CRBN paddle eraser on a courtside bench at an outdoor pickleball court at Love Pickle ProShop

How to Clean Your Pickleball Paddle and Restore Its Grip

Every time you hit, a little plastic from the ball rubs onto your paddle face. Over weeks, that residue fills the texture that creates spin, and your paddle starts to feel slick. The good news: most of that grip comes back with a proper clean.

Signs Your Paddle Needs Cleaning

  • Faint ball marks or a hazy film on the face.
  • Less bite on serves, drops and topspin than when it was new.
  • The face feels smooth to the touch.

The Right Tools

How to Clean It

  1. Wipe the face with a dry microfibre cloth to remove dust.
  2. Rub the cleaning eraser firmly across the face in straight strokes, working across the whole surface.
  3. Brush or wipe away the residue.
  4. Finish with a lightly damp cloth, then let the paddle dry fully before putting it away.

How Often?

A quick wipe after each session and a proper clean every week or two keeps most paddles at their best. Play daily or on dusty outdoor courts? Clean more often.

What to Avoid

  • Harsh chemicals, solvents or abrasive pads, which can damage the surface or the graphics.
  • Soaking the paddle or running it under water.
  • Leaving it in a hot car, where heat can affect the core and edge guard.

Protect It Between Sessions

Store your paddle in a cover, such as the Love Pickle Paddle Cover or the Six Zero Premium Paddle Cover, and protect the edges with edge guard tape.

If cleaning no longer brings the spin back, the surface may be worn out. That is a good time to look at paddles with long lasting textures, covered in our guide to the best paddles for spin. Shipped worldwide.

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