You may never have cleaned your tennis racket and must wonder why cleaning your pickleball paddle is essential, right? Well, there’s nothing in this world protected from dirt and debris, and pickleball paddles aren’t any different, so learning how to clean a pickleball paddle is as important as playing this sport.
It’s also because pickleball paddles have a honeycomb structure, which requires added care when it comes to its safety and storage. So today, I’m gonna share the right way to clean your paddle and the expert’s tip to extend their lifetime. Let’s roll.
Reasons why you should clean your paddle timely:
Technically, pickleball paddles have a textured surface which helps in creating spin. When the paddle gets in contact with the dirt, it loses its texture and makes the ball go in the wrong direction. If you don’t clean the paddle timely, the surface will adopt spots that make the ball handling demanding, let alone mess up your spins. And it permanently affects the paddle even after you clean it.
Apart from the technical reasons, cleaning is crucial because you don’t want to skim the internet every week searching for the best pickleball paddle and complaining about why a paddle doesn’t last long. Maybe the problem was you all along? Well, good things are never too late to start. You can protect your current and existing paddle by learning how to clean the pickleball paddle the right way with the following instructions.
Simple steps for cleaning pickleball paddle:
There are just four steps for cleaning pickleball paddles.
- Get a microfiber or any soft cloth.
- Damp it with a little amount of water if the stains are rigid. For regular dust, use a dry cloth.
- Gently wipe the paddle’s surface. The surface is sensitive, and any brutal force will quickly make scratches.
- After the surface, wipe the edge guard and the grip.
Expert’s tip: If your paddle has a tough stain, use a magic eraser and gently rub off the paddle. This will protect the paddle’s surface and clean it with no scratches.
Water is your enemy:
Cleaning a pickleball paddle doesn’t mean you can wash it in your sink and put it under the running water. Water is the enemy of a pickleball paddle, and the more you protect your paddle from it, the better. The water gets inside the paddle and ruins it forever. This is why playing pickleball in the rain is prohibited, unlike badminton and tennis. In addition, the damp cloth shouldn’t be dripping water, too, because it’ll have the same adverse effects on the paddle.
Change the grips ASAP:
Grips wear off more quickly than the surface because they’re always in contact with your hand. Grips have a cross shape, which makes it easier for dirt and dust to reside in them. Eventually, this dirt goes up to the surface and destroys it. That’s why, when your grip starts to wear off a little, change it quickly. I’ve previously explained how to change the pickleball paddle grips, which will guide you through replacing yours if you haven’t known it previously.
Safety measures for pickleball paddles:
- As soon as you’re done with playing, take a soft paddle and wipe off the table. This will erase all the moisture, dust, and dirt particles that the paddle caught during the play.
- Instantly put the paddle back in its bag. You must keep your paddle on the safety cover when not in use. Most paddles come with safety bags. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy them separately. Tip: get a soft and high-quality neoprene bag.
- Don’t put anything else in the bag with the paddle. The Pickleball paddle bag is for paddles only. Don’t make it a grocery bag.
- Store pickleball bags inside. Don’t leave the bag in open environments and places having direct sunlight.
- Don’t put your paddle on the ground when there are breaks. Keep them in hand and hang them in the net.
- Your grip will wear out quicker than the paddle, so timely change the grip when the dirt and debris start making it home in it. The surface will be affected, and soon, you’ll have a worn-out paddle.
- Never wash your paddle or play with it in the rain. The surface is texture, and the core soaks water and alters the performance of the paddle.
- Never use any cleaners or bleach on the paddle.
Wear & Tear are normal:
Over time, your paddle’s graphics will fade, but that doesn’t mean the texture isn’t the same. Typically, the shine and colors don’t look the same as before. It happens to all the paddles because of constant ball contact. Besides that, every paddle has an expiry date, and it’ll go dead and dull. Don’t worry about this. No paddle is immortal. But of course, the maintenance makes them stay longer
Ending note:
It goes without saying: the more you take care of your things, the longer they’ll last. Your pickleball paddle is your dominant weapon in the court, and it needs to be protected. By learning how to clean a pickleball paddle, you’ll be able to extend your paddle’s lifespan and play with it a little longer. Make sure you clean your paddle from time to time and follow the safety measures. It might look like an extra chore initially, but with time, this will become your habit–and a good one, actually–that‘ll keep your gears and money safe and secure.
Harry is a freak who often argues that O in his name may well stand for “Obsessed with Pickleball.”
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