Introduction
Have you ever tried to clean your pickleball paddle? If not, well you need to. The pickleball paddle is one of the most important pickleball equipment you own. Can you imagine a game on a pickleball court without a paddle? No, right?
Your paddle needs a regular care and maintenance routine to make sure you get the best performance on the court.
Here in this article, we will be talking about how to clean your pickleball paddle and how to take care of it.
How to Clean Pickleball Paddle?
Cleaning a pickleball paddle is as easy as 1-2-3 steps. There are so many ways you can try to clean your paddles.
Cleaning Paddle Surfaces:
There are several ways you can use to clean the hitting surface of your paddle. Let’s talk about the most reliable ones here:
Clean Magic Eraser:
How do you clean pickleball paddle with a clean magic eraser? Well, using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser has to be one of the best ways to clean your paddle. All you have to do is lightly scrub the dirt on your paddle using the magic eraser and wipe off the liquid with a damp cloth. Then, leave it to dry. And you are done.
Carbon Fiber Cleaning Block:
How to clean carbon fiber pickleball paddles? Don’t worry, we got you! Carbon fiber pickleball paddles have been gaining popularity among pickleball enthusiasts. Why wouldn’t they? They are lightweight and provide a perfect balance between control and power. But they have gritty hitting surfaces. This means they can accumulate debris gradually. So if you want to clean your carbon fiber pickleball paddle, you will need a carbon fiber cleaning block.
All you have to do is rub the block on the surface of the paddle preferably in a circular motion. And you will see the debris coming off after a few attempts.
Glass Cleaner:
Don’t have a magic eraser or a carbon fiber cleaning block? Don’t worry. You can use a glass cleaner and a microfiber or lint-free cloth. All you have to do is spray the glass cleaner on the surface of the paddle and use the cloth to lightly scrub the dirt away.
Don’t worry if you see the graphics of your paddle becoming lighter every time you clean it. It is natural for the graphics to fade after a couple of uses.
Cleaning Paddle Grips:
While you are playing, you may notice that your paddle handle starts accumulating some gunk. If this keeps happening, your paddle may not last very long. To make sure your paddle lasts a good number of games, you will have to clean the grips of the paddle as well.
Using Damp Fiber Cloth:
Similar to the paddle face, use a damp microfiber cloth to remove sweat and grime from the grip. You can use dish soap in a water solution and use a cloth to wipe off any dirt or sweat from the grip.
Replace Over grips:
If you use an overgrip, replace it regularly to maintain a tacky surface and prevent slippage. Most overgrips have a lifespan of a few weeks to a few months, depending on usage.
How to Take Care of Pickleball Paddles?
Now that you know how to clean pickleball paddles, don’t think that’s all. You also need to take care of it. Here are a few measures you can take to prolong the lifespan of your paddle:
Store Properly:
When not in use, store your pickleball paddle in a protective cover or all. This will protect the paddle against all sorts of damage like dust, dirt, and other environmental factors. Avoid leaving it exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can cause damage to the paddle materials.
Clean Regularly:
Clean your paddle after each use to remove sweat, dirt, and debris from the surface as mentioned above. You can use a mild dish soap or paddle cleaner with a soft cloth or sponge. Gently wipe the paddle. Pay attention to the paddle face and edges where dirt and grime tend to accumulate.
Inspect for Damage:
Inspect your paddle for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or peeling edges. If you see any sort of damage such as cracks or peeling edges, try to prevent further deterioration. If you notice significant damage on the paddle, consider repairing or replacing the paddle as needed.
Avoid Excessive Force:
Handle your paddle with care and avoid striking it against hard surfaces or objects. This can cause structural damage or weaken the paddle materials over time. Also, don’t use excessive force when hitting the ball. This can lead to wear and tear on the paddle in a few days.
Keep Changing Paddles:
If you have multiple paddles, try to use them one after another. This will prevent wear and tear from excessive use. This can also help prolong the lifespan of your paddles and ensure consistent performance during gameplay.
Protect the Edge Guard:
The edge guard on your paddle protects the paddle face during gameplay. Avoid hitting the edge guard against hard surfaces, as this can cause it to become loose or damaged. If you notice wear and tear on the edge guard, consider replacing it to keep your paddle well-protected.
Re-Grip as Needed:
Replace the grip tape on your paddle handle sometimes to maintain a comfortable and secure grip during gameplay. Your grip tape can wear out or lose its tackiness if used for a very long time. This can affect your ability to maintain control over the paddle. So if you replace the grip tape timely, you can ensure a consistent grip and prolong the lifespan of your paddle.
FAQs
Are you supposed to clean your pickleball paddle?
Yes, if you want to make sure your performance on the court never gets compromised because of the equipment you use, you need to clean the paddle. You can clean the hitting surfaces as well as the grip of the paddle to prolong its lifespan.
How to clean the handle of the pickleball?
After each game, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the handle, including the grooves. Dry it completely with another cloth, and for extra cleaning power, add a touch of rubbing alcohol to the damp cloth. Skip soap and harsh chemicals though, as they can damage the grip.
How to clean Jola Pickleball Paddles?
There is no specific cleaning advice directly from Joola for their paddles. However, the general methods for pickleball paddle cleaning apply to Joola paddles as well. Stick to a damp microfiber cloth with water for regular cleaning, and consider a paddle eraser (used gently) for textured surfaces on Joola paddles. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials altogether.
Bottom Line:
In short, maintaining a clean pickleball paddle goes beyond just performance. You don’t just tend to improve the quality of the game, rather you can prolong the lifespan of the paddle. By following the simple cleaning and care techniques mentioned in the guide, you will be able to maintain your paddle in top shape. This will help you dominate the court every time you use your favorite paddle in the game.
