Football Ball Care & Preparation Guide: Inflation, Cleaning, Leather Prep & Storage

A good American football needs more than just the correct air pressure. Premium leather footballs in particular change through use, brushing and controlled preparation and often develop their characteristic ball feel over time.

At the same time, incorrect care, excessive heat, prolonged damp storage or unsuitable household products can unnecessarily stress the surface, seams or valve.

In this guide, you will learn how to inflate, prepare, clean, dry, store and inspect a football. We also explain the differences between leather and composite footballs and the use of brushes, wax, conditioner and rubbing mud.

You can find suitable brushes, pumps and care products in our Football Ball Accessories category. Information about football sizes and materials can be found in our Football Ball & Size Guide.

Go directly to the section you need:
Basics · Leather vs. Composite · New Leather Ball · Preparation · Brushing · Conditioner · Wax · Rubbing Mud · Inflation · Air Pressure · Valve · Cleaning · Wet Footballs · Storage · Lifespan · Team Routine · Mistakes · FAQ

Why Should You Take Care of a Football?

Football care serves several different purposes:

• removing dirt and residue
• keeping the ball feel as consistent as possible
• helping prevent leather from drying out unnecessarily
• checking the valve and air pressure
• removing moisture after practice or games
• detecting damage early
• storing the football clean and dry

Premium leather footballs also involve preparation. A new leather football may initially feel smoother, stiffer or shinier than a ball that has already been used and maintained regularly.

Wilson therefore compares a new leather football with a new baseball glove: the leather develops through use and controlled care.

Leather Football or Composite – Different Materials Need Different Care

Genuine Leather Football

Genuine leather reacts more strongly to:

• moisture
• drying out
• care products
• heavy use
• incorrect cleaning
• excessive heat

Regular brushing and, when required, suitable leather-care or preparation products can therefore be useful.

Composite and Synthetic Footballs

Composite footballs normally do not require traditional leather preparation.

The main priorities are:

• keeping the surface clean
• checking air pressure
• protecting the valve
• storing the ball dry
• avoiding unnecessary leather-care products

Wax, conditioner or rubbing mud should only be used on composite footballs when the specific product is expressly designed for that material.

Rubber and Recreational Footballs

For rubber and basic recreational footballs, material-appropriate cleaning and dry storage are normally sufficient. Leather-care products are not necessary.

Does a New Leather Football Need to Be Broken In?

Many new leather game balls change in feel after their first practice sessions and through controlled preparation.

A new football may:

• feel relatively smooth
• have a shinier surface
• feel stiffer
• feel slightly different from panel to panel
• not yet have the feel of a regularly used game ball

This does not mean that the football is defective.

A leather football should instead be broken in gradually and, where desired and permitted, prepared appropriately.

Breaking In Through Use

One of the simplest methods is regular repetitions:

• throwing
• catching
• snapping
• controlled brushing
• checking the surface after each session

The football should not deliberately be worked against rough concrete or other abrasive surfaces.

Football Preparation – What Does It Mean?

Football preparation, also known as ball prep, is the controlled preparation and maintenance of a leather football.

Depending on the desired routine, this may involve:

• football brush
• leather conditioner
• preparation wax
• tack bar or suitable grip products
• rubbing mud
• suitable cloths

Not every product needs to be used on every football.

Good preparation does not mean applying as many products as possible. The goal is a controlled and consistent surface.

Football Preparation Step by Step

1. Inspect the Football

Start by checking:

• Is the football dry?
• Is the surface clean?
• Are there any unusual areas?
• Is the leather very smooth or shiny?
• Does it feel dry?
• Is the air pressure correct?

2. Dry Brush the Football

Remove dust and loose residue using a suitable football brush.

Brush evenly across the panels instead of concentrating only on individual areas.

3. Apply Care Products Only When Needed

Depending on the condition of the football and the preparation method, a small amount of conditioner, wax or another suitable product may then be used.

4. Allow the Product to Absorb or Dry

Follow the instructions for the specific product and avoid applying several heavy layers directly on top of each other.

5. Brush Again

After the product has dried or absorbed, inspect the surface again and lightly brush it if required.

6. Check the Ball Feel

The football should not feel:

• greasy
• oily
• wet
• excessively sticky
• unevenly treated

Why Do You Brush a Leather Football?

A suitable football brush can perform several tasks:

• remove loose dirt
• distribute or remove residue from preparation products
• work the leather surface evenly
• form part of a regular leather-football care routine

Wilson recommends light to medium brushing during its preparation process. Brushing too aggressively can affect the characteristic pebble texture of the leather, which contributes to the feel of the football.

Do Not Use Just Any Brush

Unsuitable brushes may include:

• very stiff household brushes
• wire brushes
• highly abrasive cleaning brushes

Wilson also notes that normal cleaning brushes may be too stiff, while some shoe brushes may be too soft for proper football preparation.

You can find suitable products under Football Ball Care & Accessories.

What Does Football Conditioner Do?

A suitable conditioner is designed to care for leather. It may be particularly useful when the surface feels dry or when a leather football is used regularly and intensively.

General guidelines include:

• use sparingly
• apply evenly
• follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• allow sufficient time to absorb or dry
• inspect the surface again afterward

Wilson includes conditioner as part of its leather-football care routine and recommends regular but not excessive use in its own preparation method.

More Conditioner Is Not Better

A thick layer does not automatically provide better care. Too much product can alter the surface in an undesirable way.

What Is Football Preparation Wax?

Football wax or preparation wax is designed for targeted treatment of leather-football surfaces.

Depending on the product, it may:

• form part of the preparation process
• influence ball feel
• be used for regular surface maintenance
• be combined with a brushing routine

Wax should be applied thinly and in a controlled way. A football should not be covered with a thick layer of wax.

What Is Football Rubbing Mud?

Rubbing mud is traditionally used to work the surface of new leather footballs. It can be particularly useful on very new or glossy leather surfaces.

The layer should be thin and even.

Wilson specifically recommends avoiding a thick coating of mud. The logos should still remain visible through the thin layer.

What Is Rubbing Mud Used For?

• working the surface of a new leather football
• reducing excessive shine
• forming part of game-ball preparation
• preparing the surface for further brushing or treatment

Rubbing Mud Is Not Ordinary Mud

Do not simply use random soil, sand or wet field mud.

Sandy or abrasive materials may damage the leather surface.

Wax, Conditioner or Mud – What Do I Need?

The right combination depends on the football, its condition, the products being used and the intended purpose.

How to Inflate a Football Properly

To inflate a football, you will need:

• a suitable ball pump
• a suitable inflation needle
• ideally a pressure gauge or pump with pressure display
• if required, suitable lubricant for the needle

Step 1: Find the Valve

The valve is normally located on one of the football panels.

Step 2: Inspect the Needle

The needle should be:

• straight
• free from sharp damage
• clean

Step 3: Insert the Needle Carefully

Insert the needle straight into the valve without unnecessary sideways pressure.

Step 4: Inflate Slowly

Pump in a controlled manner and check the pressure regularly.

Step 5: Do Not Overinflate by Feel

Do not simply continue inflating the football until it feels “as hard as possible.”

How Many PSI Should Be in a Football?

There is no single PSI value for every American football.

The correct pressure depends on:

• football model
• manufacturer
• size
• competition
• rulebook

Use the following order of reference:

1. information printed on the football
2. manufacturer specifications
3. current competition rules when used in league play

This is more reliable than general statements such as “every football needs 12 PSI.”

What Happens If a Football Has Too Little Air?

An underinflated football may:

• lose its intended shape
• feel different in the hand
• react differently during passes
• feel different when kicked

What Happens If a Football Has Too Much Air?

An excessively hard football may:

• feel noticeably harder to grip and catch
• place unnecessary stress on its shape and seams
• fall outside manufacturer or competition specifications

Temperature and Football Air Pressure

The measured and perceived internal pressure can change with temperature.

It therefore makes sense to check the ball under conditions that are reasonably close to those in which it will actually be used.

A football coming directly from a very cold storage area may behave differently from the same ball after spending time in a warmer environment.

Protecting the Football Valve and Inflation Needle

The valve is a small but important part of the football.

Common mistakes include:

• forcing a dry needle into the valve
• inserting the needle at an angle
• moving the football strongly while the needle is inserted
• continuing to use bent needles
• levering the needle sideways when removing it

Lubricating the Inflation Needle

A suitable lubricant, such as glycerin intended for this purpose, can make insertion easier and reduce mechanical stress on the valve.

Do not use random oils or aggressive liquids.

How Do You Clean a Football?

The correct cleaning method depends on the material.

Cleaning a Leather Football

For a leather football, start with dry methods whenever possible.

Suitable options include:

• football brush
• soft dry cloth
• material-appropriate care products when required

Wilson specifically warns against using a hot or wet cloth on leather footballs in an attempt to remove a supposed coating. Soap and shaving cream are also not recommended.

Cleaning a Composite Football

For composite or synthetic footballs, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the specific model.

In many cases, the following is sufficient:

• remove loose dirt
• wipe with a slightly damp soft cloth
• avoid aggressive solvents
• allow the ball to dry completely afterward

What Should You Do If a Football Gets Wet?

A wet football should not simply remain inside a closed equipment bag.

After Rain or Wet Practice

1. Remove the football from the bag.
2. Carefully remove surface moisture.
3. For leather, avoid adding unnecessary additional water.
4. Allow the football to dry in a well-ventilated area.
5. Do not use strong direct heat.
6. Inspect the surface and seams after drying.
7. If necessary, care for the leather using suitable products afterward.

Do Not Put the Football on a Heater

Excessive heat can unnecessarily stress materials and dry out leather.

Avoid:

• radiators
• hot-air dryers
• clothes dryers
• open flames
• prolonged storage inside a very hot vehicle

How to Store a Football Properly

A football should ideally be stored:

• dry
• clean
• at moderate temperatures
• away from strong direct sunlight
• without being permanently compressed

An Equipment Bag Is Not Long-Term Storage

After practice or games, remove the football from a damp equipment bag.

Moisture and heat can remain trapped in a closed bag for extended periods.

Avoid Leaving Footballs in a Hot Car

A vehicle can become extremely hot in summer. Long-term exposure to high temperatures is not a sensible storage condition, particularly for leather, seams and the bladder.

Do Not Crush the Ball Under Equipment

Do not permanently store footballs underneath heavy shoulder pads, helmets or other equipment.

How to Store Footballs During the Offseason

Before longer-term storage:

1. Clean the football.
2. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Inspect the surface.
4. Check air pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Inspect the valve.
6. For leather footballs, apply suitable care according to product instructions if required.
7. Store in a dry location with stable temperatures.

Before the next season, inspect the ball again and bring it back to the intended operating pressure.

How Long Does a Football Last?

There is no fixed number of months or seasons after which every football must be replaced.

Football lifespan depends on factors including:

• material
• frequency of use
• playing surface
• weather
• care
• storage
• air pressure
• whether it is used as a practice or game ball

Signs of a Worn Football

Inspect regularly for:

• severely damaged surface material
• deep cracks
• open or damaged seams
• separating panels
• damaged laces
• unusual deformation
• a valve that no longer holds pressure reliably
• severely uneven surface wear

Grip Alone Does Not Determine Replacement

The surface feel of a leather football changes with use. Reduced new-ball shine or a broken-in surface does not automatically mean the football needs to be replaced.

The overall condition of the ball is what matters.

Should Practice Balls and Game Balls Be Kept Separate?

Many teams use separate practice and game footballs.

This can be useful because:

• practice footballs receive very high repetition counts
• game balls can be used more selectively
• the condition of game balls is easier to manage
• several identical practice balls can be used at the same time

Quarterbacks, receivers and centers should still practice regularly with a football that is as close as possible to the game ball in size and handling.

Football Care Routine for Teams

For clubs with many footballs, a consistent maintenance routine is useful.

After Every Practice

• collect all footballs
• check for dirt
• dry wet footballs separately
• inspect for visible damage
• do not leave damp balls inside the ball bag

Regularly

• check air pressure
• inspect valves
• brush leather footballs
• check whether leather care is needed
• keep practice and game balls separated
• remove damaged footballs from use

Before Game Day

1. Select the intended game balls.
2. Inspect their condition.
3. Check air pressure according to the applicable rules.
4. Inspect the surface.
5. Complete permitted preparation early enough.
6. Transport the footballs clean and dry.

Football Care for Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks benefit in particular from a consistent ball feel.

When several practice footballs are used, try to ensure that they:

• are the same size category
• have similar inflation levels
• do not have extremely different surface conditions
• are inspected regularly

Football Care for Kickers and Punters

For kickers and punters, particularly important factors include:

• air pressure
• shape
• surface condition
• consistent storage

For competition use, footballs must of course only be prepared and used in accordance with the applicable rules.

Football Care Mistakes to Avoid

Soaking the Football in Water

Unnecessary exposure to water should be avoided, especially with genuine leather footballs.

Using Soap or Household Cleaners

Products not designed for the material can dry out leather or alter the surface.

Using Shoe Polish

Wilson specifically lists shoe polish as unsuitable for leather-football care.

Using Olive Oil or Other Cooking Oils

Household oils should not be applied to a leather football. Wilson specifically lists olive oil among the products it does not recommend.

Using Milk

Milk is also not a suitable leather-care product for a football.

Covering the Football in a Thick Layer of Mud

Rubbing mud is applied in a thin layer. Completely covering the ball with a thick layer of mud is not the purpose of controlled football preparation.

Brushing Too Aggressively

Overly aggressive brushing can unnecessarily damage the surface texture.

Leaving a Wet Football in the Bag

After wet practice or games, remove the football from the bag and allow it to dry properly.

Drying the Football on a Heater

Strong direct heat is not an appropriate drying method.

Inserting a Dry Needle at an Angle

This places unnecessary mechanical stress on the valve.

Inflating the Football as Hard as Possible

More air does not automatically provide better performance. Follow the football, manufacturer and competition specifications.

Quick Football Care Routine in a Few Minutes

For regular practice days, a simple inspection routine is often enough:

1. Remove the football from the bag.
2. Inspect the surface while dry.
3. Remove loose dirt or brush the ball.
4. Check air pressure.
5. Inspect the valve.
6. For leather, determine whether additional care is needed.
7. Store the football dry.

A complete multi-product preparation routine is not necessary after every practice session.

Football Ball Care Accessories

Depending on the football and your preparation routine, useful products may include:

• football brush set
• preparation wax
• leather conditioner
• rubbing mud
• tack products
• ball pump
• inflation needles
• glycerin or suitable needle lubricant
• football bag

In our Football Ball Accessories category, you can find products such as brush sets, preparation wax, rubbing mud, leather-care products and ball pumps.

FAQ – Football Ball Care & Preparation

How to Care for and Prepare an American Football

For most footballs, a consistent basic routine is enough: inspect the surface, remove dirt, check air pressure, dry the football after wet conditions and store it properly.

Premium leather footballs may additionally benefit from regular brushing and, depending on their condition and the desired preparation method, suitable leather-care products.

Avoid unsuitable household products and excessive amounts of preparation products. With leather footballs in particular, the principle should be: controlled care rather than as much care as possible.

Related categories and guides:

• Ball Care, Pumps & Accessories
• Genuine Leather Footballs
• Official Game Balls
• Practice Footballs
• Football Ball & Size Guide

Last updated: August 2026. Care and preparation requirements vary depending on football material and manufacturer. For competition use, the current rules of the relevant league or competition also apply.