preventative maintenance - 488rc2

Hi folks,
am the proud new owner of a used 488rc2.
got it without the box and without instructions, if there are any.

the ball moves fluidly. holds really well.
the locking mechnism works as expected.
the panoramic ability is a bit stiff, but usable

it is slightly dusty/dirty both on the ball and around the base of the head (panoramic mechanism)

so my question is this: is there recommended prevantative maintenance? are you supposed just to wipe it down with water or water/mild soap combination? Is there any recommendations around lubricating the unit?

I have seen people against and pro...as well as people who take their entire unit apart to clean and lube it.

looked on manfrottos site and didn't see any PDF or whatever to address this issue.

Any help would be appreciated.
thanks

First off, Manfrotto's literature that comes with that entire series of ball heads says that the user should NOT lubricate the ball.

All I have had to do with mine is occasionally wipe the ball clean, especially if it's been used in a dusty/sandy environment.

If I were to drop the head into mud, as an example, I would probably just flush it off with a hose and wipe it dry. In other words, it does not take much special PM/care to keep the head working like new for a long time. I've had my 488RC2 for at least seven or eight years and it still works like new.

SkipD thanks so much for this.
I have the extraordinary talent of ignoring mechanical things - so when the company says to do so, i am ever too happy to comply!

Appreciate the answer!