One of the most vital gears in ping pong is the paddle. Without the paddle, you couldn’t play the game at all.
Of course, these paddles are exposed to constant use and abuse, which makes them vulnerable to damages and dirt. Over time, the rubber would accumulate dust and grime, especially if you don’t stow them in their storage.
But if the inevitable happens, then it is prim and proper that you can clean the paddles. In this way, their performance won’t be compromised.
Keep in mind that learning this aspect is as crucial as learning how to play the game.
Fortunately, there are numerous methods on how you can clean ping pong paddles. Depending on your preferences, you might want to try any of the following cleaning approaches.
Method 1: Water And Sponge
If you want a hassle-free and inexpensive means to clean your bat, then the combo of water and sponge could help you out. This process is a lot simple, too.
To do this, you need to use a clean kitchen sponge. Plunge it in a bucket of warm water.
After that, dampen the sponge to remove the excess water. Once done, you can already use the sponge to wipe the surface of the rubber.
When wiping, make sure that you do it gently. You don’t want to remove the tackiness of the top surface of the rubber; you only need to wipe off all the noticeable dirt that is hanging on it.
Keep wiping until such time all the noticeable stains and particles come out from the rubber of the paddle. If you see that there is a build-up of oil and grime, use the moisture of the sponge to soak and eradicate them.
Continue wiping until such time you feel the tackiness of the paddle. Dry the wet paddle by letting it stay in a clean and humid room.
Method 2: Cleaning Solution
One should know that cleaning a rubber can be done through the use of specialized solutions. They should work best if the water-and-sponge method is deemed to be ineffective.
Luckily, there are a myriad of rubber solutions that you can opt here. Most of them come in the form of sprays and foams.
Regardless of your preferences, make sure that the solution is not harsh to the rubber. I have noted that some solutions out there can remove the tackiness of the paddle or its color, which is quite annoying.
You only need a cleaning solution that can do a quick work to the grime and oil build-up. The solution should also offer additional protection to the rubber, ensuring that the latter will not become a magnet for any harsh element.
To apply the cleaning solution, you just need to follow the instructions of the label. If a particular amount is recommended, then you should follow it; otherwise, you will harm the entire rubber.
Again, make sure that the solution you buy can offer protection against aging and oxidation. It is crucial to prevent the paddle from degrading quickly.
Method 3: Toothbrush
This one is an effective cleaning method if you are using a paddle with pimpled rubber. These pimples create crevices, which may attract the build-up of dirt and grime.
Of course, ordinary cleaning may have little effect once a pimpled paddle got dirty. You need something that can reach the edges and ensure that no hidden spots are missed.
Using a toothbrush can actually help you on this matter. You just need to dampen the toothbrush in clean water or specialized cleaning solution.
Once done, you can use the tool to gently scrub the rubber. Do it consistently until such time the rubber is free from any grime, stain, and other unwanted stains.
Just like the first method, you will only need to air-dry the paddle. No need to wipe it with a cloth as it might rub off the tackiness of the rubber.
Tip:
When cleaning your paddle, I do recommend that you don’t use detergent. While using it is a sound idea, it is actually harmful to the rubber of the paddle.
Detergents are known for their excessive cleaning properties. Of course, they might cause abrasion to the rubber once you apply them.
Conclusion
As of now, you need to realize that a clean paddle can outplay a dirty and worn-out paddle. It is essential that you can clean this tool from time to time to ensure its optimal performance.
Here, you have three cleaning options to follow. Therefore, you have no excuse anymore for not being able to maintain the cleanliness of the bat.
That’s it for now. If you have questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.
