Just like any other sports equipment, your table tennis bat needs proper care and maintenance to perform at its best.

A well looked after table tennis bat will keep its spin for longer and mean you won’t have to replace the rubbers so soon (which can be expensive). 

So it’s worth investing a little time into keeping your bat in top condition – it doesn’t take long!

Here’s how to do it.

Table Tennis Care – Cleaning Your Table Tennis Bat

  • First, remove any big chunks of dirt and debris from your bat using a soft brush or a piece of cloth. If you’ve been playing outdoors you don’t want to scratch the rubbers with big bits of dirt. 
  • Next, dampen a cloth with water and wipe the surface of the bat. You can use a mild soap if necessary.
  • Make sure to dry your bat with a clean cloth before storing it.

Quick and easy – and this does 90% of the job of keeping your table tennis bat clean. 

Try to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the rubber surface of the bat – water is fine! 

You can also use a specialised table tennis bat cleaning spray, like this Bribar Table Tennis Bat Cleaning Set that’s specifically designed for use with bats. 

I wouldn’t recommend using these sprays daily, but just once a month or so to get a good deep clean of your bat and remove any built up oils.

Storing And Maintaining Your Table Tennis Bat

To help maintain your table tennis bat you can use a protective film over your rubbers while they’re not in use – keeping them clean and protected. I find this a bit fiddly, but plenty of people do it! 

You can usually pick up cheap protective films for your bat on Amazon. 

Other than that, just make sure you’re storing your bat in a bat case. Most bats come with a case so you should already have one, but if not you can pick up a cheap one on Amazon. 

You can even get aluminium table tennis bat cases if you’re feeling very protective!

If you’re playing outdoor table tennis, try to keep your bat away from direct sunlight or heat for long periods of time that can damage the rubber surface.

And it goes without saying: don’t leave it out in the rain! 

Try to store your bat in a dry place when you’re not using it to prevent moisture from damaging the wood and rubbers.

Looking for a new bat? Check out my guide to the best table tennis bats.

FAQs

Can I clean my table tennis bat with water?

Yes, you can clean your table tennis bat with a damp cloth and water. I think it’s the best option!

What is the best cleaner for table tennis rubber?

I recommend this Bribar Table Tennis Bat Cleaning Set.

How do you make rubber grippy again?

The best way to make your table tennis bat rubbers grippy again is by cleaning them. 

Dust, dirt and moisture sticking to your rubbers make them less tacky, and worse for generating spin. A simple clean with water and a sponge regularly will do a world of good!

Can I repair a cracked handle on my table tennis bat?

Yes, you can repair a cracked handle on your table tennis bat by using wood glue and clamping it tightly until it dries.