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Keep It Playing Like New, Every Time You Hit the Court
You've invested in a Cortaire paddle — and we want it to stay in peak condition for every rally, every smash, and every dink. Our paddles are crafted with a painted finish and coated with our exclusive AireTech surface, designed to give you the grit and spin control that sets Cortaire apart.
The Golden Rule: No Scrubbing. Ever.
We can't stress this enough — never scrub your Cortaire paddle.
Our paddles feature a painted face combined with an AireTech textured coating that adds the grit responsible for your spin and ball control. Scrubbing — even with a soft brush — can wear down this coating over time, stripping away the very thing that makes your paddle perform.
No scouring pads, no stiff brushes, no abrasive cloths. Your paddle will thank you.
How to Clean Your Paddle the Right Way
Keeping your paddle clean doesn't have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps:
What You'll Need
- A soft, damp microfibre cloth
- Clean water (lukewarm is fine)
What to Do
- Lightly dampen your microfibre cloth — it should be damp, not wet
- Gently wipe the paddle face in one direction, using light pressure
- Wipe down the edge guard and handle in the same way
- Allow the paddle to air dry completely before storing it
That's it. Simple, gentle, and effective.
Storage: The Cover Is Not Optional
One of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of paddle care is proper storage. Your Cortaire paddle should be in its cover whenever it's not in your hand.
Why It Matters
- Protection from impact — A knock against a hard surface can damage the paddle face or edge guard
- Protection from dust and dirt — Particles settling on the AireTech surface can clog the texture and reduce spin
- Protection from sunlight — Prolonged UV exposure can fade the painted design and degrade surface materials
- Protection from moisture — Humidity and damp environments can affect the core and handle over time
Think of the cover as part of the paddle itself. On the bench between games? In the cover. In your bag? In the cover. At home? In the cover.
Things That Will Damage Your Paddle
Even with the best intentions, a few everyday situations can quietly damage your paddle.
| Avoid | Why It's Harmful |
|---|---|
| Leaving it in a hot car | Heat warps the core and could bubble the painted surface |
| Resting it against rough surfaces | Scratches the face and edge guard |
| Storing loose in a bag | Risks chips, knocks, and surface scratching |
| Exposing to prolonged sunlight | Fades the design and weakens the AireTech coating |
| Wiping with paper towels or rough cloths | Micro-abrasions that dull the surface over time |
| Getting it soaking wet | Moisture can seep into the core through any small gaps |
Grip Care: Replace Every 6–8 Weeks
Your handle grip is just as important as your paddle face — and it's the part that takes the most punishment from sweat, heat, and repeated use.
We recommend replacing your grip band every 6–8 weeks if you're playing regularly. Here's why it matters more than most players realise.
Why Fresh Grip Matters
- A worn grip affects your control and shot accuracy
- Sweaty, slick grips can cause the paddle to twist in your hand mid-shot
- Old grip material can harbour bacteria and odour over time
- A fresh grip makes the paddle feel brand new without needing a replacement
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Grip
- It feels smooth or slippery rather than tacky
- It's visibly worn, peeling, or compressing flat
- You're gripping tighter than usual to compensate
- It smells — honestly, just change it
The easy way to stay on top of it: we offer Cortaire grip bands on subscription order so you never run out. Set it and forget it — a fresh grip lands at your door every 6–8 weeks, ready to go.
In between replacements, wipe the grip down with a dry cloth after every session. Sweat is a grip's biggest enemy, and a quick wipe adds weeks to its life.
Regular Health Checks
Give your paddle a quick once-over every few sessions to catch issues early.
- Run your fingers across the face — the AireTech texture should feel consistent and slightly rough to the touch
- Check the edge guard for any chips or separation
- Look for any cracks or soft spots on the face (a sign of core damage)
- Check the handle for any loosening or unravelling of the grip
Caught early, most issues are simple to manage — like replacing a grip. Caught late, they can affect your game or even require a full paddle replacement.
Quick Care Summary
- Wipe gently with a damp microfibre cloth
- Air dry fully before storing
- Keep in the cover at all times when not playing
- Store away from heat, sunlight, and moisture
- Replace your grip band every 6–8 weeks
- Never scrub the face — it damages the AireTech coating
- Never use abrasive cloths, brushes, or cleaning products
- Never leave it in a hot car or in direct sunlight
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my paddle lost its grit?
The AireTech surface coating on your Cortaire paddle is what gives you spin, control, and that satisfying bite on the ball. Over time, repeated impact, dirt build-up, and — most commonly — improper cleaning can wear this texture down. This is exactly why scrubbing is a no-go. If you notice reduced spin, make sure you're only ever wiping gently with a damp microfibre cloth.
Can I use cleaning products on my paddle?
No. Stick to plain water on a soft damp cloth. Cleaning sprays, alcohol wipes, washing-up liquid, and any other chemical products can strip the AireTech coating and damage the painted surface. Water only, always.
My edge guard is coming loose — is that serious?
Yes, address it quickly. A loose edge guard can allow moisture to get into the paddle core, which will accelerate internal damage. A small amount of appropriate adhesive can often reattach it. If you're unsure, get in touch with us before the problem gets worse.
How do I know when to replace my grip band?
Every 6–8 weeks for regular players. If it feels smooth rather than tacky, looks compressed or peeling, or you find yourself gripping tighter than usual to keep control, it's past time.
Can I leave my paddle in the car between sessions?
We really wouldn't recommend it. Car interiors can reach extreme temperatures in summer, and the heat can warp the paddle core, cause the painted surface to bubble, and degrade the adhesive holding the edge guard and grip in place. Even in the UK, a parked car on a sunny day gets far hotter than you'd expect. Take your paddle inside with you.
What's the best way to transport my paddle?
Always in its cover, inside your bag. The cover protects the face and edges from scratches and knocks during travel. Loose in a bag — even a padded one — risks the paddle rattling against other equipment and picking up damage over time.
Look After It, and It'll Look After Your Game
Your Cortaire paddle is built to perform — but like any quality piece of kit, it performs best when it's cared for properly. A few seconds of wiping down after a session and the habit of keeping it in its cover will keep your paddle in match-ready condition for as long as possible.
Any questions about your paddle? Get in touch with us — we're always happy to help.
Play hard. Care smart. That's the Cortaire way.