Care Tips for Soccer Balls

·         Never use the ball on concrete or rocky surfaces. You can use it on grass, astroturf or other surfaces, but the most important rule of caring for soccer balls is to never use the ball on concrete or rocky surfaces. By doing this, you are ruining the ball's outer cover and once that is done, it can puncture a hole inside the ball. The ball must roll, bounce and be kicked on the grass or turf. That way, it keeps its condition fresh and is safe. 

·         The ball will wear out a lot faster, when bounced or kicked along concrete and brick walls and eventually the rocky surface will puncture a hole in the ball. It is only advised using a soccer ball on concrete or rocky surfaces, if you want to wear out a ball very quickly. 

·         Pump the ball frequently. After finishing a soccer match or practicing with a soccer ball, immediately pump the ball. Simply pump at least 5-10 pumps till the ball is not too soft but not too hard. A tip here is to use neither soft nor hard balls. 

·         Never pump your ball to hard. Honestly, its better having soft balls than hard balls. Miss kicks will occur if you pump the ball rock solid and you’re sure to hurt your foot. Medium pumpage is just about fine! 

·         If the ball is very dirty, it might need a good wash. A good way to clean the ball is to QUICKLY rinse the ball under hot water and simply scrub out excess dirt and mud with a sponge or scrubbing substances.
Whilst rinsing, be very careful that no water gets inside the ball. This can make the ball very heavy and it will cause the ball to slowly lose its latex in the bladder. 

·         Use “Gloss" for soccer balls which produces an extra effect in the ball by making it look shiny.
Gloss also increases the ball's durability. Glossing liquids can be bought in Hardware Houses, Sports Stores etc.
To use the gloss, simply get a clean cloth and use a medium amount. Coat the ball over and make sure to rub in excess gloss!