Do you know any musicians who fail to tune their instruments? Are there any mechanics who forget to inflate their tires? The ping pong paddles must also be cleaned properly if you intend to use them for a long time. We will discuss how to clean table tennis racket.
It is essential to have the right paddle for your game. In order for you to play effectively, your paddle must be responsive, feel good in your hand, and have the appropriate amount of bounce. Dust and dirt can easily accumulate on ping pong paddles while you use them, as well as sweat from your hands. After each play, you must wipe off the dust from the rubber with a sponge and spray. How should a ping-pong paddle be cleaned?
In this post, we will talk about all the possible ways to clean the ping pong paddle so that it will last a long time.
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The Importance of Cleaning Your Paddle
It is very important to clean your paddle regularly. Though the quality of the paddle is good, a dirty ping pong paddle will not have enough spin. Its lifetime will be reduced.
You will need to replace your paddle less often if you take proper care of your paddle. Paddles are expensive, so they deserve to be taken care of.
How to keep your paddle clean for a long time
In the long run, proper ping pong paddle cleaning saves you time and money.
Tires are made of rubber because it is incredibly durable. Although it can degrade over time, a number of things can cause it to degrade:
Don’t let it dry out
The easiest way to degrade the paddle is by leaving it exposed to sunlight. This will completely burn the rubber and lose its properties.
It is best to avoid dry environments. If moisture and dryness are left, the rubber will shrink and crack.
Stay away from the sun and UV rays
UV rays are harmful to rubber, bleaching and drying it. Keeping it out of the sun is not enough; it should also be kept away from bright windows and sunlight.
High temperatures
Premature rubber degradation is caused by high temperatures. For a ping pong paddle to stay in the best condition, it should not only be cleaned regularly but also appropriately stored.
Keep your table clean
Table tennis balls pick up dirt and dust as they strike the surface of your table, and this dirt is transferred to your racket. Thus, a table tennis table needs to be regularly cleaned. The result is that you’ll have a better game.
What to use to clean a ping pong paddle
Below are some recommended products that can be used to clean the ping pong paddle.
Sponges and cloths
If you are going to clean your bat, be sure to use a soft sponge or cloth. Scrubbing stubborn residue can be dealt with using a soft nylon brush or an old toothbrush.
Water
When cleaning a ping pong paddle, you can use hot or cold water. Rub the surface of your bat gently with your sponge or cloth and let it air dry completely afterward.
Rubber cleaner
Special rubber cleaners can be purchased that are designed for cleaning rubber. With these, you’ll be able to remove tough stains or sticky residue without damaging the paddle.
With Dry Wrung Towel
You can use a dry towel to clean the sweat stains on the racket. Wipe off the dirt on the rubber with a wrung wet towel. Next, cover with polyester paper and positive glue before the leather is completely dried. You can store the racket in a ventilated and dry place. Keep it away from the heat source and sunlight exposure.
Things to avoid when cleaning a ping pong paddle
As rubber is used for the surface, ping pong paddles must be cleaned and stored carefully. The surface texture of table tennis rubbers gets worn, degrading over time.
If you are cleaning a ping pong paddle, you should avoid the following:
Do not wash with water
If there is water on both sides of the racket, no problem, but rubber and wood boards shouldn’t be exposed to water.
Water will easily separate the rubber layer of the racket from the racket board if the racket is submerged in water for a long time. To protect the table tennis racket, you can use some special rubber cleaning agents, sponges, racket covers, etc.
After each game, you can clean the surface of the racket with a cleaning agent.
Avoid harsh cleaning products
The rubber on your racket should not be cleaned with soap and detergent. In the case of rubber, they probably won’t do any good unless they are specially designed for use on rubber. Also, stay away from bleach and vinegar. Bleach and vinegar are harsh, and they will degrade the rubber on your blades.
Abrasive scrubbers
It is a bad idea to scrub your paddle with anything abrasive. Anything like the image above should be avoided! Clean your bat using a soft, lint-free cloth or a soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush). Be gentle while cleaning your bat. Do not scrub too hard, as this will pull the rubber off your blade.
With Things, you have at Hands
Baking Soda
The baking soda paste can also be used to remove stains from ping pong paddles from time to time. Baking soda is an excellent stain fighter and odor neutralizer. Though baking soda itself is a gentle cleanser, a baking soda scrub may be abrasive on a ping pong paddle and cause damage to the surface. Alcohol is excellent for dealing with dirt and stains that are particularly tough but should not be done on a regular basis. Our bats smell better when we use them on the handle. Scrub your toothbrush lightly with a baking soda paste and then let it dry.
Alcohol
Despite the ease with which alcohol can fight sticky residue on ping pong paddles, you shouldn’t use it as your primary cleaning solution. As the rubber dries, it gets degraded over time. As such, you can use it for sticky messes from time to time but not on a regular basis.
A few tips on maintaining your paddle
The maintenance of table tennis can be summarized in three sentences: When in use, the bottom must be protected from moisture, the rubber needs to be protected from aging, and it must be protected from falling.
Seasonal maintenance
Maintenance of the paddle rubber is related to weather as well. Rubber is less elastic in the winter due to low temperatures. The rubber has its best elasticity during the summer and has a tendency to cause strong friction.
The rubber should be cleaned during the rainy season to ensure it works properly.
Avoid direct sunlight
If you’re playing outside, you can easily damage the paddle by leaving it out in the sun. It will completely burn the rubber and make it lose its properties.
It should not be left lying on the table
The table surface may be dirty if your paddle is left on the table. Keep your paddle covered until you return if you are going to rest.
Protect the rubber
Protect the rubber with a quality protective strip. Preassembled items usually come with them.
Conclusion
When properly stored and cleaned, a ping pong paddle can last for hundreds of games, delivering great bounce, great spin, and a comfortable grip time after time. In addition to investing in a quality paddle, it is also advisable to take the time and care it takes to preserve it and use it to its full potential. By cleaning your paddle regularly and storing it properly, you can enjoy and improve your ping pong game.