If you invest in quality badminton and tennis gear, looking after it properly is one of the easiest ways to improve performance and save money over time. With a few simple habits, your racquets, shoes and accessories can stay in top condition for many more matches.
Caring for Your Racquets
Keep your racquets in a padded racquet bag to protect them from knocks, sun and temperature changes, especially when travelling to and from the court. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or direct sun, as heat can weaken strings and frames and shorten their lifespan.
Restring your racquet regularly based on how often you play—strings lose tension over time even if they don’t break, which affects control and power. Wipe down the frame and strings with a soft, dry cloth after play to remove sweat, dust and shuttle or ball residue so the racquet stays clean and responsive.
Maintaining Court Shoes
Use your badminton or tennis shoes only on court surfaces; wearing them outdoors quickly wears down the sole pattern and cushioning. After each session, let shoes fully air dry in a cool place, loosening the laces and taking out the insoles if needed to reduce odour and moisture build-up.
Brush off dust and debris from the outsole to maintain grip, especially for indoor court shoes. Rotate between two pairs if you play often so cushioning has time to recover, and replace shoes when the tread is visibly worn or the support feels flat to help prevent injuries.
Looking After Bags and Accessories
Keep your sports bag organised: store racquets in dedicated compartments, separate shoes in a shoe pocket and use smaller pockets for grips, shuttles, balls and overgrips. Empty used clothes and damp items as soon as you get home so sweat doesn’t linger on your gear and create odours.
Check overgrips and replacement grips regularly; change them once they feel slippery or thin so you can hold the racquet securely and avoid extra strain on your arm. Keep spare shuttles, balls and grips in sealed packaging or pouches inside the bag to protect them from humidity and damage.
General Care Tips for Longer-Lasting Gear
Avoid exposing any of your equipment to extreme temperatures or moisture for long periods, as this can warp racquets, soften shoe glue and damage materials. Label your gear with your name so it’s easy to identify at busy courts and less likely to be lost or mixed up.
Do a quick weekly check of everything you use—racquets, shoes, bag and accessories—to spot cracks, loose stitching or worn parts early. A little routine care helps your setup feel fresh and reliable every time you step onto the court, whether you are training, competing or just enjoying a casual hit.
