Do NOT dry your basketball in direct sunlight. This might help it dry faster but it isn’t good for the material.
If you are reading this article then you have either just washed your basketball or you left it in the rain and now you need to dry it. I am here to tell you that it is best to let your basketball dry in a well ventilated area that is not in the direct sunlight.
In this article, we’ll explore the reason drying your basketball in direct sunlight is not a good idea and provide guidance on the best practices for ensuring your basketball’s longevity and performance.
The Impact of Direct Sunlight
While the sun’s rays offer natural warmth and can help dry objects, direct sunlight can have both positive and negative effects on your basketball, depending on how it’s used.
Positive Aspects:
- Drying: Direct sunlight can aid in drying your basketball efficiently, especially if it’s damp after cleaning or playing in wet conditions.
- Disinfection: Sunlight has natural disinfectant properties and can help kill bacteria and microbes that may be present on the ball’s surface.
Negative Aspects:
- Fading: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colors of your basketball to fade over time, diminishing its visual appeal.
- Heat Damage: Excessive heat from direct sunlight can have detrimental effects on the materials used in basketball construction. High temperatures can lead to the ball’s outer cover deteriorating, cracking, or becoming brittle.
- Inflation Issues: If your basketball has an internal bladder, direct sunlight can cause the air inside to expand, leading to overinflation. This can result in irregular bounce and shape deformation.
Best Practices for Drying Your Basketball
Check out this article on how to clean your basketball.
To ensure the safety and longevity of your basketball while drying it, follow these best practices:
- Shaded Area: Whenever possible, choose a shaded area for drying your basketball. This protects it from direct sunlight while still allowing for efficient drying.
- Use a Towel: After cleaning, pat the basketball dry with a clean towel to remove most of the moisture before placing it in the sun. This reduces the time it needs to be exposed to direct sunlight.
- Check Air Pressure: If your basketball has an internal bladder, check its air pressure after drying in the sun. Overinflation can be corrected by releasing some air if necessary.
- Storage: When not in use, store your basketball in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Summary:
While direct sunlight can be an efficient way to dry your basketball, it’s important to use it cautiously. Prolonged exposure can lead to fading, heat damage, and inflation issues. To ensure the safety and longevity of your basketball, consider shaded drying areas or using a towel to remove excess moisture. By following these best practices, you can maintain your basketball’s performance and appearance, allowing it to serve you well on the court for many games to come.
