Quick answer
Clean your Hoberman Original Sphere - Rings with a dry microfiber cloth or a vacuum on low with a brush attachment; never use water or solvents. Store it fully contracted in a dust-free spot, and if it sticks, open it slowly by hand instead of forcing the pulley.
Why the Hoberman Sphere needs different care than other toys
The Hoberman Original Sphere - Rings expands from 9.5 to 30 inches using plastic struts and linking rings, so grit and pressure are its main enemies. Dust that settles into the joints acts like sandpaper, and squeezing the sphere while it is partly open can bend a strut. Treat it like a mechanical object, not a ball.
Daily habits that prevent most problems
After each use, contract the sphere fully before putting it away. This protects the struts and makes storage easier. Keep it away from radiators, direct sun, and damp basements, because heat and moisture can warp plastic over time. If young children play with it, supervise them so they do not pull the rings apart or step on the sphere.
How to store it for months without damage
For long-term storage, hang the sphere from its pulley in a closet or on a ceiling hook so it stays contracted and dust-free. If you cannot hang it, place it in a breathable cotton pillowcase or a cardboard box lined with tissue paper. Avoid sealed plastic bags, which can trap moisture. Do not stack heavy items on top of the box.
Step-by-step Hoberman Sphere care
- Dust the sphere while it is contracted: Hold the sphere by its hub and wipe each ring and strut with a dry microfiber cloth. For stubborn dust, use a vacuum cleaner on low suction with a soft brush attachment, keeping the nozzle a few inches away. Never use water, cleaning sprays, or solvents—they can leave residue that attracts more dust.
- Expand and contract it slowly using the pulley: Pull the pulley cord gently and steadily. Let the rings open at their own pace. If you feel resistance, stop immediately and check for a misaligned strut. Forcing the pulley is the fastest way to crack a plastic joint.
- Fix a stuck sphere by hand, not by force: If the sphere will not open, lay it on a clean table and locate the stuck ring. Gently wiggle that ring while pushing the hub slightly inward. Once it moves, continue opening by hand until it moves freely, then test the pulley again. If a strut is visibly bent or cracked, stop and contact the manufacturer—do not try to bend it back.
- Store it contracted and dust-free: After cleaning, contract the sphere fully and hang it from its pulley on a ceiling hook or in a closet. If hanging is not possible, place it in a cotton pillowcase or a tissue-lined box. Keep it away from heat, sunlight, and moisture. Check stored spheres every few months for dust or stiffness.
Product facts
- Hoberman Original Sphere - Rings: The Original Hoberman Sphere Rings has linking rings of color that expand from 9.5 to 30 inches. You can hang it from the ceiling and using the pulley, create an expanding mobile that you can open and close. The pulley is designed for smooth expanding and contracting, so using it correctly is the best way to avoid forcing the struts.
