Skip the bleach on pool floats.

Mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth is all you need for most pool floats. That’s the short answer.

Harsh stuff is the enemy here. Most floats are vinyl or PVC, and bleach, ammonia, or citrus cleaners will break down the material, make it sticky, or cause it to crack over time. A pressure washer is even worse — it will blast holes right through it.

For stubborn mildew spots, make a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping. Rinse it off completely. Avoid scrubbing with anything abrasive like a Scotch-Brite pad or a brush with stiff bristles. They leave micro-scratches that trap dirt and make things worse later.

After cleaning, dry it fully before deflating and storing. Sunlight kills mildew spores too, but don’t leave it baking in the sun all day or the plastic will get brittle.

If it’s just sand and dust, a quick rinse with the garden hose works fine. Save the soap for actual grime.

Your float will last longer than the summer if you just treat it gently.