The thumb rule of having a ping pong table is the more you use the more you clean. Ping pong, also known as table tennis is a renowned indoor sport loved by everyone. The ping pong tables can actually get very dirty and it will especially require some cleaning after beer pong. And here comes the role of how to clean a ping pong table?
The surface or top of the table can get sticky due to the deposition of debris and we like to eat and drink near the table, so it can build up some nasty dirt. If you are thinking that cleaning a ping pong table is one heck of a job, then you are fooled.
It only requires an hour max and sheer dedication! It can be done pretty quickly, even minutes before your friends are coming over. Well, if you want to save your energy from all the rubbing, there are several cleansers available in the market which you could use.
However, if you are not keen on spending money for a ping pong cleanser, then you can use the natural cleansers available in your home.
Moreover, as you might know, that ping pong tables generally have a wood-finished top so applying too much water on it for cleaning might actually damage the table.
Here are some DIY tips on how to clean a ping pong table –
Things you will need for the cleaning:
- Soft Cloth (two) or Sponge
- Water (half bucket)
- White Vinegar (2 bowls)
- Screwdriver
- Medium sized Bowl (empty)
- Bucket
- Metal lubricant
- Table Tennis Cleaner (if necessary)
STEP 1
Remove the Ping Pong Table Net:
You will need to remove the net along with the net holders from the table in order to perfectly clean it. You can use a screwdriver to unscrew the net from the holders. Make sure that you keep the screws together and don’t misplace it.
Put the net and holder aside. There might be some dirt deposited on the holders as well, you can wipe it with a wet cloth.
STEP 2
Cleaning the Ping Pong Table:
When you have removed the net and holders from the table, it becomes easier to clean.
Start with removing the dust and other particles present on the table surface. Use a dry and soft cloth to wipe off the dust particles. This is necessary because the dust particles may cause scratches on the table surface.
On the other hand, wood ping pong table requires regular cleaning. That is, if you generate the habit of cleaning the table, every time after you use it; then it will remain dust free and debris free in most of the circumstances.
And you will not have to engage in rigorous cleaning if you perform it on a daily basis.
What if the dirt is hard to remove?
In case, you have not cleaned your table in years then it will become difficult to remove the debris and the grease. But, don’t worry, we will provide you a solution for that.
If you are considerate about not spending any money on a table cleaner, you can make your own ping pong table cleaner at home.
White vinegar is one of the best natural cleaning agents one can find at home. It works similar to that of the formulated cleaners available in the market.
However, it is necessary that you use distilled white vinegar because vinegar is acidic in nature and it can damage the wood surface if used in the concentrated format.
Dilute white vinegar with an equal proportion of water in a bowl or in a bucket. Mix well and use a clean cloth or sponge, compress the excess water out of it and thoroughly spread over the table top.
Gently apply pressure wherever needed and make sure that you clean the debris and other greasy spots completely.
Once the table is completely cleaned, use a dry cloth and clean off the entire table top making sure that there is no water residue left which can later turn into a stain.
If you don’t like the idea of a homemade cleaner, Purchase one –
There are some best ping pong table cleaners available in the market which you can avail easily. There are products available particularly for ping pong table cleaning.
You can either purchase it online or visit the local retail store. The cleaning method is similar to what we discussed earlier. Just spray some cleaner on the table top and wipe it with a dry cloth.
If you are looking for the best quality cleaners, below given products are currently the best in the business.
Butterfly Table Cleaner:
This ping pong table cleaning product is developed using the latest biological techniques. The best thing about this cleaner is that it is free of any Volatile Organic Compounds. Just spray it on the surface and wipe it with a clean cloth. It helps in restoring the table top, maintaining its consistency.
Frosch Natural Baking Soda Multi-Surface All Purpose Cleaner Spray:
Another best natural cleaner that you can prefer for your table top, it easily dissolves dust and other greasy particles from the surface providing the table a consistent play. It is advised to spray it directly on any stain and leave it there for a minute before wiping it off. It is effective and is also compatible for other household cleaning jobs.
STEP 3
Clean the Net:
It is one of the typical tasks. Cleaning the net should be done with utter care because the nets are delicate and could get damaged easily.
You will require a bucket for cleaning the net. Half fill the bucket with the white vinegar and water solution. Gently whip the net to make sure that extra dirt adsorbed on it wears off.
Dip the net entirely into the bucket and leave it for an hour or two. You can try to gently scrub the net but don’t go hard on it; you might end up breaking the portions of the net.
Point to note, in most of the cases, people dry soak the net in a drier. This is the biggest mistake one can do with the net.
The reason why it is recommended not to dry soak the net after it is washed is because dry soaking can make the net shrink.
The best possible way to dry the net is to put it under the direct sunlight. You can place it flat on your terrace or someplace where the sun can reach it.
You can also clean the bolts and nuts by dipping it into the white vinegar and water solution. But make sure that you remove the bolts and screws after 10-15 minutes because if kept for a longer duration, it could trigger corrosion.
STEP 4
Reinstall the parts:
Once the net is completely dried, reinstall it on the table. Before placing the net holder, you might want to lubricate with a lubricant but is not necessary.
Warnings:
The ping pong tables are made from wood so it is necessary not to over saturate its surface. The water could get inside the wood and damage it. And also avoid strong and abrasive cleaners.
So this was the answer to the question how to clean a ping pong table. For any queries, feel free to ask us.
Source: http://www.gosportsreviews.com/clean-ping-pong-table/