Regular safety checks (inspection)

Wickey’s climbing frames are designed to meet the safety standards, so your children can enjoy hours of fun with complete peace of mind. You can read more about our safety standards in our safety blog.

To ensure your garden play equipment remains a safe and sturdy place to play over time, regular inspections are essential. These routine checks act as an additional safety measure, helping you maintain the long-term stability and security of your climbing frame.

1) Tools you’ll need for inspection:

• Screwdriver
• Socket set
• Sanding paper
• Level
• Spade

2) Step-by-step inspection guide:

Do a visual check before children play on the climbing frame. In addition, carry out a more thorough inspection after assembly, at the beginning of each season, and every two weeks during use. The tools and the step-by-step guide are intended for these more extensive checks.

• Inspect fasteners, fittings, and swing hooks for signs of wear or rust. Lubricate all moving metal parts regularly.
• Check the fastening of screws and hooks. Be aware that overtightened screws can cause cracks in the wood.
• Ensure all screw caps and fasteners are secure so that no screws or components protrude or create sharp edges. Replace or grind them down if necessary.
• Check ground anchors and replace them immediately if they show defects. Make sure the frame is still level and firmly secured to the ground. To learn more about anchoring, check out our anchoring blog.
• Inspect wooden parts for splinters and cracks. These can naturally occur during drying due to weather conditions. Wood is a natural product, so some cracks are perfectly normal. They're actually a sign that the wood still works. However, they shouldn't be bigger than 1/4 of the length or thickness of the beam. Remove any splinters that may have developed.
• Swing seats, chains, ropes, and other accessories must be checked for signs of wear. Replace the accessories.
• Knots that are part of the supplied construction or accessories, such as in swing ropes, must never be removed or adjusted.
• Ensure good drainage around the frame. In case of rust or corrosion, take immediate action to ensure safety.
• If you're using mulch or sand as a surface, regularly add some to keep the fall surface safe.
• Make sure no insects such as wasps or bees are nesting inside the climbing frame.

Insufficient inspection can cause the play equipment to overturn or otherwise pose a safety risk.

How to clean your play equipment?

Regular cleaning not only keeps your climbing frame looking good, but also helps maintain its strength and durability over time.

Step-by-step cleaning guide for a wooden Wickey climbing frame

1. Rinse the frame: Use a garden hose to wash off dirt and mud.
2. Clean with mild soap: Apply water with a mild soap and avoid harsh chemicals. These can damage the wood, the plastic parts and nearby plants. Use a soft brush or cloth and clean thoroughly, starting at the top and working your way down.
3. Focus on details: Clean joints, corners, and moving parts where dirt accumulates. At the same time, check for rust or loose bolts.
4. Rinse again: Use clean water only, again working from top to bottom.
5. Air-dry completely: Let the frame dry fully before children use it again.

Wood treatment:
All wooden parts are pretreated (pressure-impregnated), so no additional treatment against weathering or decay is required.
To learn more about our wood, check out our wood blog.

Seasonal maintenance tips

Winter
Even though Wickey wood is pressure-impregnated, it’s wise to take precautions:

• Remove loose elements such as accessories, slides and swings and store these parts indoor if possible, as cold temperatures can damage them.

Spring

• Perform a thorough post-winter check: tighten bolts and check for cracks or rust caused by freezing temperatures.
• Lubricate moving parts, as cold weather can stiffen hinges and joints.
• When reinstalling swings, double-check swing hooks and brackets.
• Clean thoroughly to remove dirt and debris from winter.

Summer

• Additional UV protection or coating is not necessary due to pressure-impregnated wood.
• Heat can cause bolts and screws to loosen more quickly, so check fittings every two weeks.
• Inspect plastic parts for warping caused by high temperatures. Do not position the slide in direct southern sunlight unless sufficient shade is provided during the hottest hours of the day. Prolonged exposure can cause slides to become extremely hot and may result in burns during use.

Autumn

• Regularly remove leaves and debris to prevent moisture buildup.
• Ensure proper drainage in preparation for wetter weather.

When to contact us?

Small worn parts such as ropes, nets, or accessories can be replaced easily, and minor splinters can be sanded down by consumers. Loose bolts can usually be tightened without professional help. However, when there's structural damage to a climbing frame (such as big cracks, bended beams or severe rust) this can impact the stability of the climbing frame. In these cases, it's wise to contact us.

Guarantee information

We have complete confidence in our products and therefore offer a 10-year guarantee¹ on all wooden parts when our own anchors are purchased at the same time. In all other cases, the statutory warranty applies.

You can find more details about the scope and conditions of the guarantee in our statement of guarantee.

Summary

Keeping your climbing frame in top condition is about more than occasional checks, it’s about consistent care through regular inspection, cleaning, and seasonal maintenance. By looking after the structure and its components throughout the year, you ensure it remains a safe, durable, and enjoyable place for children to play for years to come.

Key takeaways

• Regular inspections help ensure all parts of the climbing frame are secure, level, and working properly.
• Check fasteners, moving parts, and wooden elements frequently, especially after assembly, at the start of the season, and every few weeks during use.
• Keep screws properly tightened, but avoid over-tightening to prevent damage to the wood.
• Inspect anchors and ensure the structure remains firmly fixed to the ground.
• Clean your climbing frame regularly with water and mild soap to maintain its condition and durability.
• Always rinse thoroughly and allow the equipment to dry completely before use.
• Clean joints, corners, and moving parts carefully, while also checking for signs of wear or corrosion.
• Wood that is pressure-impregnated is low-maintenance, but still benefits from regular checks for cracks, splinters, and overall condition.
• Adapt maintenance to the seasons: prepare for winter, check thoroughly in spring, monitor fittings in summer, and keep the area clear in autumn.
• Replace worn or damaged accessories in time and address any larger structural concerns by contacting us.