Short answer: keep your racket out of the heat, store it in a padded cover, protect the frame, wipe it after play and change your overgrip regularly. Those five habits do more for your racket than anything else. A padel racket is a carbon shell around a foam core, and both are sensitive to heat, knocks and moisture. Look after them and your racket keeps its feel for longer.
This guide covers the everyday care that makes the difference, plus a simple step-by-step guide to regripping. If you want to know when a racket is past saving, read how long a padel racket lasts and the signs it is time for a new one.
1. Keep it out of the heat (and the cold)
Heat is the biggest enemy of a padel racket. High temperatures soften the foam core and can weaken the bond between the core and the carbon faces. The classic mistake is leaving a racket in a car on a sunny day, where temperatures can climb far higher than outside.
- Never leave your racket in a parked car, especially in summer or in hot climates like the Gulf or the southern US.
- Do not store it next to radiators, heaters or in direct sun.
- In very cold weather, let the racket warm up gradually before hard hitting. A cold core is stiffer and more brittle.
2. Store it in a padded cover or bag
Most dents, chips and cracks happen off court, not on it. A racket thrown loose into a gym bag with keys, bottles and shoes takes a beating. Keep it in its cover or a padded racket bag, store it flat or hanging, and keep heavy things off it.
3. Protect the frame
The top of the frame takes the most damage, usually from scraping the floor while digging out low balls or clashing with the glass. A clear or coloured frame protector tape along the top edge absorbs those knocks and is easy to replace. Many rackets come with one already fitted; if yours has worn through, replace it before the frame itself starts to chip.
4. Clean it gently after play
- Wipe the face and frame with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dust, sand and sweat.
- Dry it before putting it away, especially after outdoor play or humid sessions.
- Avoid harsh cleaning products and solvents, which can damage the paint and the surface finish.
- On rough-surface rackets, a soft brush helps lift sand out of the texture.
5. Change your overgrip regularly
A fresh grip makes any racket feel better, gives you a secure hold without squeezing, and protects the base grip underneath. Most regular players change their overgrip every few weeks, or as soon as it feels slippery, shiny or flat. If your hands sweat a lot or you play in the heat, you may want to change it weekly.
How to regrip a padel racket in 5 steps
- Remove the old overgrip. Peel off the finishing tape and unwind the old grip. Leave the base grip in place unless it is damaged.
- Start at the bottom. Peel the backing off the new overgrip and place the tapered end at the butt of the handle, just above the end cap.
- Wrap upwards at a slight angle. Keep light, even tension and overlap each turn by a few millimetres. Most right-handed players wrap clockwise when looking at the butt of the handle; left-handers usually wrap the other way.
- Finish just below the throat. Trim any excess at an angle so it sits flat.
- Seal it. Wrap the finishing tape around the top to hold everything in place.
Adding one or two overgrips is also the easiest way to make a handle slightly thicker if your racket feels too thin in the hand. Grip size matters for comfort and for your elbow; read more in the hidden problem behind wrist and elbow pain in padel.
6. Use the wrist strap
The wrist strap is there to stop the racket flying into the glass, the net or another player if it slips. Wearing it protects the people around you and saves your racket from the kind of impact that cracks frames.
7. Rotate rackets if you play a lot
If you play four or more times a week, having two rackets and alternating between them spreads the wear on the core and means you always have a backup.
Quick care checklist
| Habit | How often |
|---|---|
| Wipe and dry the racket | After every session |
| Store in a cover, away from heat | Always |
| Change the overgrip | Every few weeks |
| Check and replace frame protector | When it is worn through |
| Inspect for cracks or rattles | Once a month |
Frequently asked questions
Can heat damage a padel racket?
Yes. High heat, such as inside a parked car, can soften the foam core and weaken the bond between layers, which changes how the racket plays.
How often should I regrip my padel racket?
Every few weeks for regular players, or whenever the grip feels slippery or worn. Players with sweaty hands or who play in hot weather may change it weekly.
Should I use a frame protector?
Yes. It is cheap, light and protects the part of the racket most likely to chip or crack.
Can I wash my padel racket with water?
Use a slightly damp cloth rather than running water, and dry it before storing. Do not soak it or use harsh cleaning products.
Made to last, made to be loved
Every moné racket is 100% 12K carbon with a medium EVA core, built in the same factory as the leading brands and finished with a moné wrist strap. Treat it well and it will play beautifully for seasons. Explore the rackets and our accessories.
