Ping pong paddle is something that can either break or make your game. Yes, a good ping pong paddle (racket) has good hand grip, spins, speed, control over the tennis ball, and whatnot.
However, over time, your ping pong paddle starts to lose the sparkle it had when you first bought it -right? That’s because it absorbs dirt, dust, and sweat from the hands when playing.
Hence, cleaning your ping pong paddle can help you get that spin kick back and enhances longevity.
Don’t know what goes into the quest of cleaning your racket in the right way? Hop on to explore the outs and ins of cleaning your ping pong paddle!
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Why Should You Clean Your Ping Pong Paddle?
It’s not uncommon for we all often throw our paddles in the bag until the next time we see the table. Does it ring a bell? If yes, then this is what exactly you are doing wrong.
Why? It’s because a clean ping pong paddle allows you to manage ball shots and generates good spins. That’s why it is recommended to clean your ping pong paddle regularly, otherwise, your paddle will lose grip capabilities and springiness.
It makes no difference if your racket is new or made of premium quality; cleaning your paddle will protect it from degrading.
How to Clean Ping Pong Paddle?
One of the easiest, safest, and most affordable methods to clean your ping pong paddle is cleaning it using water. You don’t need any sort of equipment; water and a clean sponge would do the job.
Here’s what you can do to clean the ping pong racket:
- Take a clean damp sponge or any dust-free cloth.
- Wipe the padded rubber surface in a circular motion until you eliminate grime and dirt from it. BE GENTLE!
- Now, let it dry at room temperature (it will only take a few minutes).
What to Avoid While Cleaning?
Here’s what you need take into account when cleaning your favorite ping pong paddle:
- It’s always better to use soft sponge because hard sponges can damage the paddle.
- Do not put strain while scrubbing your ping pong paddle.
- Do not dry the rubber using different drying techniques such as a radiator or putting it under the sunlight.
- Do not use excess water as soaking the rubber or blade in water can damage the racket.
Moreover, if you are serious about maintaining your favourite ping pong paddle so you can use it for long, try investing in bat cleaners that we will go over next. Excited?
Alternative Cleaning Techniques – Upping Your Game!
Albeit cleaning your ping pong paddle using water is one of the cheapest and simplest methods, it may not be one of the best out there.
As water may not be able to remove any deeply embedded stains and also erodes the stickiness of the rubber’s covering over time. So, how to go about it?
These are some of the best alternative techniques that you can give a shot!
· Clean Using Bat Cleaner Spray
Table tennis manufacturers now offer a dedicated bat cleaner kit for looking after your favorite ping pong paddles, notably Tibhar and Butterfly.
These specific bat cleaner sprays are made of formulation similar to that of dishwasher detergents, adding a magic spell to water alone.
Also, they come with a sponge, applicator, or a cloth, making sure your cloth doesn’t leave a tiny fiber on the padded rubber surface. Here’s how to clean your paddle using a bat cleaner kit:
Step 1: Open the paddle cleaner spray.
Step 2: Apply it all over the surface of the paddle.
Step 3: Open the applicator or sponge.
Step 4: Gently rub the applicator all over the surface.
Step 5: Repeat the whole process on the other side of the racket.
Step 6: Once done cleaning your paddle, give it some try to dry completely.
· Dishwasher Detergent
Has the rubber of your racket accumulated some of the difficult grime and oils? Fret not; try removing the dirt using water and a light dishwasher detergent.
Although we don’t recommend this as it is one of the riskiest approaches as it can brittle the rubber, it helps clean off the difficult dirt that might have found its way into the rubbed surface.
When making your own formulation, stick to these two basic rules:
- Try using a dishwasher liquid that has no chemicals in it.
- Be gentle when adding soap to the water; a little can go a long way.
DISCLAIMER: ALWAYS USE A GENTLE DETERGENT; OTHERWISE, HARSH CHEMICALS CAN SHORTEN THE LIFESPAN OF THE PADDLE.
· Cleaning with Alcohol
Although we don’t recommend cleaning your paddle using alcohol as it can do some permanent damage if not used correctly.
However, this technique can be very handy when you have a stained or soiled portion on your rubber. Also, make sure you are using 100% isopropyl alcohol and apply a thin layer over the surface in a circular motion.
What’s more, don’t forget to air your paddle before using it. Wiping it clean may cause the rubber to lose its protective covering.
How Often Should You Clean Ping Pong Racket?
As they say, “Excess of everything is bad.” Hence, be careful! We neither want to overdo it nor too little. Cleaning your paddle boils down to how often you play. If you play religiously, cleaning it off once or twice a week would do fine, and if you play casually, cleaning it once in two months would work.
The Takeaway
Let’s face it; nobody likes to let go of their favorite paddle they are well-versed with. Thus, to maintain the best condition of your paddle, try adhering to the cleaning schedule.
Also, try to avoid leaving it out under the sunlight and in a dry environment cause the rubber may shrink or crack.
