Last updated: September 30, 2021When you buy a new ping pong table, you’re biggest concern is likely getting it set up and ready to play so you can enjoy your fantastic new game. The downside is that after some time using your table for some family fun or more competitive practice for tournaments, your new ping pong table will need to be cleaned.
This is because dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on its surface. Not only will this alter how your table looks, but it can also change the gameplay, which is why it’s essential to learn how to clean a ping pong table.
Though you may think that you can just grab any cleanser and some water to get this job done, you do need to be careful with the cleaning process to ensure you don’t damage the table’s surface. The following steps will help get you started and ensure your table lasts as long as possible.
There is a very specific way to clean a ping pong table to ensure that you don’t damage the surface in the process. How long it takes depends on how dirty the table is, so keep this in mind. The more frequently you do it, the easier the process will be. Proper cleaning is especially important for outdoor ping pongs tables since these will be dealing with dirtier conditions than the tables kept in a game room or basement.
To clean a ping pong table, there are only a few items you need. These include:
Once you’ve gathered the items you need, you can get started cleaning your ping pong table.
Before you can begin to clean a ping pong table top, you first need to remove the net. This will give you complete access to the entire surface of the table with no obstructions to hinder the process. Once the net is removed, you can also clean it, though we’ll discuss how to do this later. For now, set the net aside to take care of the surface of the table.
Before you start the serious cleaning project, take one of the soft cloths you gathered and use it to wipe the surface of the table. This will get rid of any dust and dirt that has accumulated. The softer the cloth, the less likely it is that you will scratch the surface of the table. This takes only a few seconds for this step.
3. Use the cleanserNow it is time to clean the surface of your table, getting rid of any stains or dirt that the dry cloth couldn’t remove. There are a few options for ping pong table cleaners available, such as the Jool Table Cleaner, that are mild enough to clean the table without causing any damage to the surface.
If you don’t have a dedicated pool table cleaner on hand, you can combine three cups of water and half a cup of white vinegar in your bowl or bucket and use this instead. Then take a clean soft cloth and dip it in your cleaning solution. Wring it out, then wipe it over the surface of the table.
You can also wipe down the legs with this mixture to get rid of any dirt that has collected. Keep wiping the table until all of the dirt and stains are gone and it is damp when you touch it, though not overly wet.
Wipe the table down to remove any excess water. You may also want to give it a few minutes to ensure that it is completely dry before moving onto the next step. During this process, you can check it to make sure there is no dirt or stains that you missed. You can also use this time to clean the net, though it will also need to be completely dry before you can put it back on the table.
Once the table is dry, take one last look at it to make sure there are no stains or grime that you missed. If it is clean, then it is time to put the net back on. Be sure the net is also dry before you reinstall it back in its place in the center of your table.
This is also a good time to lubricate the metal parts on the table. Not only will this help increase their lifespan, but it also keeps your table clean and looking its best.
What cleansers to avoidEven if you’ve purchased a cheap ping pong table under $500 for your home, you likely want to keep it in the best condition possible. The best way to do this is to avoid harsh cleansers and chemicals when cleaning and maintaining your ping pong table. Such cleansers are far too aggressive for the table’s surface, so be sure to avoid them to keep that delicate area intact.
You should also keep moisture off of the surface of your ping pong table. Though the tables that are designed for outdoor use can handle a bit of excess moisture, the indoor tables could contain wood, which can absorb this moisture and cause warping. When cleaning the table, make sure the cloth is wet but not dripping to avoid damaging it during the cleaning process. Don’t store your table in areas with high humidity either to avoid any unexpected damage.
No matter where you store your table, there are a few things you can do to help keep the surface of your ping pong table as clean as possible. The most important thing to do is to protect your pool table whenever you’re not using it. You can get a good ping pong table cover, like the Butterfly Table Cover, which is made of quality, weatherproof material and is easy to remove and replace whenever needed. A good cover keeps the dirt and dust off your ping pong table so you don’t need to clean it as often.
You can also wipe down the tabletop after each game to get rid of any dirt or sweat that has accumulated as you play. Removing this grime each time the table is used makes it more difficult for the dirt to build up and makes it easier to clean it the next time you use it.
Don’t use your ping pong table for anything other than ping pong, either. Beer pong is a fun game but can lead to spills and stains on your table’s surface. If you do decide to use it for this game or anything else, be sure to clean it thoroughly after your game is done.
Cleaning the net on your ping pong table is easy to do with very little effort. You can use the same vinegar and water mixture that you used for cleaning the tabletop. When you remove the net from the table, place it in the bowl of your homemade solution. Let it soak in the mixture for about 15 minutes.
After the net has soaked in the vinegar water, remove it and gently wring it out to get rid of excess moisture. Lay it out on a flat surface and let it dry. This could take about half an hour for it to dry completely. Then it can be reinstalled back onto your table for your next game.
When it comes to cleaning your ping pong table, you should wipe it after every use. This can be a quick cleaning job with a soft dry cloth and should take only a few seconds unless there are spills or sweat that have caused some stains that need to be removed.
As for the net, this should be cleaned about every three months. The net won’t pick up as much dirt and dust as the tabletop, plus it doesn’t affect gameplay if it is dirty, so you can get away with cleaning it less frequently unless you’re leaving the tabletop unprotected. Using a cover will help keep your ping pong table and the net cleaner for longer, so use one of these to reduce your cleaning time.
There are a few reasons why you should clean a ping pong table. The first is to keep the dust and dirt from collecting on the surface and impeding gameplay. The more debris on your table, the more chances there are that the ball will bounce or spin wrong, reducing the consistency of your shots. This makes it harder to play.
