How to take care of your pickleball paddle so it lasts: 7 habits that matter
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A pickleball paddle doesn't get ruined just by playing. It gets ruined by car heat, by rubbing against keys, by being stored wet and by continuing to use a grip that no longer grips.
They're small habits and almost all free. These are the seven that matter most.
1. Don't leave it in the car in the sun
It's enemy number one. A paddle inside a closed car in summer endures temperatures much higher than those of a court, and many manufacturers warn that heat can damage the core or the adhesives. Carry it with you or leave it in the shade.
2. Dry it if it gets wet
If you've sweated on it or a drizzle fell, dry it with a cloth before storing it. Storing a damp paddle in a closed cover is the opposite of what you want.
3. Clean the face with a damp cloth
A slightly damp cloth, with no abrasive products or scouring pads, removes court dust and grease from the balls. Dry it afterwards. A clean face grips the ball as it should.
4. Change the grip when it's smooth
A handle's grip wears out before the paddle does. When you no longer grip the same or notice you squeeze harder than you should, it's time to change the overgrip. It's cheap and you feel it in your hand.
5. Don't let it rub against keys or the bottle
Carrying the paddle loose in a bag with keys is the most common cause of scratches on the face. A cover with a separate pocket, or a backpack with a paddle compartment, solves it. You have the comparison in cover or backpack.
6. Look after the edge
The frame's edge is where it takes the most knocks: when going for a low ball and scraping the ground, or when clashing with your partner's paddle. You can't avoid it entirely, but you can check from time to time whether there are splinters or a lifted area.
7. Alternate paddles if you play a lot
If you play four or five times a week, having two and alternating them extends the life of both, and gives you a spare.
How to notice something is wrong
- A hollow sound or a rattle on impact, which it didn't have before.
- An area of the face that rebounds differently from the others.
- Visible cracks in the face or the edge.
Any of those signs can indicate the core has detached or been damaged. If your paddle is recent, check with whoever sold it to you, because it may be under warranty.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a pickleball paddle last?
It depends on how much you play, the paddle and how you treat it. There's no reliable figure: what we do know is that heat, moisture and knocks on the edge shorten it.
How do you clean a pickleball paddle?
With a slightly damp cloth, no abrasives, and drying it afterwards.
Do you need a cover for the paddle?
It isn't mandatory, but it protects from rubbing and from carrying it loose. See how to carry it to the court.
