It can be frustrating when you remove your dartboard to play only to find that mold or mildew growth. Mold and mildew on your dartboard will not only reduce your board’s longevity but also interfere with your play and cause health issues.
The best way to clean mold or mildew off your dartboard is to place it in direct sunlight for at least 2-4 hours. The sunlight will kill the mold buildup. You then need to use a stiff brush to remove any loose pieces of dirt or debris before disinfecting it. Do not use water when cleaning your dartboard as this will damage it.
Getting Rid of Mold From a Dartboard
If you notice mold or mildew on your dartboard, you will not need any chemicals or water to clean it off. You simply need to wait for a sunny day and leave your dartboard out in direct sunlight for several hours to allow it to dry. This is because mold grows in wet and moist conditions.
The sun rays will cause the mildew or mold to die off. Keep an eye on the board until you see that the mold has reduced and brush off the loose debris. Return the dartboard indoors and disinfect it.
However, you should note that exposing your dartboard to direct sunlight may bleach it, thereby causing it to fade. Also, make sure not to water or any liquid to remove mold or dirt. Liquids can be damaging to your dartboard and reduce its longevity.
How to Clean a Cork or Bristle Dartboard
Bristle dartboards are made from compact sisal fibers that tend to move back into position when the darts are removed from the board. This self-restoring feature helps to fill in the hole and makes bristle dartboards long-lasting. On the other hand, cork dart boards are cheaper and lack a self-restoring feature.
Although these two dartboards are different, they can be cleaned the same way. Here are steps for cleaning these dartboards:
- Start by removing the metal frame from the dartboard.
- To remove large clumps, use a low-pressure vacuum pressure or a scrub brush.
- Using a dry cloth, wipe the board to remove bits of dirt. Do not use a damp cloth or water to clean your board as this will damage it completely.
- However, if the cork dartboard dries up, you can use a damp cloth with no actual water on it and place it above your dartboard overnight. Your dartboard should lay flat on the ground.
- After cleaning, make sure that you rotate the wireframe to promote even wear and tear and extend its life.
How to Prevent Mold Buildup on a Dartboard
Mold can damage your dartboard and interfere with the quality of your game. Fortunately, there are several measures that you can do to prevent mold from building up on your dartboard.
Place in a Cool Dry Place
Warm and moist areas encourage mold growth on dartboards. To prevent this, you need to keep your board in a cool and dry place.
Clean Your Board
Another way to prevent mold buildup is by cleaning your dartboard. Cleaning is important regardless of the frequency of using it. Nevertheless, the frequency of cleaning your dartboard will depend on its type.
For instance, electric dart boards require cleaning at regular intervals, and cleaning them can take less than a minute. If you have a wooden dartboard, you should clean it every two to three weeks. On the other hand, a bristle or cork board has a longer cleaning frequency and may need cleaning after several months.
Should You Soak a Dartboard?
Most dart players, particularly beginners, wonder whether it is right to soak their dartboards. This is probably because soaking helps to remove stubborn stains for different things. When it comes to dartboards, soaking only works for a wooden dartboard. Soaking a wooden dartboard helps to prevent it from cracking and drying out.
On the other hand, soaking is not recommended for bristle and cork dartboards. This is because it causes them to swell leading to deformities. Consequently, the deformities will cause bubbling and buckling and this reduces its lifespan.
Additionally, soaking your dartboard can encourage the growth of mildew and mold. This is also the case when the dartboard gets wet. The board’s sisal fiber will absorb moisture and this can make them swell and bulge.
Soaking and using liquids can also weaken the glue that holds the board’s sisal fibers. With time, the fibers will fall out and the dartboard will not serve you for a very long time.
How to Maintain and Make Your Dartboard Last Longer
Good maintenance can help your dartboard to last longer so you can enjoy more quality games. This will give you good value for money in the long run. Here are some maintenance tips to prolong the life of your dartboard.
Avoid Spilling on Your Dartboard
Some people recommend using water and other liquids to clean the dartboard. However, using liquids on a dartboard can weaken the natural fiber components. Try to keep your board as dry as possible and only use a dry cloth or blower to clean and remove dust.
Place the Dartboard Indoors
Similarly, the dartboard fibers can become fragile when exposed to excessive moisture and sunlight. Hence, make sure that you place your dartboard indoors.
Rotate the Board Regularly
Rotating your board regularly is an effective tip for improving its longevity. It helps to prevent certain areas from wearing out a lot faster than other areas. This is particularly true for segments that are more targeted like the 20 and 19. Rotating will ensure it wears out evenly. If you play often, then it would be best to rotate the board at least weekly.
Use Well-Rounded Dart Tips
While you may want to use sharp tips to improve accuracy and lower the chances of bounce-outs, this can wreak havoc on your dartboard. On the other hand, darts with blunt tips can break your board’s fiber components. Instead, it is recommended to use darts with rounded tips; neither too sharp nor too blunt.
Ensure Proper Setup
The setup of your dartboard is very important as it determines its longevity. The last thing you want is to board to come crashing down because it was not securely placed. Make sure that it is well secured and avoid putting heavy fixings that will put pressure on it.
Conclusion
Removing mold from your dartboard is an easy and straightforward process that requires little to no elbow grease. All you need is a dry sunny day and you are good to go. Do not use water or any liquid during this process. Also, ensure to do regular cleaning and maintenance to prolong the life of your dartboard.
