Pickleball Paddle & Grip Cleaning Guide

The other day one of my fellow pickleballers said, “My new paddle isn’t performing that well and it’s only a few months old.”

I asked him, “Have you tried cleaning it?”

He laughed a bit and said, “Clean it? How do you do that, and why?”

This got me thinking that there may be a lot of players who are neglecting equipment maintenance and it may be affecting their game. This article will cover pickleball paddle cleaning methods and the best products to use, as well as why it’s important to clean your paddle to keep it in excellent playing condition.

There are Two Paddle Parts to Clean

The first part of the paddle that needs cleaning is the paddle surface as it receives quite a bit of debris and grime from the ball and court that builds up over time.

The second part of the paddle needing cleaning is the handle as it accumulates dirt and oils from your hands and may affect your grip with repeated use.

Part 1: Why Paddle Surface Cleaning is Needed

During play, the surface of your paddle collects bits of plastic and dirt from the ball itself as well as the ground. This begins to build up on the paddle face as it collects within the material that makes up the surface.

For example, if you have a paddle that has a textured hitting surface such as grit, then this mix of ball plastic and dirt embeds itself in that material. Or let’s say you have a carbon fiber paddle, which typically has a woven construct - this surface captures the “mixture” of ball plastic and dirt into the weave of the carbon surface and begins to break down the fibers themselves.

Most pickleball balls begin to get a “nap” on their surface as they are used. The repeated impact on the court surface abrases the ball, causing the smooth surface to develop a strange texture. The fibers from the ball become caught into the surface of the paddle, along with dirt from the court, which leads to performance issues.

This is why regular cleaning of both pickleball balls and pickleball paddle surfaces is necessary. A clean pickleball paddle is one that won’t negatively impact your gameplay.

Part 2: Why You Must Clean the Handle & Grip

Having a good pickleball paddle grip is integral to hitting clean shots. If you aren’t holding your paddle firmly, the ball can be all over the place, which is why it’s good to clean your handle or wrap it with an overgrip.

Some paddles come with pretty decent handle covers, but they also absorb or get coated with dirt, sweat, and oils from our hands. Keeping the paddle handle clean will lead to better paddle control and grip.

Over time, the original handle material can become ineffective at helping you maintain a firm hold which is when you may want to consider an overgrip. Overgrips are generally a “tape” that you apply over the standard grip that came with your paddle. They come in different colors and thicknesses as well as how “tacky” they are, which helps in maintaining your grip.

Using a white overgrip is a smart color choice as it will show when it’s time for it to be replaced as it begins to discolor from use due to a build-up of oils, sweat, and dirt, from your hand which causes a sticky residue to form. Darker-colored overgrips disguise how dirty they really are, but will likewise become ineffective with repeated use.

Whether you choose to use an overgrip or play with the original handle, it’s important to practice proper paddle care, from the grip to the surface.

Products for Cleaning Your Paddle Surface

For better surface performance and lifespan, here are some additional recommendations:

1. Do not use any household cleaners with solvents or chemical cleaners.

2. Do not use any liquid that has oils or lubricants added to it.

3. Use a damp cloth along with a dry microfiber cloth to remove debris.

4. Use a commercial product designed for paddle surfaces such as:

How to Clean Your Pickleball Paddle

1. Magic Eraser

One of the best methods for cleaning your paddle surface is to use a magic eraser. Take care to not scrub the paddle surface aggressively as it may damage the finish. Use light, circular motions to scrub away debris, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

2. Microfiber Cloth and Glass Cleaner

You can use glass cleaner along with a soft, lint-free cloth to get the paddle surface clean. Simply spray the glass cleaner into the cloth, then use the cloth to wipe the surface until the debris is gone. Allow the paddle to dry, then cover with a paddle cover to keep the paddle clean until your next game!

3. Homemade Cleaning Options

If you don’t want to use a commercial product, you can create your own cleanser to safely and effectively clean your paddle. You can mix water with dish soap, vinegar, baking soda, or rubbing alcohol to make a cleaning solution.

Use a wet cloth to dip into the solution, running it along the edge guard and paddle surface to remove grime using light pressure. Once all evidence of dirt is gone, rinse the paddle and dry it with a lint-free cloth.

You will want to avoid soaking the paddle in a solution, particularly paddles with a honeycomb core or carbon fiber pickleball paddles as they can be easily ruined with exposure to excess moisture.

Handle Care and Overgrip Technique

1. Wiping down your grip after you play is a good way to keep it fresh and clean, whether you play with the original grip or if you use an overgrip.

2. Unscented wipes are good on-the-spot cleaners. Just be sure to buy wipes that don’t contain any additives that apply aloe, or moisturizers, etc.

3. If you forget to wipe down your paddle grip after playing and notice excess build-up, you can clean the handle the same way you do the paddle surface, although if your overgrip is in rough shape, it’s best to replace it. Try this ONIX Overgrip 3 Pack with moderate tackiness for a superior, easy-to-clean grip in both white and black colors.

Maintaining your paddle and storing it properly in your pickleball bag will provide you with better performance and you won’t have to replace them as often. These simple yet effective practices will keep your paddle in top condition.