Basketballs can get dirty quickly, and need some special care to make sure they stay in good condition for games and practice. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean a basketball using a few simple steps and supplies.
- Cleaning a basketball is an important part of making sure it stays in good condition for games and practice.
- Make sure the outside of the ball is dry before you start to clean it.
- To clean a basketball, begin by wiping off all surface dirt with a wet paper towel or rag. You can use soap and water if necessary to remove dirt that won’t come off with just a damp cloth. If you have any stubborn marks, try scrubbing them gently with an old toothbrush and some dishwasher soap (like Palmolive). Rinse the rag often in clear water to keep it from becoming dirty itself.
- After most of the dirt is gone, mix together 1 cup of warm water, ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, and ½ teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent (avoid using too much dishwashing detergent as this can cause the ball to become waterlogged and no longer hold air).
- Dip a clean rag into the soapy solution and wring out any excess liquid. Wipe down the entire outside of the basketball with your wet cloth, paying special attention to seams and grooves (check out how to make a basketball for more information on where those are). Pay particular attention to cleaning areas that come in contact with hands or objects, like where you grip it for a layup. If the ball has leather panels, use your rag soaked in soapy water to wipe them as well; make sure they dry completely before using again (rubbing alcohol works well as a drying agent if necessary) You should also be careful not to submerge any parts of the ball that are not black, as this can discolor them.
- Once the basketball has dried completely, use a dry rag to wipe down any excess soap residue left behind on its surface. You should also let it air dry after completing this step before using it again (if you need help with air drying your basketball, check out how to make a basketball). Since there is no moving air inside an inflated ball, you may want to leave it sitting in direct sunlight for several hours or until all visible moisture has evaporated off of its surface. Once your ball dries out, it’s ready for another round of games!
In summary:
– Use warm water and dishwashing liquid to wash dirt from outside of the ball.
– Use rubbing alcohol and a clean rag to clean the inside of panels and seams.
– Let the ball dry before using it again.
Cleaning a basketball may seem like a lot of work, but doing so will keep your ball in great shape for games and practice. If you don’t want to take five minutes during each game or practice to scrub debris off the court, it’s best not to play on that dirt in the first place!
Thank you for reading this article about how to clean a basketball with the help of some common household products.
We hope this article was helpful for you, and wish you happy cleaning!
