A useful care routine takes only a few minutes. Check the parts you hold, dry the equipment you put away, and follow the instructions for your particular racket.
Before you leave for the court
Look over the frame, face, handle and wrist cord. A loose handle, damaged cord or visible structural crack needs attention before play. A frame protector does not repair damage underneath it. If you are unsure about a fault, stop using the racket and ask the manufacturer or seller to assess it.
Run your hand around the grip. It should feel secure without loose edges moving under your palm. A grip that has become slick, torn or compressed is a reason to check whether it needs replacing. There is no single replacement schedule that suits everyone: use, sweat and the material all matter.
Overgrip or replacement grip?
Check the packaging before you unwrap anything. An overgrip is an extra wrap placed over the existing grip; a replacement grip replaces the underlying grip. They are different jobs. Follow the maker’s fitting instructions, secure the end, and keep the wrist cord free to work as intended.
Adding layers changes the handle’s size and the racket’s weight. Make one change at a time and check the feel before your next match. More layers are not automatically better.
After a damp session
- Take the racket and damp clothing out of the bag rather than leaving everything zipped together.
- Dry the racket carefully with a soft cloth. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions; avoid experimenting with solvents or abrasive cleaning products.
- Let the equipment dry before putting it into its cover. Do not use a radiator or hairdryer to speed things up.
- Store it in a dry place away from strong heat and direct sunlight. A parked car is a poor permanent storage place.
Babolat’s official padel racket care advice recommends dry storage, avoiding intense heat and major temperature changes, and drying a damp racket before putting it away. Follow your own racket’s instructions where they are more specific.
Give your bag a reset
Empty the small pockets regularly. Keep used grips and rubbish out of the main compartment, let damp towels dry separately, and inspect the zip before forcing an overfilled bag closed. Pack the racket so that hard objects are not pressing into its face.
A spare overgrip and a dry towel are useful additions, but the most important habit is simple: inspect before play, dry after play, and investigate new damage instead of covering it up.