Football care
The Complete Football Care Guide
Most footballs die from neglect, not play. The right inflation habit, a cover-safe cleaning routine and a dry off-season store will double the working life of a match or training ball.
Correct inflation pressure
The FIFA range is 0.6–1.1 bar (8.5–15.6 psi). The sweet spot for match play is 0.8–0.9 bar — enough for lively rebound without hardening the panels. Always moisten the needle with a drop of water before inserting; a dry needle tears the silicone valve over time.
Cleaning without damaging the cover
- Wipe with a soft cloth and lukewarm water after every session — mud dries into the PU grain and hardens it.
- For stains, use pH-neutral soap. Never solvents, bleach or petrol-based cleaners.
- Let the ball air-dry in shade. Direct sun accelerates PU yellowing and cracks TPU.
- Wipe the valve dry and store the ball with the valve pointing up.
Off-season storage
Deflate the ball to about 50% pressure — full inflation stretches the bladder and panel bonds for months. Store in a dry room at 15–25 °C, out of direct sun. Never a hot car boot; heat softens PU adhesive lines. Bag the ball loosely; never stack heavy items on top.
Extending working life
Rotate 3–4 balls in academy training so no ball takes 100% of the drills. Match balls should be used for matches, not warm-ups. Keep balls off gravel and concrete unless they were sold for that surface. Simple habits move a training ball from 6 months to 12+.
Basic repair
Small punctures on latex bladders can be re-sealed with a bladder repair kit through the valve. Panel scuffs on PU are cosmetic — do not attempt to re-paint, the finish will not match. Split seams on hand-stitched balls can be re-stitched by the seller or a local sports repair shop; bonded seams cannot be re-bonded outside a factory.