Pickleball paddle care: a simple before-and-after checklist

A useful care routine is one you will actually repeat. Keep it short: inspect the paddle before play, follow the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning it, and put it away dry and protected afterward.

There is no single cleaning tool or mixture that suits every face construction. Save the care instructions for your exact model, especially if you are changing from one surface type to another.

Before play: take a quick look

Check the face, edge and handle for anything that looks different from the previous session. Is the grip still secure? Is there visible damage? Does something need attention before you begin?

This is an observation check, not a way to certify the paddle's internal condition. If you notice damage or a change you cannot explain, ask the manufacturer or seller what to do. Avoid diagnosing an internal problem from an online description alone.

Make the check part of taking the paddle out of its cover. That way you do not have to remember a separate maintenance appointment.

Cleaning: follow the exact surface instructions

Selkirk's care guide distinguishes cleaning methods for its paddle surfaces, recommends keeping equipment away from extreme temperatures, and advises against submerging a paddle. That guidance illustrates why a model's own instructions matter; it is not a universal cleaning specification for every brand.

For your paddle, look up three details before using a cleaner or tool:

1. Which surface or coating does the finished model use?
2. What cleaning method does its manufacturer recommend?
3. Which products or tools does it tell you to avoid?

Start with those instructions rather than an improvised abrasive. Do not sand or add texture to a face as a cleaning shortcut. If a cleaning block is marketed for one surface, do not assume it is suitable for all others.

After play: a consistent packing routine

Set aside a moment before closing your bag. Follow your model's cleaning and drying instructions, separate wet items from the paddle, and make sure the protective cover is ready for the next trip.

Put loose objects in another compartment where possible. You should be able to remove the paddle without catching it against keys or other hard items. A simple bag layout is easier to maintain than a long checklist of accessories.

Avoid leaving the paddle in a hot car or storing it somewhere with unnecessary moisture. Choose a regular place for the gear at home so it is easy to find and inspect before the next session.

Check the grip as part of the routine

Look for a grip wrap that has loosened, shifted or no longer feels secure. If you plan to replace it, confirm whether you need a replacement grip or an overgrip and follow the instructions for that product.

Keep a note of the grip you used and whether it changed the fit. That makes the next replacement a deliberate choice rather than another round of guesswork.

A routine you can keep in your bag

Moment	Quick check
Before play	Face, edge, handle and grip look ready for use
After play	Follow the model's cleaning instructions and let it dry
Packing	Use a cover and separate wet or hard loose items
At home	Store in a suitable place and note anything needing attention

Netside's final product-care instructions will be published with the finished lineup. This general routine is not a substitute for those model-specific instructions. Explore the paddle design previews or read the first-paddle checklist.

Sources & editorial note

• Selkirk: paddle care guide

Sources checked 2026-10-06. This guide was prepared with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Read our editorial standards.