How to clean your pickleball paddle

When you invest in a brand-new pickleball paddle, keeping it shiny and new will seem like a priority. But the more you use it, the more scuffed up or dirty it can get. If you want to keep that brand-new look, here are our tips for cleaning your pickleball paddle.

Why you should keep your paddle clean

Pickleball is such an accessible sport because you need very little equipment to get started. Your pickleball paddle will become the most important piece of equipment for your pickleball journey, and because of this, you will want to make sure it is in good condition so you can focus on your game.

Cleaning your pickleball paddle surface

One of the features of many pickleball paddles is a textured surface, which helps give you control over things like spin and direction. But that texture that gives you so much control can also be a magnet for attracting dirt and scuffs.

Luckily, many pickleball paddles can be cleaned with only water and a lint-free cloth. You can use this tactic to clean your pickleball face, edge guard, and handle. It may be tempting to use household cleaners, but those cleaners may add a residue or stickiness to your paddle, so it’s best to avoid using any cleaners.

Cleaning your pickleball paddle grip

During your pickleball game, and especially when you are done playing, you should have a clean dry cloth to clean off your pickleball grip. Your pickleball paddle grip will also require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Keeping the handle dry and clean will be your first step to keeping your pickleball paddle grip clean and lasting longer.

The nice thing about the paddle grip is that it is replaceable, and you can replace it at any time if your grip is worn out or has water damage.

Cleaning a carbon fiber pickleball paddle

Carbon fiber pickleball paddles are gaining popularity, which may make the water and lint-free cloth tactic a little more difficult. If you are not able to get your carbon fiber paddle clean with that method, try a carbon fiber cleaning block.

Carbon fiber cleaning blocks are made specifically to clean your carbon fiber pickleball paddle, with no water needed.

Pickleball paddle maintenance

There are a few things you will need to do to maintain your paddle, including keeping it dry and at a certain temperature. You will want to take care of where you store your paddle and how you handle it.

We have a full blog post here on pickleball paddle maintenance.

When to replace your pickleball paddle

It doesn’t matter if you buy the best or worst paddle out there, all paddles will eventually wear out with continual play. Although pickleball paddles are built for continued hits and wear and tear, you will eventually need to replace your paddle.

It’s recommended for rec players to replace your paddle every one to five years, depending on how much you play. Paddles need to be replaced when they are cracked, dented, broken, or otherwise worn down.

Although there is no one clue that your paddle needs replaced, you may be able to tell by the feel or sound of it. If things feel off, test hitting a ball on different areas of the paddle. If it sounds funny or if it’s not performing the way it needs to, it’s time for it to be replaced.

Cleaning your pickleball paddle

One of the great things about pickleball is that there is not much equipment needed to get started. But that also means you will want to take care of your most important piece of pickleball gear: your paddle. Cleaning your paddle doesn’t have to be an arduous process, but if you follow these instructions, your paddle will always be the cleanest on the court.