Caring for outdoor games: cleaning, repairs and off-season storage

Outdoor games spend their lives in harsh company: dew, rain, sun, dirt, kids and the bottom of a garage. Without care, boards warp, bags mildew, nets sag and blocks split. The habits below take only minutes after each game and add years to your equipment.

The five-minute routine after every game

1. Collect everything, including small parts.
2. Brush off dirt, grass and sand.
3. Wipe damp surfaces with a dry cloth.
4. Let wet gear air-dry before packing it.
5. Store it off the ground, in the shade, in a dry place.

Care by material

Wood (cornhole boards, giant blocks, stakes)

• Keep it dry. Moisture swells, warps and rots wood. Do not leave boards on wet grass.
• Seal and refinish. Lightly sand rough or chipped spots and reseal with an exterior finish. Let finishes cure fully before use, since sticky surfaces affect play.
• Avoid long sun exposure, which fades finishes and dries the wood.
• Check for splinters before every use, and sand them down. Replace badly cracked pieces.
• Store flat or supported, not leaning, so boards do not warp.

Fabric (bags, covers, bean bags)

• Clean spills quickly. Spot clean with mild soap and water.
• Wash by hand if the label allows, and air-dry fully. Machine washing can break stitches or wet the filling.
• Keep bags dry. Damp filling, especially corn, can mold or attract pests. Resin-filled bags are more resistant.
• Store in a breathable container, not sealed plastic.
• Check seams for thinning or tears.

Nets and cord (pickleball, badminton, ring toss)

• Dry nets before folding them. Mildew spreads quickly in a damp net.
• Do not leave nets up in rain, wind or the full sun for long periods.
• Check for fraying, particularly near posts and cords. Replace worn nets.
• Coil cords loosely.
• Untangle rather than pull, which can snap strands.

Metal (poles, stakes, horseshoes, frames)

• Wipe dry after use, and check for rust.
• Remove rust with a wire brush, then touch up with rust-inhibiting paint.
• Lubricate moving parts, such as telescoping poles and hinges, with a suitable lubricant, and wipe off the excess.
• Check bolts and fasteners every few weeks.

Plastic (shuttlecocks, pickleballs, rings, frames)

• Keep out of heat. A hot car can warp plastic.
• Wash with mild soap and water when dirty.
• Replace cracked balls or pieces. Cracked plastic can break and cut.
• Beware of cold, since plastic becomes brittle.

Rope and rubber

• Keep out of direct sun to avoid brittleness.
• Replace if cracked, stiff or frayed.

Cleaning guide

Repairs worth doing

• Re-tighten screws and bolts before they strip.
• Patch small tears in bags and covers with a needle and thread.
• Replace worn net cord or bands.
• Reseal wood when water no longer beads on the surface.
• Fix wobbly legs with new hardware or glue.
• Retire damaged gear that cannot be repaired safely.

Seasonal storage

1. Before storage, clean and dry everything completely.
2. Choose a cool, dry, ventilated place, such as a shed, garage shelf or basement. Avoid damp concrete floors, attics with extreme heat and anywhere that floods.
3. Keep gear off the floor on shelves or racks, and keep wood boards flat or supported.
4. Use breathable bags or bins, and add silica gel or a moisture absorber in humid places.
5. Keep away from rodents. Bags with corn fill are especially attractive. Resin-filled bags are less so.
6. Label boxes so you can find the pieces in spring.
7. Do a spring check before the first game, and replace what needs replacing.

Transport

• Pad boards and paddles so they do not rub.
• Secure them in the car so they do not slide.
• Do not leave them in a hot car.
• Use bags and cases designed for the gear.

Common mistakes

1. Leaving gear out overnight.
2. Storing damp.
3. Ignoring small damage until it becomes big damage.
4. Using the wrong cleaner.
5. Leaving nets up in storms.