What Is the Best Way to Find a Pinhole Leak in an Air Mattress?

Air mattresses are a great and economical way to make guests comfortable even in a small space or to use as a bit of luxury when camping. They are inexpensive and, when deflated, take up little space. However, they can be prone to popping or getting pinhole-size leaks, which can cause them to deflate when used. Finding a pinhole leak on an air mattress just takes a few readily available household items and a bit of detective work.

Spray bottle
Warm water
Liquid dish washing detergent
Facial tissue

Instructions

- 1
  Inflate the mattress to its fullest point. Occasionally, you can find the leak by listening for a whistle as the air escapes, or by running your hand along the mattress to feel for a stream of air.
- 2
  Fill the spray bottle with warm water and a few squirts of liquid dish washing detergent. Shake gently to blend, and then squirt the mattress with the soap solution. Look for tiny bubbles forming on the surface and seams. This should be the source of the leak.
- 3
  Peel apart, if possible, the layers of facial tissue so that you have the thinnest tissue possible. Systematically lay the tissue on areas of the air mattress and watch for the tissue to "blow up," carried by a stream of air from the pinhole leak.

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