Cleaning bats with abrasive sponge

Adam Muquid Asked 2 weeks ago

I clean my bats with hot water and a sponge (abrasive side, some people use the yellow bit). Is this damaging my racket? And how many times should I be doing it?

Alois Rosario Answered 1 week ago

Hi Adam,

That’s a good question, and one a lot of players don’t think about until they start seeing their rubber wear down too quickly.

Using just water to clean your rubbers is perfectly fine, in fact, it’s often the safest method. But the type of sponge you’re using is important. If you’re using the abrasive side (the rough, green part) of a kitchen sponge, that can wear down the topsheet over time, especially with regular use. Even if it doesn’t cause visible damage immediately, it gradually reduces the grip and spin your rubber can generate.

The yellow, soft side is better, it’s gentle and won’t scratch or degrade the surface. You can also use a soft cloth or a sponge designed specifically for table tennis rubber if you want to be a bit more careful.

As for how often: a quick clean with plain water after each session is ideal. Just a light wipe to remove dust, sweat and oils. You don’t need to scrub or soak it just enough to keep the surface clean and grippy. Then let it air dry before putting the bat back in its case.

So yes, I'd recommend switching to a gentler sponge or cloth, and you’ll likely get more life out of your rubbers.