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[729 fx]

Does the ITTF ban Rubber Cleaners as well? I am not sure whether rubber cleaners like Spinmax or the more standard sprays and foams simply clean the surface, or do they chemically modify it? They certainly change the friction in doing so, but it could be argued that they are simply undoing the effect of built up dirt and grease on the rubber surface.

What is your opinion on this?

[729 fx]

Example of other Rubber Cleaners (apart from Spinmax):

1) Andro Free Clean (claims to be VOC Free)
2) Xiom I-clean Water Based Cleaner
3) TSP Foam cleaner or TSP Spray rubber cleaner
4) Go Table Tennis Rubber Cleaner
5) Juic Rubber Cleaner
6) Paddle Palace Cleaner
7) Stiga Energy Clean VOC Free Cleaner
8) Tibhar VOC Free Cleaner

and many others.

I believe the newer rubber cleaner does not change the rubber properties much and is also VOC-free but Spinmax will definitely change the rubber characteristic, ie make the friction of the rubber like new rubber.

[varghese]

Yesterday at the club I played against a good player. He uses WD-40 on his rubber. The WD-40 is a rubber processor like Spinmax. For a while he has not been using it.

He has already lost two matches against me. After that he went on to put the WD-40 on his JUIC rubbers. I hated that, but I did not object him doing it. He had little trouble adjusting to my long pips and top spin shots.

There was so much power on his blocks and loops after he has put the WD-40 on it. I assume the Spinmax also does the same. I have used it a long time ago. The rubber became very sticky.

The rubber cleaners contain a small content of VOC. I have seen a VOC test report, and it proves it. The rubbers cleaners that come from the manufactures now are water based. I don't think there is any problem with that. It does not contain any chemical to change the rubber characteristics.

[ejunkie]

Re Rubber cleaners, it's illegal so I think it's not allow, but who know how to check? An unenforceable law is not a law.

[729 fx]

I believe the newer rubber cleaner contains less or no VOC and does not affect the topsheet rubber properties.

Only the earlier batches of foam and rubber cleaner will change the rubber properties, which contravenes the ITTF Ruling.

[varghese]

As eJunkies said, it is hard to enforce. The VOC can evaporate within few minutes and it can pass the ENEZ test. Here is a video of racket testing at the US Open.

From Varghese's Table Tennis Videos on Vimeo.

[hurricane]

I just use clean drinking water to clean my bat? Is ok so far.

[varghese]

I just use clean drinking water to clean my bat? Is ok so far.

Clean water is okay. The cleaning bottle is convenient sometimes. Once the rubber absorbs some large content of dust, the solution removes it better than the water.

[729 fx]

Yes, I also use drinking water to clean and around 3 weeks or 1 month, I will use the rubber cleaner.

[hurricane]

Hey I tried WD40 today is was kinna sticky lots of spin but did not last long, after a while it was back to normal again.