Racquet care/ cleaning...

palikero

Rookie
Was wondering how people go about racquet care (like maintenance & care) of racquets?

Do you just wipe them with a wet paper towel? Or do you use some cleaning spray/detergent (Fantastik, 409, OxiClean) to clean it?

Do the spray detergents harm the paint/ finish of the racquet?

Also, do u use any wax or buffer to make it shiny after cleaning?

Thanks for feedback.
 

AndrewD

Legend
I know it sounds silly but if you play on clay or dirt courts you do have to pay a bit more attention to the state of your racquet, especially when it's wet and clay can get lodged in the grommet holes.

I used to use a singlet to wipe the strings down and try to clean away any clay/dirt that was on the frame. If it was really bad then a toothbrush did the trick.

As for using detergent on the racquet, I think that'd be a great way to stuff up your strings.
 

goosala

Hall of Fame
Use a cloth or rag to wipe off any debris that sticks. I usually use my t shirt while I am playing to wipe it down. Do not keep your racquet bag in the car trunk especially if you live down south.
 

GasquetGOAT

Hall of Fame
what type alcohol based product is safe on the paint?

heard some people use girlfriend's nail polish remover but I'm not sure?
 

jcstennis

Hall of Fame
^^^yup, acetone (nail polish remover) works fine, won't hurt pj, just go over it w/ a dry clean cloth or cotton ball when finished
 

jcstennis

Hall of Fame
noo, no no. be careful when using this stuff. make sure it only touches the racquet... that goes for any cleaner - never touch the strings or grip :)
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
Show off your mileage and keep it dirty! Great psyche factor, right?

Now you've got me self-conscious and I'm going to have to go and buff my frames! Maybe even some Crest whitening strips to lighten up my strings?...

Why yes, I am a dork. Job one for racquet care is to keep it out of the heat and direct sun. I'd avoid any "cleaners" if a damp cloth or toothbrush will get the junk off.
 
Show off your mileage and keep it dirty! Great psyche factor, right?

Now you've got me self-conscious and I'm going to have to go and buff my frames! Maybe even some Crest whitening strips to lighten up my strings?...

Why yes, I am a dork. Job one for racquet care is to keep it out of the heat and direct sun. I'd avoid any "cleaners" if a damp cloth or toothbrush will get the junk off.

Lol I love FuzzNation's posts, he's funny :lol:
 

LanEvo

Hall of Fame
oh u cant clean those off, because they are already stuck on, the best u could do is just wrap it over with an overgrip or buy a new replacement grip
 

anirut

Legend
Careful of acetone. It's a carcinogen. Gets in your body faster than lead as it's volatile and you can inhale it.

But, hey, just use it in well ventilated areas. It won't harm you as much as the fumes on the streets.
 

Shashwat

Semi-Pro
I really don't know why you would want to clean your racquets and all that. Unless you play on clay and the clay is stuck on the racquet....
 

leonardtay

Semi-Pro
Equipment should be kept clean IMO... I always do the same when I get back from a game... wipe the frame with warm water and dry it off with a soft cloth. If there is any dirt on the strings for whatever reason, I wipe that off with a damp cloth and dry it after. Also, will reposition the strings that have shifted and usually let the overgrip dry out in the open out of direct sunlight before putting racquets back into their cases. Whenever I change overgrips, I will usually apply mink oil to the leather grips and let sit for about an hour before wiping off with a soft polishing cloth and then applying the new overgrip after that. That keeps the leather supple and allows it to last a lot longer.
 
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