rubbing alcohol (optional)

1. Clean and Prep the Area
   Dry the area around the leak thoroughly. Wipe it down with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt, oil, or residue, then let it dry completely. If the surface has a fuzzy texture, like the top of many air mattresses, lightly sand it to expose the smooth vinyl underneath.
2. Cut the Tape to Size
   With the liner still on, cut a piece of Gorilla Waterproofing Tape larger than the hole. The tape should extend well beyond the edges of the damage on all sides. Round the corners of the patch to reduce the chance of the edges lifting over time.

3. Apply the Patch
   Remove the release liner and place the tape directly over the hole. Rub the entire surface firmly, working from the center outward to press out any air or water underneath. Hold the patch in place for at least 2 minutes to ensure strong adhesion.

4. Cure and Test
   If possible, place weight on the patched area and let it cure for 24 hours. After curing, re-inflate the item and retest with soapy water. If no bubbles appear, your repair is complete and ready for use.

Bottom-side repairs are the most straightforward. The smooth vinyl provides an ideal bonding surface.

1. Clean the area around the hole with rubbing alcohol and let it dry.
2. Cut your tape with rounded corners, sized to extend well past the hole on all sides. Remove the liner, apply, and rub aggressively from center to edges.
3. Hold for 2 minutes, then flip the mattress over so the patch is face-down. The weight of the mattress itself will help cure the bond. Wait 24 hours before use.

Once the patch has cured for 24 hours, inflate the mattress to full pressure and test again with soapy water. If no bubbles appear, the fix is holding. A few additional tips for keeping your repaired mattress in good shape:

• Place a blanket, sheet, or mattress pad between the air mattress and the floor to protect the bottom from future punctures.
• Sweep or vacuum the floor beneath the mattress before setting it down each time. Small debris like staples, pins, or hair clips are common culprits.
• Avoid inflating to maximum pressure, especially in warm rooms. Heat causes the air inside to expand, which puts extra stress on seams and patched areas. Inflate to about 90% and top off if needed.