A table tennis game called ping pong is fun to play with friends.Between the natural oil on your hands and the dirty ball, your paddle can get quite dirty.It will be harder to hit the ping pong ball accurately if the rubber on your paddle is dirty.If you take good care of your paddle and clean it regularly, you will ensure that the rubber stays fresh enough for those fancy spin shots and serves.
Step 1: Every time you play, clean your paddle.
As you play the ping pong ball, the paddle picks up dust, oil, and other debris from your fingers.After every playing session, wipe your paddle with a damp cloth or sponge to keep the oil and dirt out.This will make sure that the rubber doesn't wear out.
Step 2: A sponge or cloth can be put into a bowl of water.
Place distilled or bottled water into a small bowl.If you use a cloth, make it from a soft fabric.Use a fresh sponge if you are using a sponge.You can use regular tap water if you want, but the minerals in it may change the way it feels over time.If you want to avoid damaging your paddle, use room-temperature water.
Step 3: The paddle should be wiped away from the handle.
The flat side of the paddle is facing up.The tip of your cloth or sponge should be at the bottom of the rubber.Go away from the handle.Make another parallel wipe by lifting the sponge or cloth.Continue this process until you wipe all of the rubber on the other side.Dust and dirt can be removed from the paddle by wiping away from you in a set of parallel strokes.If you wipe back and forth into the rubber like you are washing a window or plate, it could be a problem.You don't need to press very hard into the rubber to clean it.A wipe is all it takes.
Step 4: Run a dry cloth over the handle.
You don't usually need to use water or abrasives to clean the handle.Wrap a microfiber cloth around the handle.If you have sweat or oil on your hands, rub the cloth back and forth around the handle.If the handle feels dirty, use a baby wipe.
Step 5: Before putting your racket away, let it dry completely.
Put your racket down on a clean surface and let it dry.It will take 60 minutes for the rubber to dry out.Your paddle is clean and ready for the next round of table tennis once it's no longer wet.When it comes to keeping water out, rubber is pretty strong.The water doesn't need to be in your paddle's wood.
Step 6: Spot clean oily stains with dish soap and water.
Add a pea-sized drop of dish soap to the water in a small bowl.Use a spoon to mix the water and soap.Rub your oily stain with a circular motion after dipping the cloth or sponge into the mixture.To remove soap from the paddle, rub it down with a damp cloth.When you handle your paddle, the natural oils in your skin can wash the rubber off.They don't damage the rubber, but they can make your paddle feel slicker.The way the ball bounces off of your paddle is different.It is important that you rest your fingers on the back of your paddle rubber.This style of grip leaves a lot of oil on the rubber.
Step 7: Diluted alcohol can be used to remove sticky stains.
2 parts room temperature water and 1 part rubbing alcohol should be put in a small bowl.To combine the ingredients, mix the solution together with a spoon.Rub alcohol into the water.Softly wipe the rubber with the tip of your wet cloth to wipe away any sticky stains or tougher contaminants that won't easily come out.The paddle should be dry before being put away.Don't do this a lot.Rubing alcohol will dry the rubber out.Over time, this may lead to cracking.
Step 8: Recondition the rubber with a special rubber cleaner.
Get a foam or liquid rubber cleaner.Rub the rubber with a clean cloth after spraying a quarter-sized amount of liquid or foam cleaner on your paddle.Let your paddle air dry when you repeat this process on the other side.The rubber and tack on the paddle will be restored.If you play competitively, a strong tack is necessary for spins and strong serves.The rubber is tacky.The harder the rubber is, the harder it will hold the ball.You won't be able to control your serves if the paddle is too smooth.When the tack needs to be restored, only do this.The tack can be tested by laying it flat on a table.Drop the ping pong ball above the paddle after holding it for 3–4 inches.The tack is fine if it bounces only once.You need to restore the rubber if it bounces 4-5 times.
Step 9: If you aren't using the paddle, keep it in a protective case.
There are cases lined with microfiber cloth that are specifically designed for ping pong paddles.You can get a case for your paddle at a sporting goods store.If you carry your paddle in a backpack or bag, you should keep it in the protective case.Dust can build up on the rubber surface.Most higher-end paddles come with a protective case.
Step 10: Dust and dirt can build up on your ping pong table.
The table should be wiped down with a dry cloth after every playing session.The net should be removed from the table every few months.There are 2–3 cups of water and 3 cup of white vinegar.You can wipe your table down with a soft cloth and water.Before air drying it on a flat surface, you need to soak the net in your water and vinegar.After it is dry, put it back on your table.When you are not using the table, keep it covered with a protective cloth.