Every athlete knows that proper equipment care is key to keeping precision and performance at their peak. Take a few moments to read our tips on how to look after Molten balls. This applies particularly to our range of hand-sewn sports balls. 1. Inflating the ball Always use plain or soapy water Always wet the pump needle with plain or soapy water before carefully inserting it into the valve as shown by the diagram. Inserting a dry pump needle may damage the bladder valve and cause air leakage. Inflate little by little Inflate your Molten ball slowly, inflating it little by little while squeezing it regularly. If you force large amounts of air into the bladder using a compressor or similar device, the valve may catch against the stitched seam and cause the ball to burst. Follow the inflation instructions Over-inflating the ball can lead to loss of shape or swelling. Always follow the air pressure guidelines on the valve opening. If you take proper care to regulate the air pressure, you ensure that your Molten ball is in perfect condition when you need it the most. 2. Checking for air leakage Wash with soapy water Sand or dirt getting into the valve can easily cause air leakage. Be sure to always wash the ball carefully with soapy water. Rinse well after cleaning. Air leakage from new ball The first time you inflate your Molten ball, air may escape from the stitches. This is simply air that has been trapped between the inner linings and the bladder during manufacture. This is perfectly normal, and does not indicate a leak. 3. After the game Always let the air out of the ball after use Just as the ball should always be inflated before the game, it should be deflated afterwards. Leaving the air pressure at a high level when the ball is not in use can cause swelling and loss of shape. Brush and wipe the surface After use, use a brush to remove any sand or grit from the seam. Wipe off the surface with a soft, damp cloth. 4. Laminated balls need looking after too Laminated balls don't need to be deflated after use. However, be careful not to clean the surface with products containing grease or solvent. These can seep through the joins in the leather, deteriorate the carcass and cause the leather panels to peel. The outer layer of our hand-sewn footballs is made of polyurethane, a type of synthetic leather. This is a very light material with superior elasticity and abrasion resistance. However, it may also deteriorate if exposed to excessive moisture. Be sure to follow the care and storage advice below. Your Molten ball will thank you for it, and help you push the limits of your sport for a long time to come. (1) After using the ball in rainy conditions, wipe it off well and leave it to dry out of the sun. (2) Store the ball in a dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Be sure to keep the ball away from sharp objects such as barbed wire, broken metal netting, rose thorns, cactuses or anything else that might cause a puncture. Even holes that are invisible to the naked eye may cause air leakage. Do not expose the ball to long periods of direct sunlight. Keep the ball away from excessive heat and humidity. Never wipe the surface with benzene. This applies to both natural or synthetic leather surfaces.