Rubber cement was originally created to hold two pieces of rubber together. With an added ingredient, it also serves as a suitable adhesive for repairing a hole in an air mattress. Rubber cement contains unvulcanized rubber in a solvent. After application, the solvent dries, leaving a flexible, rubbery adhesive behind -- perfect for a successful air bed hole repair.
Things You'll Need
Mild Dish Detergent
Rubber Bands
Scissors
Rubber Cement
Cotton Swab (Or Toothpick)
Talcum Powder Or Cornstarch
Paper Towels
Water
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Step 1
Wet two paper towels. Add one drop of mild dish liquid to one of the wet paper towels. Rub the dish liquid into the towel to create a lather.
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Step 2
Wipe the damaged area of the air bed with the soapy paper towel. Wipe away the lather with the other wet paper towel. Allow the area to air dry.
Step 3
Cut the cotton off the end of a cotton swab. Dip the end of the stick into a jar of rubber cement to gather some of the adhesive.
Step 4
Poke the end of the cotton swab stick into the hole to fill it with rubber cement.
Step 5
Cut two or three 1/2-inch pieces of rubber band. The thickness of the rubber band you should use depends on the size of the hole. Poke the pieces of rubber band into the hole. Allow the rubber cement to dry.
Step 6
Trim away any protruding pieces of rubber band with the scissors. Sprinkle the repaired area with talcum powder or cornstarch to keep dirt from sticking to the area.
Tip
Always pack your air mattress inside of a backpack, suitcase or other protective cover to avoid holes.
Use a toothpick for application if a cotton swab stick is too large.
Warning
Work in a well-ventilated area. Rubber cement emits strong fumes.