How To Clean An Outdoor Basketball?
Given the current Covid-19 situation, disinfecting and keeping your outdoor basketball clean is more important than ever before.
If you are not aware, fret not, as we will explain all the details of how to clean your outdoor basketball.
How To Clean An Outdoor Basketball?
But the question arises, do you know how to properly clean and disinfect your basketball? Do you know what products are best for cleaning?
Should You Wash Your Basketball?
Yes, washing your basketball is important. You may be scared of ruining the material quality, but a dirty ball can do more harm than good.
It can affect your performance in various ways and can also transfer all the dirt and bacteria it accumulates from the surfaces onto you.
Whatsmore is that a properly cleaned basketball tends to have a greater lifespan than a dirty and wrongly cleaned one. This is why you should wash your basketball as needed and in the correct method.
How To Clean An Outdoor Basketball Without Losing Grip?
To clean your basketball without losing grip, follow the below-mentioned cleaning procedures while also bearing in mind the following points:
- Stay away from strong detergents
- Do not use strong alcohol-based products, disinfectants or bleaches to clean your basketball
- To avoid corroding the ball material, do not immerse it in water or detergent
- Do not clean when the ball is deflated
- No high-temperature heat-emitting dryers should be used
- To dry your basketball, use a clean dry cloth and air dry
How To Clean Dirt Off Outdoor Basketball?
Outdoor basketballs are prone to getting dirt stuck on them. The best way to clean the dirt and debris is to use soap, water and a towel.
Just like washing your hand, this method is highly effective and cheap in cleaning the surface of the ball. Gently scrub the surface with the soapy towel and make sure to clean the lines as well.
How Do You Clean A Spalding Basketball?
There are two methods that are highly recommended to wash your Spalding Basketball. Here is a brief explanation of both of them:
1. The Traditional Soap And Water Method
To clean dirt and debris, use a moist cloth soaked in soap and water and rub with moderate pressure.
Next use a clean towel dipped in water to thoroughly clean the soap off the ball. Make sure you don’t oversaturate the ball with water or soap. Allow drying completely by air before playing with it.
Do not use heat to dry it. Also, do keep in mind that cleaning may have a slight impact on ball performance or feel.
2. The Disinfecting Wipe Method
If you wish to only disinfect or want to avoid the risks of oversaturation of the ball with water, you can use disinfecting wipes to clean the whole surface by applying moderate pressure.
However, there is still a small risk of oversaturation so be mindful of not wiping the surface too much. Once again, make sure the ball is completely air-dried before playing with it.
How Do You Clean A Wilson Basketball?
Wilson’s website recommends a simple soap and water method with two towels to clean any type of basketball.
To do so you can follow the following steps:
- In a 1-gallon container, pour 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap.
- Fill the container halfway with warm water and stir until a soapy mixture forms.
- Wet your first towel with soapy water, wring it out, then clean the entire surface of the ball for a minimum of 30 seconds.
- Next, re-wet the same towel with plain lukewarm water, wring off the excess and wipe the ball’s surface clean of extra soap.
- To clean and dry the ball, rub it with your second, dry towel.
- Allow the ball to air dry before using.
Wilson also recommends not using high concentrations of alcohol or bleaches as this will strongly affect the material of the basketball which in turn will affect its durability and functionality.
Some of the disinfectants that Wilson tested (up to 5 in 24 hours) and discovered that had little or no influence on performance are:
- Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
- Lysol Clean & Fresh Multipurpose cleaner
- BTC 2125 M 10% Solution
- Lonza Disinfectant Wipes Plus
Can You Wash A Basketball With Soap?
Yes, you may but do not directly lather the soap onto the ball. Rather use a towel dipped in soapy water to wipe off the surface.
There is a risk of oversaturating the ball with water so make sure you strain off any excess water from the towel before wiping the basketball.
How Long Does Outdoor Basketball Last
Also make sure you have thoroughly removed the soap as any residual soap on the ball can affect its quality, functionality and lifespan.
Final Word
Hopefully, after reading our article, cleaning your basketball will not be as daunting as it might seem.
A clean ball not only has improved lifespan and performance but will also boost your confidence. Don’t forget, it will also prevent you from contracting any illnesses and infections!
