This is how to clean a pickleball paddle properly and a free printable pdf to show you step by step how it should be done. We want to get you back on the court when you are learning how to play pickleball. This is the best way to get the grime off and improve the grit so you can generate the best spin that makes your game great.
Best Way to Get More Grit on Pickleball Paddle
If there is not a lot of grime that has accumulated on your paddle, you can just use a pickleball eraser. This is like a large eraser, but black, that gently removes dust that may have landed in between the tiny groves which will lessen the grit that you need to spin the ball. You can buy one here and keep in a sealed baggie in your gear bag so you have it on hand. I wouldn’t use it, and it is not necessary, every time you play but occasionally it will definitely create a quick improvement.
Tips for Cleaning a Pickleball Paddle
1 – Your best bet is to prevent dirt and grime from getting on your paddle initially. You can do this by storing it in a cover or zipped / closed pocket in your gear bag. That will be the most effective way of keeping dust and other particles that can accumulate and cause the grit to not work as well.
2 – After you play (especially playing outside) wipe off the face with a clean cloth on both sides. Keep this micro fiber cloth in your bag, inside a clean baggie so it doesn’t touch anything else. I would do this every time you play, before inserting into the case or bag. Do not use this for anything else other than on the face(s).
3 – Do not scrub when you go further to clean the face(s) with a damp cloth with a bit of soapy water to remove excess dirt. You want to give yourself a bit of time so you aren’t rushing and can just use a smooth motion with your very gentle, micro-fiber cloth across from one side to the other.
4 – Don’t use chemicals to clean, it isn’t necessary and will create more harm than good anyway. All you need is a drop of mild dish soap (without scent ideally) and some warm water to remove dirt and debris. Easy peasy right??!! Simple is better, as gentle as possible is important too.
5 – Dry thoroughly before using it to play again. Your best bet is to clean gently the night before. Set outside of your cover to allow both sides to become completely dry overnight. Then go ahead and store in zipped pouch and take to the courts again!!
Step-by-Step Guide
You can see a diagram above which may help you too. If you are anything like me you are a visual learner so it is nice to print this out, keep it handy for later, and follow the instructions on how it should be done. You can print this cleaning a pickleball paddle pdf right here if you find that to be another helpful resource for you too.
If you are wondering What is a Good Pickleball Paddle we have tips for you here in this post. I go thru inexpensive options when you are first starting all the way thru to more expensive options. There is a difference and I suggest middle of the road once you start playing a few times a week. You can read my ERA Power Pickleball Paddle Review because that is the best of the lot and will last you all the way to 5.0 easily.
FAQ
You really should wipe it off with a gentle micro-fiber cloth every time you play but as for cleaning, that doesn’t need to be done unless you find a lot of dust or grime on it. In that case you can improve the grit again if you gently clean with a drop of gentle soap and warm water as directed here in our step by step guide. This can be done weekly if needed, but typically is only done maybe every few months if kept in a case to prevent build up.
You may have seen people rubbing a large black square on both faces of their paddle. This is called a pickleball eraser. This can remove dust and debris from the tiny grooves. Once gone it will improve the grit which will allow you to create spin better!
Dirt and grime can be removed effectively with a combination of a pickleball eraser, warm water and mild soap. As long as the grit hasn’t been removed you can certainly “save a paddle” with a micro-fiber cloth and a few cleaning tips we have shared here. In less than an hour you can clean a really dirty paddle to play with it again for sure.
