Disclaimer: These are general cleaning guidelines, you should contact your installer for your specific surfaces and for specific cleaning instructions first. (We only recommend DIY for spot cleaning of small problem areas like birdbaths)

Ace Your Court Care: DIY Cleaning Tips for Your Pickleball or Tennis Court

Maintaining a clean tennis court is essential for safety, playability, and the longevity of your investment, no matter where you are in the United States. While professional cleaning is always an option, you can often achieve excellent results with some effective DIY methods. Let's get your court looking and playing its best with these tips!

Why DIY Court Cleaning Matters:

* Safety First: Algae, mildew, and debris create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of falls. Regular cleaning helps maintain a safe playing environment.

* Preserve Playability: Dirt, debris, and organic growth can affect the ball bounce and overall playing experience. A clean court ensures consistent play.

* Protect Your Investment: Regular cleaning prevents buildup that can degrade the court surface over time, extending its lifespan and saving you money on costly repairs or resurfacing.

* Aesthetics: A clean court simply looks better and is more inviting to play on.

What you should NOT use:

No Heavy Degreaser

No Pressure washer

No Harsh brushes or metal brushes

No Acid based cleaners

With that out of the way, let’s move onto what you do need.

Your DIY Toolkit:

Before you begin, gather these essential supplies:

*Adequate water supply: Ensure you have good reliable water flow (preferably more than 7gpm)

*PPE: ie. eyewear, gloves, boots etc.

*Bleach For tackling stubborn algae and mildew.

*Pump-up Sprayer (1-2 gallon size for applying bleach)

* Medium-bristled broom: A wide, outdoor broom works best for sweeping away loose debris.

* Leaf blower (optional but helpful): For quickly clearing leaves and light debris.

* Bucket: Good to just have one around.

* Squeegee (optional): For removing excess water after cleaning.

Getting Started: Here… We… Go!

* Clear the Deck (Literally): Begin by using your leaf blower or stiff-bristled broom to remove all loose debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt from the court surface and surrounding areas. Take down nets, remove benches, left over balls or anything you may find if needed. Pay attention to corners and along the fences where debris tends to accumulate.

*Mix Bleach into pump-up sprayer (Use with Caution and DO A TEST SPOT FIRST… preferably on a inconspicuous area): For stubborn algae and mildew, you can use a very diluted bleach solution. The recommended ratio is typically no more than 50/50 (or even weaker). Never use concentrated bleach directly on your court. Mix this solution in a well-ventilated area and wear protective eyewear, gloves, and old clothing. Avoid splashing.

Pre-Rinse: Use your garden hose to thoroughly wet the problem area till damp (not puddling) This will help slow the cleaning reaction of the bleach.

* Apply the Cleaner: Once area of concern has been dampened by water, apply the mild bleach solution with your pump-up sprayer to the small area and let it dwell for a minute of two (don’t let it dry, mist with water as needed) the bleach will flash a mild white color for a moment and you can rinse and repeat.

* Rinse Thoroughly – This is Crucial!: Once you've allowed the solution to dwell, use your garden hose to rinse the surface extremely thoroughly with clean water. Continue rinsing until you are sure all traces of the cleaning solution have been removed.

* Remove Excess Water (Optional): If you have a squeegee, you can use it to remove any standing water from the court after rinsing. This can help speed up the drying process and prevent water spots.

* Allow to Dry: Let the court air dry completely before playing. Avoid walking on the wet surface. Drying time will vary depending on your local climate and sunlight.

Important Considerations for Using Bleach:

* Always dilute bleach significantly. A weak solution is more effective and safer for your court.

* Never mix bleach with other cleaning products. This can create dangerous fumes.

* Work in a well-ventilated area.

* Protect yourself with eyewear, gloves, and old clothing.

* Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

* Rinse, rinse, rinse! Thorough rinsing is absolutely essential to remove all bleach residue.

* Test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't discolor or damage your court surface.

* Be mindful of surrounding vegetation as bleach can harm plants.

Tips for a Sparkling Court:

*Note the slope of your court, how does it drain? Does it drain to anywhere that cleaning solution pose a problem? ie. a koi pond.

* Tackle Algae and Mildew Head-On: For stubborn growth, a diluted bleach solution (used cautiously) or a specialized algae and mildew remover for tennis courts might be necessary. Always follow product instructions carefully.

* Regular Light Cleaning is Key: A quick sweep after each use can prevent significant buildup and make deeper cleaning less frequent.

* Mind Your Sprinklers: Ensure your sprinklers are adjusted so they aren't spraying directly onto the court, as this contributes to moisture buildup and organic growth, regardless of your climate.

When to Call the Pros:

While DIY cleaning can be effective for routine maintenance, there are times when it's best to call in the professionals:

* Stubborn, Widespread Growth: If you're struggling to remove heavy algae or mildew buildup.

* Significant Staining: Professional cleaners have specialized solutions for removing tough stains.

* You're Unsure About Bleach Use: If you're hesitant or uncomfortable using bleach, it's best to leave it to the professionals.

* You Notice Court Damage: If you see cracks or other damage, consult a professional for repair before cleaning.

By following these DIY cleaning tips and exercising caution when using bleach, (DO NOT USE ANY FORM OF HIGH PRESSURE) you can keep your tennis court across the USA looking great, playing safely, and lasting longer – all without breaking the bank! Get out there and give your court the attention it deserves. Happy playing!