Use and Care Instructions

The following information may help you to get the best use from your Horseplay Inflatables/Horseplay Toys inflatable product.

Use and maintenance instruction for inflatable products

Inflation

  • Inflate by using a low-pressure air pump.
  • Do not over-inflate. Some wrinkles will remain.
  • Almost all our products use quick-deflation valves for easier inflation/deflation. Use the valves’ inflation nozzles for inflation. Make sure black (or white) plug is pushed firmly into the valve shaft.
  • Close transparent lid after inflation.
  • You can also watch our tutorial video here.

Use

  • The products are display and decoration items unless otherwise specified. Other forms of use may result in damage and hazards and are at owner’s own risk.
  • Inflatable items may soften and expand in direct sunshine due to heat. 
  • Dark surfaces may become hot in direct sunshine.
  • Keep the inflatable away from sharp objects.

Deflation and Maintenance

  • Deflate by using the deflation nozzle (gently pull out black or white valve plug with lid from the valve shaft).
  • Use only warm water for cleaning.
  • Ensure that glue used for repairs is suitable for soft-PVC (i.e. HH66®, Pattex® Transparent, Stormsure®, Loctite (etc.).
  • Punctures and cuts can also be repaired with standard PVC patching material provided with the item or with Type B Tear Aid®.

Cleaning tips for inflatable penetrable pillows

  • The SPH/ona-hole on penetrable inflatable pillows can be used with or without an additional insert.
  • If using lubricants, then water-based formulas make for easier cleaning.
  • Cleaning of the item can be in inflated or deflated state; cleaning the SPH while the pillow is inflated is often easier.
  • Quick cleaning can be achieved with kitchen roll or toilet paper but the item should be cleaned thoroughly if folded and stored for longer periods of time.
  • Warm water should be sufficient for cleaning but if cleaning agents are necessary (e.g. because of the use of grease-based lubricants), then use vinyl cleaner (e.g. cleaners used for water beds).
  • SPH needs to be completely dry if the item is folded and stored for longer periods of time.

Using ATBC plasticiser on inflatable toys (really quick guide)

Our products use plasticisers that are not phtalate-based, as our suppliers adhere to the "N6P" standard regulating that.

ATBC (ACETYL TRIBUTYL CITRATE) is a non-phthalate plasticiser that can be used for soft PVC formulations and is compatible with our products.

The below is a quick guide for applying ATBC to inflatable toys, based on experience and with no warranty of success implied.

1) Avoid "overdosing". 1/20 in terms of plasticiser weight relative to the toy's weight is a good rule of thumb, but can vary depending on material. This will give a nice, soft feeling but well short of the "rubbery" or "balloon" feeling you may get when using higher amounts of ATBC.Thin PVC seems to use less; thick, and especially transparent and metallic colours take up to 30% more plasticiser for a decent softness. It is better use ATBC sparingly and to repeat the process if you are unsure of the amount needed.

2) If the toy is an item with lots of details, like fins or limbs, then it is useful to take a syringe (no needle obviously) and/or a small funnel to introduce some ATBC through the filling holes in the baffles. You dont actually need to deliver it into every corner. ATBC has no surface tension, therefore it'll gradually distribute throughout the structure. The process can be aided by massaging the item with some minimal air inside in a tub with warm-hot water for a couple of minutes and repeat the process 2 -3 times within 30 minutes, while leaving the toy in the  water. Make sure the valves are closed, so that no water can get inside.

3) After completing the initial process, inflate the item fully and leave inflated for 5-8 days for the ATBC to be fully absorbed. Turn the item occasionally. However, it seems that ATBC (unless you have used a lot) does not run off the inner surfaces and pool. Even if it does, then it is not a problem as long as you have uniform pressure inside the toy, which means the absorbtion into the material will also be also uniform. Folding the item with wet ATBC inside will create a lumpy and uneven softening of the vinyl due to the uneven pressure (by wrinkles and creases) being exerted onto the material.

4) Using ATBC plasticiers may adversely affect the strength of some seams (especially pinch seams) depending on the PVC. It may also affect repairs by weakening the glue/patch bond. Freshly applied ATBC may also make the print on a toy smear, scratch, or transfer to other surfaces, especially while wet with ATBC.

Washing and care instructions for lycra (regular, natural velvet and modified 2-way A&J tricot) fabric dakimakura

How to wash lycra

It is important to wash lycra properly so that it retains its elastic qualities.

Hand washing lycra

  • It is best to hand wash lycra to prevent excessive stretching. Never use washing detergent that contains chlorine bleach or fabric conditioner as it will destroy the structure of your lycra.
  • Always use lukewarm water (max 30°C) for both washing and rinsing. Use a mild detergent that contains no chlorine bleach.
  • Add the daki and gently agitate it, lightly rubbing any stains.
  • Rinse the item in changes of lukewarm water until all soap residue has been removed.
  • Gently squeeze the excess washing water out – do not wring.

Machine washing lycra

  • Place lycra dakis in a mesh washing bag or reverse the cover and close the zipper.
  • Use a mild detergent that contains no chlorine bleach.
  • Wash on a ‘delicates’ cycle (a cool and gentle wash cycle) and ensure that you set the machine for a slow spin at the end of the cycle.

Removing stains from lycra

If possible, remove the stain straight away. Soak the stain in cold water (do not use hot water as this can set the stain). Apply a small amount of a mild liquid detergent to the stain and gently rub it in (do not scrub it). Then wash as normal.

Removing strong odours from lycra

Fill a large bowl or bucket with lukewarm (max 30°C) water and add a small cup of bicarbonate of soda. Allow the daki to soak overnight. Rinse with cool water and air dry.

Drying lycra

  • Roll the wet daki in a clean towel to remove excess water.
  • Air-dry your lycra daki away from direct heat and sun.
  • Never dry your lycra daki in a tumble dryer.

Print out your own use and care instruction leaflet here:

 

Reprinted with permission by Art-N-Prints.