Last Updated on June 29, 2024
Ping pong paddle is one of the most important parts of equipment, but what happens when it isn’t taken care of properly? A paddle that isn’t taken care of properly will more likely collect more dust, and get the rubber damaged, which won’t be as efficient as it was when it was new. If you learn how to clean a ping pong paddle rubber it will prolong its lifetime, however, it shouldn’t be done on a regular basis.
How often do you clean your paddle rubber? How do you do it?
Taking care of your ping pong paddle when you aren’t playing is also important, and that’s why there are useful paddle cases which will protect your paddle rubber from collecting dust when it’s not used.
Why Is Cleaning a Ping Pong Paddle Rubber Necessary?
Ping pong rubber has made from the high-end technology, and each rubber has been made in a different way, in order to provide players with features they’re looking for.
But if you look at the ping pong rubber more closely, you will see that there are little gaps and that it can easily collect dust.
Cleaning your ping pong paddle rubber is advised by ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) as well, however, they advise only cleaning your ping pong rubber in a safe way, without using chemicals.
By cleaning your ping pong rubber, you will most likely remove the dust and dirt that can collect on the rubber due to hitting the ball constantly, and obviously, ping pong balls aren’t clean as they always end up on the ground.
You have the ability of simply maintaining your ping pong paddle rubber to bring back it’s the stickiness that is important for mostly spin moves.
However, if your paddle rubber has been worn out, cleaning might not have the effect you’re expecting.
Paddle rubber is a thing that wears out and requires replacement once in a while, so keep that in mind. Rubber can’t last forever.
Secret Tips For Faster and Easier Cleaning Way
One of the secret tips would be to use distilled water because it has better results that are going to last for long.
When you have cleaned your paddle rubber, let it dry before putting into the case, because it might collect dust immediately if you put it back right away.
When you are wiping down your paddle rubber, don’t forget to wipe down the handle of your paddle as well.
It gets dirty and sticky from all the sweat. But also the body oils, mixed with sweat and other fluids that are available on your hands can break down the material integrity.
To protect your paddle rubbers from collecting dust and aging, you can use plastic covers that you put over the rubber when you aren’t playing.
Plastic cover will prevent the rubber from oxydating when it’s in contact with the air.
Cleaning ping pong paddle and rubber isn’t complicated, and it doesn’t take a lot of time either.
You shouldn’t do it too often, but it mostly depends on how often do you use your ping pong paddle. The more you use it, the more often you should do it.
Ways To Clean Ping Pong Paddle Rubber
Ping pong players might find different ways of cleaning their ping pong paddle rubber, however, in my opinion, the best way to clean your ping pong rubber is a plain water.
International Table Tennis Federation approves and suggests to ping pong players that they will tolerate cleaning the rubber with water and sponge, however, they’re against cleaning rubber with chemicals.
It’s also one of the easiest ways to clean ping pong paddle, and all you need is a bowl, still or distilled water, and a sponge.
Going with a wet sponge without any excess water over your rubber will collect the dust and dirt that might have been collected.
For the best efficiency, try not to spread the dust and do quick forward moves.
When is the Right Time to Clean Your Rubber?
Some people overdo it while some people don’t even do it at all – but when is the right time to clean your rubber?
The perfect time would be every few weeks, or probably once or twice a month. Now, there is a difference between cleaning your rubber and just wiping it.
Some people wipe their rubber with water after or even before the use, which is fine. But cleaning should happen only a few times a month with the proper cleaning solution.
If you are still unsure, most rubber cleaning solutions will come with specific instructions and the right amount of the liquid to apply and the right use instructions – so you can never damage your rubber.
Because we all love our paddles, right? We are just looking for a way to protect it and even improve its condition.
One thing is for sure. Cleaning and maintaining your paddle rubber is most likely to prolong the rubber’s lifespan.
Conclusion
However, cleaning your paddle won’t show the results wanted if the paddle rubber has been worn out to the point it needs a replacement.
If you want to prevent your rubber from getting worn out quick, try and use the plastic cover method mentioned in the secret section of this post.
