How to Clean a Pickleball Paddle: Step-by-Step Guide

Pickleball has become a favorite sport for many people due to its fun and social nature. However, to keep enjoying the game, you must take care of your equipment, and this includes knowing how to clean your pickleball paddle regularly.

If you’re reading this, you probably already did some research and picked out a pickleball paddle that you like.

But now that you’ve played a few times, you have noticed a bunch of scuff marks from the pickleball, you’re wondering how to clean your pickleball paddle, keep it clean, and make sure it lasts as long as possible!

A textured paddle surface needs to remain clean. A build-up of dirt can start after just one game. If not cleaned regularly, that just means more and more dirt will start to accumulate on the paddle face and that will definitely hurt your ability to generate spin.

Because of that, I will use this brief post to walk you through some really simple, really easy instructions on how to clean a pickleball paddle.

Method 1: Glass Cleaner and Microfiber Cloth

Materials Needed:

• Glass cleaner
• Microfiber cloth

Step-by-step instructions:

• Spray the glass cleaner on the microfiber cloth.
• Gently wipe the paddle surface using the damp cloth.
• Use a dry section of the cloth to wipe off any remaining cleaner.
• Allow the paddle to air dry.

Tips and Precautions:

Do not use too much glass cleaner as it could damage the paddle’s surface.

Do not use paper towels or abrasive materials to clean your paddle.

Method 2: Damp Microfiber Cloth

Materials Needed:

• Microfiber cloth
• Water

Step-by-step instructions:

• Use warm water to make the microfiber cloth slightly wet or damp.
• Gently wipe the paddle surface with a damp cloth.
• Use a dry section of the cloth to wipe off any remaining water.
• Allow the paddle to air dry.

Tips and Precautions:

Do not use too much water as it could leak into the paddle beyond the pickleball paddle surface and cause damage.

Avoid using any strong soaps or chemical with the water.

Method 3: Gentle Soap and Water with Soft Cloth

Materials Needed:

• Mild soap
• Soft cloth
• Water

Step-by-step instructions:

• Mix mild soap with water in a bucket.
• Dampen the soft cloth with the soapy water.
• Gently wipe the paddle’s surface with the damp cloth.
• Use a dry section of the cloth to wipe off any remaining water.
• Allow the paddle to air dry.

Tips and Precautions:

Use only a small amount of mild soap to avoid damaging the paddle.

Avoid using any harsh chemicals.

Eraser Pads and Cleaning Kits

Some paddle makers offer eraser pads or cleaning kits that can remove ball marks and dirt from your paddle. Check with your pickleball paddle manufacturer to see if they offer these products.

For example, CRBN makes an eraser specifically to help you keep your pickleball paddle clean.

Important to Avoid: Soaking and Waxing

Do not soak your pickleball paddle in water. If you have a wooden paddle, it could cause the wood to expand and warp. If you have a more modern composite paddle, then water could leak into your paddle which usually has a honeycomb core.

Additionally, waxing your paddle could affect its spin, so it’s best to avoid using wax altogether.

Maintenance Tips

Just like with anything else that you’d like to keep in usable condition for as long as possible, you cannot ignore ongoing maintenance. So here are a few simple things to keep in mind to avoid having to fork out cash for a replacement pickleball paddle sooner than later:

Clean your pickleball paddle after every use to prevent dirt and sweat buildup.

Store your pickleball paddle in a dry place to prevent moisture damage. For example, avoid storing the paddle in an extremely hot place like your attic. Excessive heat can do some serious damage to a paddle. So be sure to store your pickleball paddle inside where extreme temperatures cannot do any damage.

Don’t store it in a place where a lot of other equipment, or heavy items, will end up being placed on top of your pickleball paddle. Invest in a pickleball bag or a pickleball paddle cover to protect the hitting surface.

Regularly inspect your pickleball paddle for any signs of wear and tear. In particular, pickleball paddle grips take a lot of abuse! Sweat from playing long, competitive games or playing in hot weather can cause a lot of damage to your pickleball paddle grip.

Fortunately, if you’re regularly checking the pickleball grip after each game then there’s an easy fix. You can just buy yourself a new grip and replace it on your own!

FAQ

Does water ruin pickleball paddles?

No, water will not ruin your pickleball paddle if it is wiped off properly after use. However, it’s best to avoid dipping or soaking pickleball paddles in water to prevent warping.

Pickleball paddles typically have a honeycomb core that could be effected by water leaking into the paddle.

Can you wax a pickleball paddle?

No, waxing a pickleball paddle is not recommended as it can affect the spin rate and performance of the paddle. Pickleball paddles typically have a textured surface and wax would negate this feature on the hitting surface.

Instead, use a damp cloth to clean your paddle after playing and allow it to air dry.

How often should you replace your pickleball paddle?

The general rule is that your pickleball paddle should be replaced every 1-5 years or sooner if it starts to show signs of wear and tear. It’s important to regularly inspect your paddle for any damage or dead spots that could affect its performance.

If you notice any issues, replace the paddle immediately. Otherwise, your performance will start going downhill.

Conclusion

Taking time to clean your pickleball paddle is an important part of maintaining your equipment. By following these steps, you can ensure that your paddle stays in top condition and lasts for many games to come.

Remember to avoid soaking and waxing your paddle, regularly inspect and clean it, and try to store your pickleball paddle indoors. With proper care, your pickleball paddle will serve you well in many pickleball games to come!

I hope you enjoyed reading this post! If you have not yet purchased a paddle, you can also read more in another post of mine about the best pickleball paddles on the market today!