How to Clean a Twirling Baton

Interestingly, "cleaning" is an important term in twirling and means two different things. As a sport requiring a performing device made of metal (or even plastic) with vinyl or rubber end caps (balls), it is important to keep the baton clean and attractive. On the other hand, "cleaning" also means practicing a move or routine until it is smooth and flawless. If a twirler keeps both definitions of the term "cleaning" in mind, there will be a solid foundation on which to build a strong performing career.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ball or tip caps
• Clean, lint free cloths
• Warm, sudsy water or mild cleaning solution

Clean a Twirling Baton

1. Minimize the need for dusting and simple cleaning by always keeping your twirling baton in its case.
2. Always keep the end caps on your baton's balls or tips unless you are performing or doing dress rehearsals.
3. Clean the metal (or plastic) shaft with a lint-free cloth, made damp with warm and slightly sudsy water. Don't forget to remove the balls to clean underneath them.
4. Try to prevent the balls or tips getting marred by grass, cement or asphalt. If they do, you may need more than the warm, sudsy water and cloth combination to clean them. You might want to use a special ball or tip cleaning solution such as Sharp's Ball & Tip Cleaner (see Resources below).
5. Maintain a disciplined cleaning schedule, whether you are performing or not, and regardless of how little or much you are practicing. Part of the cleaning routine is to establish a strong bond and instinctual connection between the baton and the twirler. A veteran twirler will know instinctively if a ball or tip is affixed incorrectly, the baton is out of balance for some reason or the shaft is dirty and sticky.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your hands clean during practice and performance.
• If you use chalk, powdered rosin or some other form of hand coating for grip control, take care not to perspire too heavily on the baton or get it wet, as "crud" can build up, especially in ball seams and any joint areas.
• If you sometimes customize your baton with stick-on color tassels and reflective colored tape, take care to clean off any residual adhesive as soon as you are finished performing, and do not allow these decorations to stay on your baton.