Have you ever cleaned the paddle and balls you use to play pickleball? If you have not, you should. Keeping your paddle clean will help keep the surface like new and prevent it from becoming too smooth and caked with dirt to play effectively.
There are a few ways to clean your paddle and balls, ranging from a quick wipe with a Magic Eraser to a more in-depth cleaning with soap or glass cleaning solution. You should also regularly replace the grip of your paddle to help keep it in tip-top shape.
Although cleaning your pickleball paddle and balls may seem like a simple task, you should be careful when doing so not to damage your equipment. Keep reading to find out how to effectively clean your pickleball paddle and balls, and even how to replace the grip on your paddle.
Cleaning Your Pickleball Paddle
There are a couple of different methods that you might use to clean your paddle. One of the easiest ways to do so is to scrub with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. These cleaning tools are small sponges made of Durafoam and excel at removing dirt with very little elbow grease.
To clean your pickleball paddle with a Magic Eraser:
- Wet the sponge and wring out any excess water.
- Use it to carefully scrub the grime away from the paddle’s surface.
- When finished, use a microfiber cloth to dry off the remaining water and any leftover dirt.
If you do not want to use a Magic Eraser, Windex or another glass cleaner can be used instead to clean your paddle. Simply spray a microfiber cloth with a small amount of cleaning solution and use it to wipe the dirt and sweat residue away from your paddle.
Make sure that your paddle is completely dry after you have finished cleaning it. Keeping it wet can lead to damage.
You can find it here: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
Can I submerge my paddle in water?
You should never submerge your paddle in the water. Pickleball paddles are made out of honeycomb core. If they are immersed in water, that moisture can become trapped inside the paddle. This can lead to mildew and mold.
Read an in-depth article here: What are Pickleball Paddles Made Of?
So, when cleaning your paddle, make sure not to use too much water and thoroughly dry your paddle when you have finished cleaning it.
Replacing Your Pickleball Paddle’s Grip
The dirt and sweat on your hands can cause the grip on your paddle to lose its tackiness over time. So, you should be sure to replace it every now and again. Luckily, doing so is fairly simple. To replace your pickleball paddle grip, simply follow these steps:
- Remove the old grip by carefully unwrapping the tape.
- Align the new tape at the bottom of your pickleball paddle handle.
- Wrap the new grip tape around the paddle handle, making sure to pull it taught so that there are no wrinkles.
- Finish the grip by placing a small piece of finishing tape, such as electrical tape, over the top of the grip at the top of the paddle handle. This will seal the grip in place.
Here you can find some grip tape: Pickleball Paddle Grip Tape
How often should I replace my pickleball paddle grip?
There is no official guideline on how often you should replace your pickleball paddle grip. Rather, it is a matter of personal preference. When you notice that your grip has begun to lose its tackiness, you should consider replacing it.
The more frequently you play pickleball, the more often you will need to replace your paddle’s grip.
What if the graphics on my pickleball paddle are fading?
Do not be alarmed if the graphics on your pickleball paddle have begun to fade. This is completely normal, especially with regular cleaning. This is simply a sign of everyday wear and tear on your paddle and does not mean that your paddle is defective or over-cleaned.
Cleaning Pickleballs
Luckily, pickleball is a bit more resilient when it comes to cleaning than paddles. You can clean them in a number of ways, and you do not have to worry about babying them quite as much as your paddle.
One of the simplest ways to clean pickleballs is using warm soapy water. Simply fill a bucket with warm water and a bit of mild soap, and place the pickleballs into the mixture. Use your hands or a soft cloth to agitate the mixture and wipe the balls clean.
You can also use the same Magic Eraser that you use to clean your paddle to clean your pickleballs. This may be especially satisfying if you use white pickleballs.
Related article: Can You Use Indoor Pickleballs Outdoor?
How long should a pickleball last?
Pickleballs can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, depending on how often they are used and how well you take care of them. In general, pickleballs are good to continue using until they begin to show stress cracks.
The more often you play with a pickleball, the more quickly it will begin to crack. However, if you take good care of your balls and do not play too aggressively with them, they can last you up to three years.
Keeping your pickleballs clean will not affect how long they will last, but keeping them nice and washed can keep your paddle from getting as dirty as quickly.
Read more here: Do Pickleball Paddles Wear Out?
Conclusion
So, how do you clean pickleball paddles and balls? Well, there are a couple of ways you can do so. The easiest ways to clean your paddle are to use either a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or a soft microfiber cloth and glass cleaning solution. Make sure never submerge your paddle in water since this can lead to mildew or mold.
Do not be alarmed if the graphics on your pickleball paddle begin to fade over time. This is completely normal and is a sign of regular wear and tear on your paddle. The more often you play pickleball, the more quickly this may happen.
Your pickleballs can withstand a bit more rigorous treatment when it comes to cleaning than your paddle can. You can submerge them in mild soap and water to get them clean. A well-cared-for set of pickleballs can last you up to several years.
