Soccer Gear Soccer Balls Soccer Ball Care
Caring for Your Soccer Ball
Once you have purchased a soccer ball taking care of it will prolong its life and its performance. Soccer ball care is not difficult, just a matter of common sense.
Cleaning.
Remove excessive mud and grass right after the game is over, then use a damp cloth to wipe it clean. If the ball is particularly dirty then mild soap or a synthetic leather cleaner can be used, but don’t use harsh detergents on it, as the outer case and stitching on some balls (even the expensive ones) can become weakened by them, reducing the soccer ball’s lifespan and playability. Don’t turn the hose on the ball either as you may end up water logging it.
Surface Use
Don’t take a premium soccer match ball out with you to play on asphalt or gravel. Even the best ball will end up being nicked scratched and damaged by such surfaces. Keep a cheap training ball handy for playground knock around and save your good ball for the surface it was designed for, turf .
Air Pressure.
Stick to the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to how much you inflate your ball. Most soccer balls need 6 to 8lbs of pressure, but it’s always a good idea to use an accurate pressure gauge when you are inflating or deflating your ball to make sure you get it right.
All soccer balls lose pressure over time. Balls that utilize a butyl bladder tend to keep their air pressure constant for longer than those that have latex ones but even the most expensive balls need to be checked often to make sure they are properly inflated.
Before you inflate your soccer ball for the first time put a few drops of either silicone or glycerin oil into the valve. This serves to extend the life of the valve and makes inserting the inflation needle much easier. Also remember to slightly moisten the needle itself before using it.
Most soccer players and coaches advise that right after a game reduce the air pressure in your ball a little before storage, to lessen the strain on the seams. This is a good habit to practice, just remember to re inflate it before you take it back out onto the pitch.