How to Clean Your Table Tennis Paddle: 5 Methods Ranked

Last Updated on May 8, 2024 by Alex Horscroft

There are many methods listed online explaining how to clean your ping pong paddle, yet it’s clear some are written by people who don’t really play table tennis. I’ve been playing for over a decade, so I guess you could call me an expert on the topic.

Below I discuss the five main ways to clean your table tennis rubbers along with some other helpful information.

1. Clean With Your Breath

Have you ever seen the pros breathe on their rackets before and wonder what they are doing? The answer is simple. They’re cleaning them!

By breathing on your rubbers, the water vapor in your breath condenses. This gives you enough moisture to wipe your paddle free of dust and dirt with your hands. You can also use a sponge or towel if you want to.

I used to be a die-hard user of table tennis rubber cleaner, religiously applying it after every single training session without fail. However, over time I learned that there really is no need. Using the breathing method gets the job done quickly, and best of all… it’s free!

2. Use Water

Similar to method one, you just use plain old tap water and a sponge or towel to remove the dirt from your rubbers. This is a fairly popular method, but I prefer just using my breath for the simple fact it’s quicker and more convenient. You don’t need to fully saturate your rubbers when cleaning, so there’s no need to opt for the tap.

3. Uses Ping Pong Paddle Cleaner

While I’m singing the praises of water as a method of cleaning, dedicated ping pong rubber cleaner certainly has its place. It’s just it is not always needed.

When you have ordinary levels of dirt and dust, water will get the job done. However, if your rubbers are very dirty, water may not suffice. I’ve found this to be the case if you use a lot of new table tennis balls in one session. You end up with quite a lot of ball residue on your rubbers which can be difficult to remove.

This is the time to opt for table tennis paddle cleaner. A single spray on each side will remove the residue with ease. This is the reason I always carry a bottle with me in my bag. That being said, I haven’t needed to use it in years.

4. Use Dish Soap and Water

If you don’t want to purchase ping pong racket cleaner but still want a method to tackle tougher dirt, dish soap and water is the method you’re after. Everyone has both readily available so it’s fairly convenient too.

A little goes a long way, so only use a small amount of dish soap, and make sure it’s the non-biological kind. You don’t want chemicals to unexpectedly damage your rubbers.

5. Use Other Cleaning Solutions/Oils

Over the years I’ve seen many articles and videos from casual players promoting the use of alcohol, oils, and all sorts of other chemicals. I don’t recommend these at all.

Not only do you have to go out and buy them, but they’re not designed for table tennis rubbers and they may well cause damage. What’s more, you’re entering gray territory when it comes to the rules.

As per the ITTF, rule 2.4.7 states that “The racket covering shall be used without any physical, chemical, or other treatment.” Therefore, applying the likes of oils and such may constitute a rule break here.

Remember, TT rubber cleaners are ITTF compliant, and dish soap is largely considered okay by the community too as it has the same cleaning function.

Ping Pong Rubber Cleaning: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Collect everything you need for cleaning. If you’re using just your breath and hands you’re all set! However, you may well want to use a table tennis bat cleaner, or water with or without dish soap. I’d also recommend a towel or sponge if you’re in this group.

Step 2: Apply Paddle Cleaner

For those using their breath, simply breathe on your rubbers. It may take a few breaths to get sufficient water. If you’re instead using rubber cleaner, apply one spray to the center of your rubber sheet. And for those using water, dampen your sponge and apply.

Step 3: Wipe Away the Dirt and Dust

If you’re using rubber cleaner or water from the tap, work it around in circular motions, ensuring the entire face is covered. Afterward, wipe outward toward the edges. For those using their breath, you have less work time as there is less water. Skip the circular motions and just wipe outward toward the edges.

Step 4: Dry Off Your Paddle

Before putting your racket away you want to make sure it is dry. This helps ensure your paddle and case are nice and pristine and mitigates the risk of mold. Flailing your racket around will get the job done. Alternatively, you can dry it off with a towel.

Why You Should Clean Your Ping Pong Paddle

Table tennis rubbers are one of the most expensive elements of the sport. This is because they require replacing with use. That’s right. If you didn’t know, table tennis rubbers degrade over time, typically lasting 6 months or so depending on how often you play.

Cleaning your rubbers helps ensure they don’t deteriorate too quickly which would otherwise cost you unnecessary money. By regularly cleaning, your rubbers remain nice and spinny which ensures they function just how they should. Without sufficient grip, they struggle to perform high-spin strokes such as loops, serves, and flicks.

When to Clean Your Ping Pong Paddle

No beating around the bush here. After every single session is the answer. You want to put your rubbers away nice and clean ready for the next time you play. In fact, I clean my rubber with my breath in between points every so often to ensure they are as spinny as possible.

Closing Thoughts

So there you have it, there are five main ways to clean your table tennis paddle. My preferred method is to use your breath as it’s free and convenient. That being said, it’s always a good idea to have a bottle of table tennis cleaner handy in case you have more stubborn dirt that water can’t tackle.