Prices and availability shown were accurate at the time of writing. Amazon prices change frequently — check the linked product page for the current price.
How to Properly Care for Your Leather Football – Easy Maintenance Guide

Note: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.
Football Cleaning - Best Practices
Taking care of your leather football is very important if you want it to stay in good condition and perform well during games. Leather footballs can get worn out and lose their grip, but with some care, you can make them look like new again! Here is an easy guide to teach you how to clean your football. Keeping your equipment clean and in top conditions will ensure the best performance from you and you gear, you can also find about here about, how to clean your football gloves.
For those who are too busy here is the list in full:
- Wipe off dirt using a towel.
- Brush the football to clean small dirt from the surface.
- Apply a mixture of leather conditioner and tack spray (avoid laces and white stripes).
- Let the football dry for 20-30 minutes.
- Brush the football again to enhance texture.
- Rub wax on the football (avoid laces and white stripes).
- Final brush to spread the wax evenly.
You can also see more guides on caring for your football equipment here.
- How To Wash Football Cleats

Things You Will Need To Clean A Football
Before we start, you will need:
- A towel
- Gloves
- Leather conditioner
- Tack spray
- A brush
- A bowl
- A Wax Bar
Step-by-Step Guide
Wipe Off the Dirt
First, use a towel to gently wipe off the football. This will get rid of the big pieces of dirt on the surface. This is an easy step but very important before moving on.
Brush the Football
Next, take a brush and lightly brush each part of the football. Brush up and down to get into the little bumps on the ball. These bumps can hold small pieces of dirt. Brushing will help get the ball clean and bring back some of its texture.
Put on Leather Conditioner and Tack Spray
Put on your gloves because this part will get messy! Mix some leather conditioner with a little tack spray in a bowl. Use three parts leather conditioner and one part tack spray. Put this mix on each part of the football, but do not put it on the laces or the white stripes.
"Why not put it on the laces and white stripes? These parts are delicate, and putting conditioner on them might hurt them or change their color."
Let It Dry
After putting the mixture on the football, let it dry for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will let the conditioner soak in and make the leather soft.
Brush Again
Now that the leather is soft, brush the football again. This will help make the bumps stand out more and make the ball easy to grip.
Put on Wax
After brushing, use a Wax Bar and rub it on each part of the football—again, avoid the laces and the white stripes. The wax will protect the leather.
Final Brush
After putting on the wax, brush the football one more time to spread the wax evenly. This will make sure the ball looks nice and is ready to use.
Extra Tips
- Use Baseball Mud: You can put some baseball mud on the football to make the leather softer and the ball easier to hold.
- Use a Blow Dryer: If you want to dry the ball faster after using conditioner, you can use a blow dryer. This will save time.
See the Difference
After doing all these steps, your football will look much better! The leather will be softer, the bumps will be more noticeable, and the ball will be easier to hold. It is a great way to make an old football feel new again.
Use These Steps for Any Football
These steps work for all leather footballs—from small kid footballs to NFL balls. Taking good care of your football will help it last longer and work better during games.
Conclusion
Now you know how to take care of a leather football! If you take care of your football regularly, it will work better and last a long time. By following these steps, your football will stay in great condition, and you will have a better grip during games.
Thanks for reading, and have fun with your newly fixed football!
HOW ALPHA EVALUATES GEAR
Our recommendations come from a Helsinki-based multisport retailer serving global athletes, teams, and families who need equipment that holds up in real training and competition.
Alpha Performance Group Oy, Helsinki. Finnish Business ID (Y-tunnus) 3132074-4, VAT ID FI31320744.
Founder Xavier Andre is a former professional player; Alpha began when he started shipping performance gear to his teammates in Spain.
Two decades of specialist work across American football, flag football, hockey, basketball, baseball, padel, training, and team equipment.
We prioritize gear we know, stock, support, or can evaluate against the fit, durability, and value questions customers ask before buying.
Questions about a product or recommendation? Contact Alpha Performance.
As an Amazon Associate Alpha Performance earns from qualifying purchases.







