A dirty court is not only unattractive but it can also pose a safety hazard. Mold, mildew and algae build up and can make the surface slippery, this is a major health concern for players who could easily slip, hurting themselves in the process. Moreover, a clean surface will have better traction which allows for faster and more accurate playing.
Regular tennis court cleaning should be carried out to remove dirt, debris and weeds. This will prevent premature wearing of the surface coatings. Ideally, a tennis court should be swept with a broom regularly. This will eliminate organic materials such as sand, leaves, pine needles and twigs which can stain the surface of the court. They also create friction under foot and contribute to the early wear of the surface coatings.
A pressure washer with specific attachments is used to wash the court, these are designed specifically for a tennis surface and are very effective. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully when using this equipment as if you don’t use the correct settings or hold the tip too close to the surface of the court you could damage it.
In addition to a pressure washer with a tennis surface cleaner, a soft nylon or hair-type brush is also used to scrub the court. Before washing the court, it is best to remove any benches or other equipment from the area. It is also a good idea to remove any standing water, particularly after heavy rain, long term standing water can damage the court and cause it to become soft and erode more quickly.
Once the court is free from any dirt, debris and weeds it can then be treated with a detergent. This is often done with a solution of 1 part household bleach to 4 parts water, it should be applied liberally and left to soak into the court for about 15 minutes before being scrubbed thoroughly with a soft brush. Then the tennis surface can be rinsed off with a water hose and allowed to dry.
Generally, a tennis court should be washed and scrubbed once a month, depending on usage. It should also be washed and scrubbed more frequently in the fall when leaves, pine needles, twigs and moss are most likely to accumulate on the surface of the court.
While it is important to keep the surface of your tennis court in good condition, it is even more important to ensure that the area surrounding it is kept well maintained as well. If your court is surrounded by trees or buildings where moss and mildew can grow, this can have a negative impact on the surface of your tennis court as well, making it less safe to play on. Regular mowing of the grass, removing any fallen leaves and twigs and keeping the areas around your court clear will help prevent the spread of these undesirable plants. This will also help to prevent weeds and other plants from growing up through the cracks in the surface of your tennis court.