How to Clean Pickleball Paddles? - A Comprehensive Guide

Do you ever wonder that despite having the best pickleball paddle you purchased a few months ago, your paddle isn’t responding the way it used to in the first few weeks. 

All these doubts such as “how to clean pickleball paddle”, “how to clean carbon fiber pickleball paddle​”, “can pickleball paddles get wet” and many more, will be resolved for you with this complete guide.

When you play back to back games, your paddle has to bear multiple impulses and when they are taken care of on a regular basis, the surface of the paddle starts to get softened up and lose its core strength and vibration dampening properties.

Stick through the end as we’ll cover what are the best ways to clean your paddle, how to protect pickleball paddle edges from scratches, and how to clean pickleball paddle grip?

How To Clean A Pickleball Paddle & Why It Is Important?

Your pickleball paddle is, in fact, your secret weapon on the court. Amateur players don’t take care of their paddle, but I've had enough of explaining to my peers how to clean pickleball paddle and why clean pickleball paddle should be a habit.  

Treat it like your baby as there’s a saying “as you sow so you reap”. If you do not take proper care of it, your paddle will fail to deliver its best performance in games for you. 

Common causes of paddle getting unhygienic and dirty are:

1. Longer play sessions: When we play longer play sessions with a single paddle, it has to go through numerous hits and rigorous core action throughout the game often makes the border of surface stretch more than usual and not retract back if the paddle isn’t equipped with vibration dampening. 

There are a few pickleball paddles that offer vibration dampening and hence ensure better durability than cheaper ones. 

2. Extremely tight hold: Usually, when we play a highly competitive game of pickleball paddle, both the players are highly pumped and in that moment of adrenaline, they tend to push past the limit of their paddle and are capable of bearing in quick successions. The consequence of this goes out on the handle grip.

Some players play with an overgrip on the paddle handle, whereas some play with a bare handle. If played without an overgrip, the grip of the paddles gets scratches due to friction induced by the tight hold. This can dampen the power transfer capacity of the paddle and eventually may hurt wrist. 

To avoid this, a player is always advised to invest in a good overgrip for pickleball paddle that can withstand high pressure and friction without tearing apart in intense matches.

3. Reckless gameplay: Reckless gameplay is when a player who is new to the game and lacks the patience and calmness to take game speed at its normal pace and try to induce non-directed fast shots at the opponent to win by any means. Playing with that mindset may cause the paddle edge to scratch the court surface.

This can cause damage to the paddle as hitting the right sweet spot will be difficult and you may miss the shot or edge it. To prevent, one is advised to have a paddle that supports enhanced edge guard protection.

Why is cleaning pickleball paddles not a choice anymore but needed? 

Cleaning your paddle is that one habit that can improve the life of your paddle up to ten times without you investing any penny away. 

1. Durability: A clean paddle stays strong and performs better for a long time, saving you money and trouble. Regular cleaning and maintenance ensures that the paddle surface stays enact and strong on the hooks and stitches.
2. Fresh Smell: Dirty paddles usually smell bad and may even promote bacteria and fungus growth, which nobody wants. You can’t let your favorite paddle stink when you pick it up to play a game after months. 
3. Paddle Components: Cleaning keeps your paddle's grip and surface at their best. This means you will be able to spin, smash, and score like a pro, never letting your paddle down.

Think of it this way: you clean your paddle after play so it will be ready to help you win the next game. It only takes a few minutes, but it really makes all the difference in how you play and how long the paddle lasts.

So do not let dirt slow you down—clean that paddle and get ahead on the court!

The Best Way To Clean Your Pickleball Paddle

Let’s roll out the best methods that will make the pickleball paddle cleaning process very simple and easy for you to remember. Before we jump to touch upon effective ways of cleaning pickleball paddles at home, you should also know what are the minimum prerequisites and solutions you should have with you.

So, pickleball paddles can be cleaned by two basic methods namely:

1. Pickleball Paddle Cleaning Using Household Items

Let's meet some household heroes that will help you keep your paddle in great shape. Most effective cleaning agents are right within arm's reach, in your house, and it's ready to be added into the cleaning cycle:

• Start with the essentials: Take a wet, lint-free cloth and lukewarm water. It's more than enough to clean out light dirt and sweat from the handle after a game from the paddle.
• Creating a cleaning solution: To create an organic cleaning solution, mix the same volume of water and white vinegar. Vinegar is slightly acidic in nature thus works well to remove any kind of oil or tougher grime that can’t be done with a plain cloth rub. 
• Baking Soda and Water: For hard-to-remove stains, make a mild paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub it in with a soft cloth and then rinse through each corner of the paddle. Remember to not let the solution dry over the paddle surface as it can dry up the surface and can hamper texture of the paddle.
• Scrubbing: You can also use mild dish soap mixed with warm water to dap on the paddle surface. Be alert and remember to wash out any left over slippery build by proper rinsing to prevent damage to the handle grip. 
• Soft-Bristle Brush: A toothbrush with soft bristles can be utilized efficiently to shrug off any dust, or dirt around the edges and paddle grip.

2. Pickleball Paddle Cleaning Using Professional Cleaning Tools

Are you ready to take your paddle game to the next level? Professional cleaning of pickleball paddles can be your go to solution in ensuring your paddle is always in top shape. These products go a step further than basic upkeep, allowing you to show required attention and care to the sport.

• Carbon Fiber Paddle Eraser: To clean carbon fiber paddles, use a non-abrasive rubber eraser, such as a carbon fiber cleaning block or a belt sander rubber eraser. To remove dirt and residue, just hold the paddle in one hand and use the other to erase the paddle face from top to bottom. The eraser procedure will also eliminate the buildup of pickleball fibers. 

• Cleaning Sprays: These treatments are designed to cut through severe filth while protecting your paddle's sensitive surface. Think of them as your paddle's instructor, keeping it fit and ready to get into action.

The hitting surface is the most important area of the paddle to clean, since it greatly affects the spin and performance in general. Remember to not submerge paddles into water or use harsh chemicals that can make the surface sticky, which would allow more dirt and debris to collect faster. 

Preserving Your Pickleball Paddle: Edge Protection

As we understand the reason why we should clean our pickleball paddle regularly, we should dedicate equal effort and focus on doing that for all the components of a paddle alongside understanding the impact of how to clean pickleball paddle.

It is very common for players to scrape or accidentally damage one side of the edge guard of the paddle. Preventing the paddle from scratches and damage while playing a regular style of play is difficult. To avoid this, experts advise young players to put on a protective gear known as tape, to keep the paddle material disjointed firmly for a longer game.

If you are cleaning and maintaining the surface and grip of your paddles, great! However, there is a final step to make sure your paddles don't fall apart and break from the rim. Cleaning and protecting the edges of your paddles is the next step to keep your paddles in top shape.

Step 1: Clean the Edges

The edge guard or rim of the paddles may seem like it doesn’t need to be cleaned, but it does! The edge guard also gets dirty over time, so make sure to wipe down the edges of the paddle while you clean the surface and the grip.

Step 2: Use Protective Paddle Tape

During an intense game, a player tries to reach out to every ball and in that process, sometimes the paddle strikes the hard court surface. To keep your paddle from getting too scraped up, you can wrap the edges with edge guard tape.

Maintain The Paddle Grip With Overgrips

Paddle Grips are another very important component of a pickleball paddle and also they have to go through maximum wear and tear with each play and time. In the previous section of the article, you read about how to protect and take care of paddle edges, this section will help you maintain your paddle grip effectively.

Step 1. Washing Paddle Grip: After playing, take a towel or a slightly damp cloth and wipe the paddle grip down to prevent buildup, which could diminish your ability to properly grasp your paddle. 

When you are in a rush on the pickleball courts, several players suggest using unscented baby wipes for cleaning and washing off the paddles. You need to make sure that the baby wipes are fragrance-free and do not contain harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals can leave a sticky film that gathers more particles.

Step 2. Prevent from Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight over time can damage a pickleball paddle handle grip. UV and heat can cause drying of the grip material, which will make the material brittle and may even crack or peel. The heat also can loosen adhesives, causing the grip to begin to loosen. To prolong life, it is a good idea to keep your paddle in a cooler, shaded area when it's not in use. 

When To Replace Your Pickleball Grip?

Due to rigorous use of handle grips, it wears down, loses its hardness, and becomes sloppy eventually affecting the performance and energy you invested. 

Here are some signs that can give you an idea or hint to realize that the paddle handle grip should be replaced. 

• The Grip Feels Slippery: - If you find yourself tweaking your grip throughout playing, it may be time to change your grip. A slippery grip causes your paddle to twist in your hand and this will affect all of your shots and lower the control you have over the ball. A new grip can restore the needed tackiness and cushion for a comfortable and secure grip.

• The Grip is Worn or Torn: - As you go through using your paddle regularly, your grip may be worn down or tear, showing an underlying material and starting to lose effectiveness. A worn or torn grip can also foster the growth of bacteria and fungus, creating unpleasant odors that could be a health ailment. If your grip is wearing out, then it's time to have it replaced.

• Changing Grip Size: - The size of the grip plays an important role in comfortability and control on the court. If you find that your current grip size is either too small or too large, it may be time to replace it with a different-sized grip. A correctly fitted grip can enhance the strength of your grip and reduce the risk of injury.

Replacing your pickleball grip is simple but inexpensive to maintain the performance and life of your paddle. You are able to keep your grip in the best shape for the next game, provided you remain keen and look for any signs of wear and tear.

The Helios Organic Pickleball Overgrip

What To Avoid When Cleaning A Paddle?

Here's a list of a few items you have to avoid at all costs for cleaning pickleball paddle on your own:

Tips for Maintaining Your Pickleball Paddle: Pickleball Paddle Storage Tips

• Store Your Paddle Correctly: - Owning a paddle requires taking proper care of it for it to last long. Just leaving it outside or in your car can lead to wear and tear that is uncalled for. Bringing it inside whenever not in use can help add years to it. Also, avoid putting heavy loads on top of your paddle, for it may warp it or crack it.
• Clean Your Paddle Regularly: - Cleaning your paddle will help in keeping it at its best. All that dirt and grime from the court surface just literally cling to your paddle's textured surface and, over time, disable its effectiveness. Avoid household cleaners that will leave a sticky residue.
• Wet Paddle: - One must avoid submerging a paddle in water since it may trap water inside its honeycomb core. This can make the paddle waterlogged and heavy, eventually affecting the performance of a player on the court. Instead, clean it with a slightly dampened cloth after every play and let it air dry before storing.
• Inspect Your Paddle for Damage: - Regularly check your paddle for signs of damage, such as cracks or chips. Whatever the extent of the damage may be, you need to fix it so the damage does not increase. You can fill in those cracks or chips with a rubber sealant, but when the damage gets too extensive, it may be time for a new paddle.

Remember, taking good care of your pickleball paddle is a surefire way to make it last longer and maintain its effectiveness. By following these tips, you will keep your paddle in excellent condition and deliver your best performance on the court.

FAQs

How often should you clean your pickleball paddle?

Clean the surface and grip after each game. Perform a deep clean weekly for optimal performance.

Can water damage a pickleball paddle?

Yes, excessive water can seep into the honeycomb core and weaken its structure. Always prefer pouring a dry cloth half in the water solution and pour the water out by rotating the cloth ends to let go of excess water. 

What’s the best way to clean a carbon fiber paddle?

The best way to clean a carbon fiber paddle is to take a soft textured pickleball paddle non-abrasive rubber that can help in eradicating all sorts of dust and grime from the paddle rim and surface.

Can household cleaners be used on paddles?

Yes, household cleaners can be used such as diluted vinegar, and solution of baking soda and warm water. However, harsh chemicals can damage the paddle’s materials. Stick to mild soap and water for cleaning.

Does water ruin pickleball paddles?

Yes, applying water in the paddle cleaning process can harm drastically to our paddle. The water penetrates down the outer surface of the pickleball paddle, damaging the honeycomb polymer that is accountable to deliver peak rebound, and durability.