Darts has become an increasingly popular sport thanks to a variety of dart machines in pubs and clubs today. For anyone looking to join competitions or are keen to practice professionally, it’s not unheard of to have your own set of darts to suit your playing style. From the weight of your darts to the make and material, these are factors that can affect how well you play.
As most dart barrels and points are made of steel, constant exposure to the oil and dirt from our skin can cause them to become dirty. Eventually, your darts may be covered in grime, causing them to not only look unsightly but can even begin to rust.
Investing in a personal set of darts can be costly, so watching rust form on your darts can be a horrifying experience. But how can you remove the rust from darts? In this article, we’ll explore some of the steps you can take to restore your darts to their former glory, so you can continue to play a good game with them.
3 Ways to Remove Rust From Dart Barrels
The dart barrel is a spot on your dart that rusts the easiest as it’s the spot that you’ll be in contact with the most. Often made of steel, the exposure to our skin, oil, and dirt is what causes these issues. So, how can you remove the rust from your dart barrels? Here are 3 simple ways you can follow:
Clean Your Darts With Warm Water and Soap
After every play, it’s recommended that you clean your dart barrel with some warm, soapy water. This helps remove any grease or dirt from our hands and fend away rust from your dart barrel. To do this, start by adding some dishwashing liquid into a bowl and add warm water.
Remove the barrel from your dart and submerge it into the bowl of dishwashing solution. You can leave it overnight or scrub the barrel with a sponge gently. This should dislodge any dirt and debris that is stuck to your dart barrel.
Pat your barrel dry after washing and store it in an airtight box. Be sure to keep moisture away from the box to prevent future rusts.
Wipe Your Darts Clean With Alcohol Wipes
If you’re looking for a more convenient way to remove rust from your dart barrels, you may consider wiping them clean with alcohol wipes. This is a method that doesn’t require you to disassemble your darts, thus making it a favorite for darts enthusiasts worldwide.
Instead, you can wipe down your darts with disposable alcohol wipes to clean away dirt, oil, and grease. It’s recommended that you try to clean around the grooves of your barrel for a deeper clean. Thoroughly dry your darts to avoid future rusts and store your darts away from moisture.
We recommend using isopropyl alcohol wipes like these for your darts. They are portable, easy to use, and get the job done whether you’re trying to remove rust from your darts, or are simply using them as a means of everyday dart maintenance.
Use Sodas Like Coca-Cola or Pepsi
An unconventional method to clean your darts is to use sodas like Coca-Cola or Pepsi. This is as the carbonated nature and citric acid of these sodas can help break down rust on metals and alloy, making it an effective way to clean your dart barrels.
A great way to use soda to clean your dart barrels is by pouring the drink in a bowl. With your darts disassembled, submerge the dart barrel into the bowl and leave it to soak up to an hour. Remove the dart barrel from the solution and scrub away any stubborn stains with a Q-tip or sponge.
Rinse the dart barrel with clean water and wipe dry. Be sure to dry the interior sections of the barrel as well to prevent future rusts. Storing your darts away from moisture can help avoid rusting too.
How Do You Remove Rust From Dart Points?
Unfortunately, many players may neglect the importance of keeping their dart points clean. Like your dart barrels, your dart points should also be kept rust-free for an unparalleled dart experience.
However, as dart points are generally thin and fragile, beginner players may be more afraid about cleaning them.
So, how can you remove rust from dart points? Below are some tips that can help you keep them clean:
Soak Your Tips in Soapy Water
Like your dart barrels, you can clean your dart points by soaking them in soapy water. You may leave the darts in the solution of dishwashing liquid and water overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours.
Once you’ve removed the tips from the soap solution, you may use a sponge to gently scrub away any stubborn stains or rust.
Dry the tips thoroughly with a soft cloth, taking caution not to blunt the tips. Reassemble your darts and store them in a moisture-free box.
Clean With Toothpaste and a Toothbrush
If you have a worn-out toothbrush, you may also use it to clean your dart points instead of throwing it out. Using a little toothpaste, gently scrub at the dart points to remove any signs of rust.
The abrasive nature of the toothpaste should help lift the dirt and grime from your dart points.
Be sure to rinse with water and pat dry after. Do note that if you have painted dart points, this method can cause the paints to discolor.
Gold dart points may also appear duller after cleaning, so don’t be alarmed if you notice a color change in your dart points after cleaning.
Use Nail Polish Remover and Q-Tips
Nail polish removers and Q-tips are a great way to restore shine to your dart points. They’re available in most drug stores and are often sold cheaply, making them one of the most affordable ways to help remove rust from your darts.
To clean your dart points, dip the Q-tips into the nail polish remover solution and clean your darts accordingly. You may leave the remover on your darts for up to 5 minutes before rinsing the solution off with warm water.
Be sure to pat your dart tips dry after and reassemble your darts accordingly. Store your darts in a dry box and keep them away from excessive moisture. This should help prevent rusting in your darts and keep them shiny for longer.
How Often Should You Clean Your Darts?
As a rule of thumb, your darts should be cleaned after every use. This avoids the accumulation of grime and oil around your dart parts, making it difficult to clean out after.
However, some players may find this to be a hassle, considering how you may have to disassemble and reassemble your darts along the way.
Final Thoughts
Without proper care and maintenance, your darts may start to naturally rust over time due to the humidity in the air, as well as from the natural oils from your skin.
Removing rust from your darts is a simple task if you have the right tools at your disposal. Using rubbing alcohol or leaving your darts in coca-cola are both effective ways at removing any dust and grim buildup.
To help prevent rust from ever forming on your darts and dart tips is, be sure to perform proper dart maintenance. Be sure to clean your darts after each use, and properly store them in a dart case.