How to Remove Stains From a Baseball

Professional-caliber baseballs are made of white leather cowhide, while balls used at lower levels of the game are often made of a white synthetic cover. During the course of play, baseballs get dirty with grass stains, marks from bats, and smudges from the clay infield. While baseballs are typically taken out of in-game usage once they become excessively dirty, their stains can be removed using household products.

Things You'll Need

  • White eraser
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Rag
  • Hairspray
  • Scratch pad
  • Toothpaste
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rub the surface of the ball vigorously using a white eraser. Even though the eraser is designed for removing pencil, it will make a positive impact on stains on the surface of the ball. With enough rubbing, you can even remove the ball's lettering, proving just how effective the eraser can be.

    • 2

      Dab some rubbing alcohol onto a rag and thoroughly rub the ball's surface for several minutes. When the rag begins to dry, add more rubbing alcohol as many times as is necessary. Adequate rubbing will remove most grass and dirt stains, as well as significantly weaken marks left by bats.

    • 3

      Spray a light layer of hairspray onto the surface of the ball, let it soak in for one minute, and scrub it with a scratch pad. Repeat this process as many times as is necessary.

    • 4

      Apply a baking soda-based toothpaste to the stained surface of the ball and rub the area with a rag. The abrasive quality of the toothpaste will help lift away stains.