To know how to clean your pickleball paddle, you should check out the following comprehensive article.
Cleaning up your pickleball paddle is the most essential part of playing pickleball. This is because if your paddles are not clean enough, you won’t be able to get the ideal performance out of them. So, your shots won’t have enough momentum if the grits are blocked with oils and gunk from the surroundings.
Now that we have developed how important it is to clean up your paddles, you might wonder how to clean your pickleball paddle yourself. You might find many cleaning products in the market, but most are too harsh and could damage the surface of your pickleball paddles. So, in the following article, I have filtered out a few paddles and techniques to clean up your pickleball paddles and a few ways to keep them clean. So, let’s get started!
How to Clean Your Pickleball Paddle | Pickleball Paddle Care
There are several ways in which you can clean up your pickleball paddle. You may choose any of them, but if you combine them, you will be surprised by the results you get. And the best part is that you don’t have to spend much time cleaning your pickleball paddles. However, you must be gentle while cleaning your paddles. Otherwise, you could end up damaging their pickleball paddle surface.
1. Use A Clean Magic Eraser
This is one of the most effective ways to restore your paddles’ rough, gritty texture. You may already have noticed that with every hit, your paddles accumulate dirt that sticks inside the delicate grits of the paddle. Over time, it makes the surface of the paddles go completely flat. This would affect the spin of the hits, and you wouldn’t be able to predict the direction of the balls as effectively.
So, to avoid that, you have to scrub off the surface gently. However, you can not be too harsh because that would damage the gritty texture of your paddles. So, the best alternative to that is using a clean magic eraser. You can get one from any brand easily accessible to you because they are all the same, to be very honest. Once you get it, rub the eraser on the surface in gentle circular motions.
The eraser will scrub off all the gunk from within the surface of the pickleball paddle, making it look as good as new. It won’t even damage the surface.
2. Glass Cleaner And A Microfibre Cloth
If you find getting your hands on a clean magic eraser hard, you may use a glass cleaner as an alternative. It cleans up the surface very effectively. All you have to do is directly spray the glass spray onto the surface and let it sit for about a minute. Then, wipe it clean with a microfibre cloth. You may also use a lint-free cloth if it leaves no residue on the paddle.
This will effectively rid the surface of any dirt and gunk sticking to it. However, it may not be as effective in deep cleaning the grits of the paddle’s surface. This is the reason why I like to perform this step in addition to scrubbing the paddle with a clean magic eraser. Performing these two steps one after the other would result in a brand-new, super-clean paddle.
However, there is one thing you all should know beforehand. And that is, scrubbing a pickleball paddle with a magic eraser or a glass cleaner would make its colors start to fade. Even after the first cleaning, the paddle will look weary. But that is normal, and you shouldn’t pay too much attention to it because it is better than leaving your paddle dirty.
3. Replace Your Pickleball Grip
This is another crucial step in cleaning your pickleball paddle. While playing, your palms get sweaty, so the grip accumulates a lot of dirt. As a result, it becomes smelly and slippery. So, you must replace your pickleball paddle grip from time to time. Otherwise, you will feel a lag in your game and decrease your grip.
You don’t want to let your pickleball paddle slip through your fingers in the middle of the game, do you? Of course not! After all, it could cost you your game. So, it is better to spare a few bucks and get your grips replaced before they get you replaced by your team!
4. Bring Your Pickleball Paddle Inside
This might sound a little weird to you, but trust me, it makes all the difference. You have no idea how badly the weather conditions impact your pickleball paddle. This is because the weather conditions’ fluctuations could make the pickleball paddle’s surface expand or constrict. Hence, it results in premature aging of your paddle skin.
However, the good news is that you can completely avoid this problem by bringing your paddle inside your house. Don’t leave your paddle outside, in the garage, or inside your car because these places are prone to weather fluctuations. By bringing your paddle inside, you will automatically increase your paddle’s lifespan.
5. Never Wash Your Pickleball Paddle
It is yet another very effective tip. You should never consider washing your pickleball paddle directly under the water. This is because the pickleball paddle has a honeycomb core that traps the water inside if you let it submerge under the water. And once the water gets trapped inside the surface, you can never completely get it out. This will negatively affect its performance, and the bounce will dissipate.
But that doesn’t mean you can not play pickleball in the rainy season. Of course, you can play when it rains because that does not entrap the water inside the honeycomb core. However, you may also stick your paddle under your shirt after every hit you make to reduce the wear and tear from rainwater.
6. Cleaning Carbon Pickleball Paddle
Carbon pickleball paddles are the most sensitive ones because they are more prone to damage. So, you must avoid using harsh cleansers and cleaning chemicals at all costs. Instead, use a magic white eraser to clean up the grits of the carbon pickleball paddles. You can also clean the carbon fiber pickleball paddle using lukewarm water and soft cloth.
Pickleball Paddle Cleaning Kit
You may have heard a lot of good and bad reviews about pickleball paddle cleaning kits. So, why don’t I tell you exactly what these kits include and their pros and cons? So, a pickleball cleaning kit usually includes a pickleball surface cleanser, a scrub pad, and a microfibre cloth. These three things are a must-have. Most kits also include fancy waxes and surface polishes, but these are just different things you can avoid using.
Now, come to the pros and cons of using these kits. Let’s start with a con. The one reason I always avoid using a pickleball cleaning kit is that the pickleball paddle cleaner and the scrubbing pad included are very hard, and their prolonged use could damage the surface permanently. So, I prefer using a magic white eraser or a glass cleaner because these are super gentle and easy-to-use products.
On the other hand, the benefit of using pickleball cleaner kits is that you can easily find them in any sports store. These kits are highly portable and easy to use. You can also give a cleaning kit as a gift to players.
People Also Ask
How To Repair Pickleball Paddles?
Repairing a pickleball paddle shouldn’t be much of a problem since it only involves treating your paddle’s surface with wax or oil and replacing your grip. However, if the surface of your paddle is cracked or broken, I suggest you take it to a professional rather than trying to repair it all by yourself.
How To Clean Pickleball Paddle Grip?
Use a glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth to clean the pickleball paddle grip. Spray the glass cleaner on the paddle’s grip and gently scrub the dirt. Now, leave it until it gets dry once. Try to avoid heavy cleaning solutions that can damage the grip as well as the paddle’s surface.
Do Pickleball Paddle Cleaners Work?
Yes, pickleball paddle cleaners are very effective in removing dirt, sweat, and other waste from the paddle’s surface. They are designed to clean the paddle’s playing surface, which is generally made from graphite or composite material. These cleaners are easy to use and portable.
What Is A Delaminated Pickleball Paddle?
A delaminated pickleball paddle refers to a paddle whose layers have started to separate or peel apart. This usually occurs in the paddle’s core or surface material, often due to wear and tear, impact damage, or manufacturing defects. Delamination can affect the paddle’s performance, reducing its power and accuracy during play.
Can Pickleball Paddles Get Wet?
Yes, pickleball paddles can get wet but it is recommended to avoid them coming in contact with moisture. Paddle materials like graphite, composite, and honeycomb core are sensitive to moisture and paddle can get damaged due to moisture. Store your paddle in a dry place.
Conclusion
So, this was all from my side. I hope you all enjoyed reading through this article. I provided you with some easy and inexpensive ways to clean up your pickleball paddle and avoid any damage to it. I recommend you avoid harsh chemicals and cleansers on your paddles; instead, use a magic white eraser to clean up your paddles. Plus, never directly submerge your paddles under the water!
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- Best Shoes For Pickleball
I, Jeena Noven, am a renowned pickleball expert and author with over 10 years of experience playing and coaching the sport. My passion and extensive knowledge of pickleball has made me a leading authority in the game, particularly in the field of footwear. I have written countless articles for https://pickleballcard.com/, a website dedicated to pickleball, sharing my insights and expertise on the best shoes for the sport. Through personal testing and reviewing countless different brands and styles, I have developed a deep understanding of the technical aspects of shoe design that make them suitable for the demands of pickleball. In my articles, I provide valuable information for both beginner and advanced players, covering everything from the basics of shoe fit and support, to advanced tips for maximizing performance on the court. As a dedicated pickleball player and expert in footwear, I am a valuable resource for players of all levels. My articles are not only informative but also engaging, making them a must-read for anyone looking to improve their pickleball game. I am constantly researching new products and trends in the industry and my readers can always count on me to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information on the best pickleball shoes available.
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