How to store and care for a ping pong table
Store a ping pong table folded, covered, with the wheels locked, in a dry, ventilated spot out of direct sun. Keep it off damp walls and never stack things on the top. Clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap, dry it right away, and check the latches and bolts now and then.
In this article
A good ping pong table can last for many years, but what wears it out is rarely the playing: it is the time it spends sitting idle. Damp, sun, dust and things piled on the top make tables warp, peel and lose their bounce.
This guide covers how to store a ping pong table the right way, how to clean the top and what to check from time to time.
How to store a ping pong table: the essentials
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Fold the table (if it folds) | Leaving it open to collect dust and clutter |
| Use a cover | Plastic stuck to the top with no airflow |
| Lock the wheels | Leaving it loose on a sloped floor |
| A dry, ventilated spot | A damp garage, wet basement or leaky area |
| Shade | Direct sun through a window every day |
| A small gap between table and wall | Pushing it against a damp or cold wall |
| A clear top | Boxes, bikes and laundry on the top |
Where to store a ping pong table
Inside the house
The best place for an indoor table. A corner of a game room, spare room or finished basement works well. A folded table takes very little depth.
In the garage
The most popular spot, and the riskiest for wooden tables. Garages get humid, swing in temperature and collect dust. If your table lives in the garage:
- always use a cover;
- keep it away from the garage door and outside walls;
- keep it clear of where a wet car parks;
- if the garage is open or very damp, consider an outdoor table.
On the wall
Only for tops the manufacturer says can be hung, such as some conversion tops. Hanging a heavy top on makeshift brackets can bend it and is dangerous. Always follow the manual.
Why tables warp
The top of most indoor tables is wood-based board. Wood takes up moisture unevenly: the damper side swells and the top bends. It happens faster when:
- the table sits next to a cold, damp wall;
- only one side of the top gets sun or air;
- the table is left open with something heavy resting in the middle;
- the table gets rained on or splashed.
A warped top rarely goes back to flat. Prevention is the only real cure. To understand the material, see what a ping pong table is made of.
How to clean a ping pong table
- Dust the top with a dry, soft cloth or a soft broom.
- Wipe it with a slightly damp cloth and a little mild soap.
- Wipe again with a cloth and plain water to remove the soap.
- Dry it right away with a dry cloth. Do not leave water sitting.
- Let it dry completely before folding or covering the table.
Avoid alcohol, solvents, abrasive cleaners and rough sponges. They strip the matt finish and leave the top shiny and slippery. A clean table also helps your paddle: dirt on the table gets on the ball and then on your rubber. See how to clean table tennis rubber.
Wheels, latches and bolts
- Safety latches: test them every few months. The upright half must never drop on its own.
- Bolts: folding and unfolding loosens things. Re-tighten gently, without forcing screws that go into wood.
- Wheels: remove threads and hair wound around them and check the brakes still lock.
- Net: loosen or remove it if the table will sit for a long time.
- Corner guards: replace broken ones, because an exposed corner chips easily.
Storing a table for months
If the table will sit unused for months:
- clean and dry it well;
- fold it and lock the wheels;
- cover it with a breathable cover;
- keep it somewhere dry, a few inches away from the wall;
- check it now and then for mildew, rust or warping.
If the surface has worn over time but the top is still flat, a fresh coat fixes it. See how to paint a ping pong table. And if you are picking a new table with easy storage in mind, start with the foldable ping pong table.
Frequently asked questions
How do you store a ping pong table in a garage?
Folded, covered, wheels locked, and away from the garage door and outside walls. If the garage is very damp, an outdoor table is a safer choice.
Do you need a ping pong table cover?
It is strongly recommended. A cover keeps off dust, sun and splashes, and makes the table last longer.
How do you clean a ping pong table?
With a damp cloth and mild soap, then a cloth with plain water, and dry it right away. Avoid alcohol and abrasive cleaners.
Can a warped ping pong table be fixed?
Rarely. Slight warping sometimes improves in a dry room, but the top seldom becomes completely flat again.
Can you hang a ping pong table on the wall?
Only if the manufacturer allows it. Makeshift brackets can bend the top and are dangerous.