Pickleball, a sport that has taken the world by storm, is not just a sport about precision, strategy, and skill. It also requires a well-maintained tool that is crucial to the game. One of the most important aspects of ensuring that your tool performs at its best and lasts long is regular cleaning. Regardless of what kind of pickleball paddle you have, without proper cleaning and maintenance, it won’t last long enough. Also, if you don’t care about your tool, it won’t care about you and hinder your performance during the game.
In this guide, I will share with you some of the most efficient methods to properly clean and maintain your pickleball paddle. Caring for the tool, cleaning it regularly, and storing it properly will ensure that the tool remains a worthy companion for a long time and helps you ace every game.
Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Guide For Cleaning Pickleball Paddle
Primarily, cleaning the pickleball paddle has three major steps: cleaning the hitting surface, cleaning the grip, and properly storing the paddle. However, to make it easier for beginners, I have added a bit more detail and created a complete step-by-step guide on how you can properly clean the surface and grip.
Step 1: Choosing The Right Cleaning Method
There are several cleaning methods to help you clean the paddle. These methods differ slightly based on the type of material of the paddle, but generally, they are all the same. You can use a specialized eraser, cleaning solution, or a cleaning kit to clean the hitting surface of the paddle.
If you don’t want to purchase a specialized cleaning kit, then you can consider using glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. Remember, do not use dishwasher cleaner for cleaning the paddle as it is too harsh and will affect the textured surface of the paddle’s hitting area which can result in unexpected outcomes on the playing field.
Most of the paddles, regardless of the material used for them, come with a textured surface. This surface is bound to pick up dust as you use the paddle in the games. The dust settles on the playing area is mainly caught from the ball that is constantly hitting the paddle. The crests and troughs of the texture pick up the dust and debris that settles there, sometimes too little for the naked eye to see.
That’s why it is important to clean the hitting surface of the tool after each game. You can choose one of the methods we have discussed above to clean the surface. It is quite easy if you are using magic or specialized erasers. They not only remove the dirt but also bring back the original shine of the paddle. If you are using a specialized cleaning kit, it will come with its own set of instructions.
Remember, if you are using a homemade remedy to clean the surface, do not use any harsh chemicals, and always use a dry cloth afterward to get rid of any dampness before you store the paddle in a cool dry place.
Read More: Pickleball Indoor Vs. Outdoor Balls: 7 Major Differences
Step 3: Cleaning The Grip
The grip is the only contact point between you and your weapon. So, it will be the true victim of all your force, sweat, and pressure. The more you use a paddle, the more its grip will get dirty and worn out. Once the grip gets dirty, you must not let the dirtiness settle and clean it after each game.
For cleaning the grip, you do not require any specialized cleaning gear or kits. You can just clean the grip with a damp microfiber cloth after each game to make sure the sweat and dirt are removed from the surface. Doing this simple step will ensure that your grip doesn’t get worn out very soon and lasts a long time.
As your grip gets worn down, you will have to replace it. Replacing the grip is mandatory to bring back the original performance and keep your game at its peak. If you do not replace a worn-out grip, your skill as a pickleball player will start going downhill and also there is no benefit of cleaning a worn-out grip.
Step 4: Storing The Paddle
There are a few important aspects to storing the paddle. First of all, you must go through the first three steps we have discussed above after each game before you store your paddle. People often leave their pickleball paddle in the car after playing without cleaning it, and that allows the dust and debris to settle and the paddle to get damaged or worn out much faster.
Also, extremely hot or cold temperatures can be quite damaging to the paddle. It can affect the core of the hitting surface of the paddle, making it either extra brittle or extra soft, which will affect your overall performance in the game. So, after you have cleaned the paddle properly, both hitting the surface and grip, you must store the paddle properly in a dry place.
Using the CRBN Pickleball Paddle Eraser
In the first step, I have talked about using a specialized cleaning eraser to clean the pickleball paddle. If you are looking for such a thing, then you won’t find a better one than the CRBN eraser. It’s the first of its kind that is designed specifically for pickleball and cleans the dirt and ball fibers from the surface of any carbon-faced paddle. So, if your pickleball paddle comes with a carbon fiber face, it is the best tool to clean it.
Carbon fiber paddles tend to collect fibers from the ball, which over time, can impact the paddle's grip and appearance. It will also affect the spin and impact of the hitting surface. The CRBN Pickleball Paddle Eraser can restore your paddle to its pristine state with a few simple swipes. Even if your paddle is heavily soiled, it can be cleaned without any effort.
The eraser not only cleans the surface but returns it back to its original state. It wipes away the residue, superficial scuffs, and all the scratches that came on the paddle from the game. It’s a compact and handy tool that you can keep in a small bag or in your pocket and use on the paddle after each game, ensuring that your paddle is always clean and ready for the next battle.
3 Important Precautions To Reduce The Risks Of Soiling Pickleball Paddle
Under normal conditions, your paddle won’t get soiled much and you will be able to clean it easily after the game. However, when you are not careful while using your pedal, you often end up getting it more soiled which makes the cleaning process even more time-consuming. Let’s discuss three important precautions you should always keep in mind to keep your paddle from getting over-soiled.
First of all, do not throw the paddle around, no matter how frustrated you are. Not only does it damage the paddle but also allows extra dirt and debris to accumulate on the surface. Secondly, do not use the paddle to lift up the balls. It is a common practice and might look quite cool, but if you want to keep your paddle clean and long-lasting, then you should avoid doing it.
Last but not least, protect your paddle from exposure to water. Exposure to light rain showers might not be the problem, given that you dry the paddle afterward, but submerging the paddle in the water to clean it or allowing it to get soaked or exposed to rainwater and then storing it without drying will cause it to get worn out much faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Take Care Of Pickleball Paddles?
I have shared a detailed guide above that tells you the exact steps to care for your pickleball paddle in a proper manner. Generally, there are three important steps: cleaning the hitting surface, cleaning the grip, and storing it properly.
Can I Get Pickleball Paddles Wet?
No, you should not do that under any circumstances. If the rain starts during the game, you should try your best to shorten the game. If it is an official match, then you should hide the paddle inside your shirt between points to protect it from moisture and clean the paddle with a dry cloth right after the game is over.
How Do I Remove Sunscreen From A Pickleball Paddle?
To remove the sunscreen (I’m wondering if you dropped it accidentally) from the surface of a pickleball paddle, you can clean the area with a clean solution and a damp microfiber cloth and then use a soft towel to dry the surface.
How Do I Make My Pickleball Paddle More Grippy?
Grips get worn out over time. To make sure that the grips you are using last long enough, make sure to clean them after each game. If the grip is too worn out, then you must change the grip to make the paddle more grippy.
Conclusion
In conclusin, the pickleball paddle requires proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure that it keeps performing at its peak level and doesn’t get worn out too soon. There are multiple aspects to cleaning and maintenance of your pickleball paddle and I have addressed them quite thoroughly in the above guide. With the above step-by-step guide, you will be able to properly care for your pickleball paddle. Good Luck!
