9 Tips for Maintenance of Sports Equipment
April 25, 2022

Cleaning and keeping your sports equipment safe is crucial, regardless of whether you purchased new or used equipment. You’ll be able to get more use out of your gear and avoid replacing it season after season if you follow these tips. To keep your equipment safe:

  1. Clean Your Equipment

Cleaning and maintaining your equipment is essential to keep it protected. To avoid dirt accumulation and air leaks, you should, for example, clean your soccer ball before and after each game.

For cleats that have accumulated dirt throughout the season, you can use baking soda and water to clean them. You can store clean equipment without fear of degradation in this manner.

  1. Hire a Storage Unit

Determine the amount of room you’ll need by taking inventory of your items. It’s a good idea to rent a storage container if you’re going to be storing your team’s gear and the goals and practice equipment. Please make sure they are in a cool, dry area until you return to retrieve them. After that, you can compare prices and pick the right-sized storage unit for your needs.

  1. Store Them At Home

When keeping your stuff safe from water damage, air leaks, or flooding, you need to keep the door in good condition. Or else, due to moisture buildup and significant temperature variations, soccer balls, cleats, jerseys, and other equipment may break or deteriorate. If you have the space, storing your gear in a shed, garage, or basement may be the most cost-effective alternative.

  1. Maintain a Stable Temperature

To prepare for the colder months, you may need to add additional insulation to your garage in addition to the regular maintenance that helps keep the temperature and humidity steady. During the hotter months, a dehumidifier or air conditioner will come in helpful. By doing this, you can keep your equipment dry and mold-free.

  1. Keep the Lights Off

With prolonged exposure to the sun, rubber and plastics in many sports equipment can deteriorate and split. Faster degradation occurs with increasing light intensity. Equipment should be kept out of direct sunlight or stored in a dark or shady location to avoid damage.

  1. Apply Oil Lubricant

Apply mineral oil to wooden goalposts and other training equipment to keep them from drying out and splintering.

  1. Prevent Corrosion

It’s critical to stop the deterioration and corrosion of your equipment as soon as possible to avoid further damage. At the first sign of rust, sand and refinish the equipment and treat it with corrosion inhibitor spray.

  1. Deflate the Balls

Remember to deflate soccer balls before storing them for the off-season. Avoid puncturing the balls by using a pump and needle and working carefully. If your unit overheats, your ball will not overinflate and burst.

  1. Hire a Professional

When it comes to equipment storage and cleaning, coaches who are short on time may outsource the work. Make sure you hire an expert in sports gear sanitation if you do this.

Conclusion

If flooding is still an issue, you can also use hanging racks. Follow these tips to keep your equipment safe for use.