You and I have dirty hands. You wash your hands the most because they touch so much dirt.
Thus, holding a dart for several hours would transmit some dirt and grime to your grips. Beginners rarely consider it, yet it must be questioned. How do you clean darts?
Using a basin of warm water and a little soap or detergent is the best approach to cleaning your dart barrel. A soft bristle brush can remove dirt from the dart's grooves and knurling.
There are numerous ways to clean a dart, but this is the most common. Wipes, toothbrushes, polish, etc. We'll go over dart cleaning options as well as dos and don'ts.
Why Should You Clean Your Darts?
Darts require cleaning. Cleaning darts properly removes dirt, filth, germs, and bacteria. Cleaning removes oil, improving grip.
As pointed out, your darts are always in your dirty hands.
If you want to be creeped out, realize that the crud between your dart grooves is likely dead skin with just enough dirt to color it.
Which dart parts need cleaning?
Clean and maintain all dart parts. The barrel needs more cleaning because you contact it most.
This article focuses on barrel cleaning (and tipping). Unless there are apparent flaws, your shaft and flights don't need regular cleaning.
Cleaning is unnecessary since these parts are frequently changed. My aluminum shafts lasted two years. Thus, rules have exceptions.
How Often Should Darts Be Cleaned?
As you play, clean your darts. It depends on how often you use darts—weekly or monthly.
You and your surroundings determine it. If you're clean and playing at home, your darts are probably clean.
Your darts are undoubtedly gross if you are at the pub with 10 guys high-fiving, shaking hands, and taking turns.
Clean your darts often if others use them. How many times did Jimmy go to the bathroom after drinking 10 drinks and rush out shouting, "Is it my turn?"
Different ways to clean darts
There are several straightforward and common ways to clean dart barrels. I'll just discuss the most efficient methods.
Why do websites promote toothpaste and shaving cream? Several products can clean any surface. Clean your darts, not the plaque.
Disassemble your darts to remove the shafts before starting. We'll simply be washing the barrel. Dry things off with a clean hand towel to prevent rusting.
Wipes
Wipes clean darts quickly and easily. The wipes can clean and throw darts.
Baby wipes, hand wipes, or Lysol wipes—whatever you use, search for an antibacterial wipe that kills germs.
I wouldn't caution you against using alcohol or bleach-based products with your dart.
Free wipes are available at certain eateries. They're separately thrown and fit in your dart case.
Wipes won't deep clean your darts, but they're convenient for on-the-go cleaning.
A Bristle or Toothbrush
Every dart has hard-to-reach grooves, crevasses, and wounds that adore dirt. Wiping or soaking may not remove everything. I suggest a soft-bristled brush for this type.
Use a toothbrush or nail brush. Both grip well. A toothbrush is smaller and allows you to hit the dart barrel from different angles.
Toothbrushes vary in softness. Maximum coverage with minimal dart damage is possible with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Jewelry Cleaning Solutions
All-purpose jewelry cleaners are made to clean delicate metals like darts. They clean metal cheaply and delicately.
Most are basic mixtures in little containers that you keep your darts in for a short period of time. Remove them, rinse, and dry.
I think they're overpriced. Most jewelers think that the next procedure is sufficient for cleaning tungsten-based cleaners.
Soap and water
Soap and warm water are the best approaches to cleaning darts completely and cheaply.
Mix some warm (not boiling) water and dish soap in a cup large enough to submerge your darts.
Keeping them in overnight seems pointless. Let them soak for a few minutes to loosen everything, then wipe and dry.
Sonic Cleaners
If you have numerous sets of darts to clean, a sonic cleaner may be overkill, so add it to your Amazon wish list. Sonic cleaners use ultrasonic vibrations to loosen dirt, making them perfect for a pub, league, or player who wants the best. It sounds like a fraud if you've never heard of them, but it's not.
Jewelry ultrasonic cleaners have worked wonderfully for years. They are ideal for deep-cleaning dart barrels.
Do You Need to Polish Your Darts?
It's remarkable how many websites recommend cleaning darts with polish. Polishing is not cleaning. Polishing or buffing smooths and shines something.
After cleaning, you can rub your darts, but polishing is unnecessary and not suggested.
Polishing can make your dart slippery. The grip gives the dart grip. A smooth, polished dart won't improve your playing.
problems when cleaning darts
- Moisture. Tungsten doesn't rust; however, you should dry your darts after use.
- Watch the paint. Some cleaners or scrubbing may remove painted features on darts. Carefully use soap if you like it.
- Avoid scratches. Darts have grip-optimal grooves and cuts. Scrubbing too hard could scratch the metal.
- Use mild detergents. Tungsten may be cleaned with mild soap or any other cleaner you have.
How to prevent dirty darts
Hands clean. After using the bathroom, wash before playing.
Avoid sharing. You can clean a pair of darts after lending them for the night. Sharing one set of darts between two people overnight spreads germs and bacteria.
How Should Darts Be Cleaned?
Darts are best cleaned with soapy water and a toothbrush.Cleaning darts monthly is cheap and easy. Just soak, rinse, scrub, and dry.
I also suggest keeping germ-killing wipes on hand to disinfect your darts weekly between cleanings.
However, I would like a sonic cleaner when my budget allows. It's worth cleaning if you clean darts often and have the cash.