How To Clean A Cricket Bat At Home

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Once you have purchased your new cricket bat, you will probably want to begin to start using it immediately. However, before you go out and start hitting those sixes and fours there are a few steps you need to take in order to improve the performance of your bat and increase its lifespan.

Linseed oil softens the bat fibres and then knits them together. This makes them supple and able to withstand being hit by the force of the cricket ball at high speed.

1
Use raw linseed oil or specialized cricket bat oil to treat your bat prior to use is recommended. This will help maintain moisture levels within the bat and reduce the chance of cracking or splitting while playing.^[1]
- Raw linseed oil tends to penetrate better than boiled linseed oil.
2

Using either a soft cloth or paintbrush, lightly apply 5-6 coats (each coat is one teaspoon) of oil to the face, toe an edges. Do not oil the whole bat, just oil the face, toe and edges.^[2]
3

Allow each coat to dry whilst the bat in a horizontal position. The bat should be dry before proceeding to the knocking in.

This method is known as "knocking in". It's a process designed to harden the bat thoroughly before use.

1
Beat the new cricket bat with a hardwood bat mallet. This will harden your bat.^[3]
- Hit hard enough to create a dent in the middle of the bat.
- Check to see if you did make a dent. Then gently knock the face of the bat around this dent to make it level. When done, you should no longer see the dent.
- Round off the edges. Hit with a 45 degree angle to the face. This allows the mallet to compress the willow. Start with one dent on the edge, then gently knock around it to remove it and smooth the edge out.
- In each case, repeatedly strike the face and edges of the bat whilst gradually increasing the force of the strike over time.
- Do not use the mallet on either the face or the bottom of the bat toe with the mallet.
2

Hit the ball with the bat as much as you can. This will continue to harden it.^[4]

1

Apply a new coat of linseed oil about every 5 to 6 months. This will keep it supple.^[5]
2

Store the bat horizontally. Keep it in a cool and dry storage place. Heat and humidity can dry out or warp the bat.^[6]
3

Try to keep the grip of the bat in position.

Add New Question

Question

Can I use the mallet before oiling?

No. It's better to oil it first and let it dry overnight.
Question

Which other oil is best to use before seizing it?

Linseed oil is a good option.
Question

How do I oil a bat that has a toe guard?

Don't oil the toe guard. Oiling on only the face of the bat is recommended. The toe guard will be spoiled if it is oiled.
Question

Can I protect my new cricket bat with bat tape?

Yes. Neatly put it down the front and back of your bat so there are no creases or folds - especially on the front.
Question

My bat is an SG proface. How should I oil it?

You should actually season it instead of oiling it.
Question

Do I need to oil an English cricket bat?

All cricket bats need to be oiled. It does nor matter where the bat originates from, it will need oiling, unless you received instructions stating otherwise.
Question

How do I remove the fabric tape on the bat?

Use a thinner to remove it, rubbing hard with a soft cloth.
Question

Should I oil my entire bat?

I think it's a good idea to oil it completely to give it an equal amount of protection and therefore the best chance of the edges splitting when they are hit.
Question

Can I follow this process for my old cricket bat?

Sure! You can always do it with any cricket bat. Tape for grips and powder to prevent sweat are advised, too.
Question

Can I use any other oil?

Yes, vegetable oil or olive oil would be fine.

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All bats are pressed, however, "knocking in" is vital. This is the process by which the fibres of the willow in the face and edges are compressed together to form a barrier that protects the bat against the impact of the ball. Effective "knocking in" will significantly improve the performance and lifespan of the bat.
An old, quality leather cricket ball can be used in place of the mallet.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Do not allow the bat to become wet either during use or storage (this will cause the toe to swell).
Do not over oil your bat––more bats are ruined by over oiling than under oiling.
Do not store your bat in any source of heat such as central heating or moisture such as seepage to avoid the bat becoming brittle and possibly snapping.
Do not play with the bat with any inappropriate objects, i.e, rubber balls, metal balls, etc.
Do not stand your bat in oil of any kind.
Do not overuse your bowling machine.
Do not use excessively hard cricket balls to knock in the bat, as this could cause damage to the bat.