How to Clean Your Steel-Tip Darts (and Keep Them Throw-Ready)
At Premier Darts, we know your darts aren’t just tools — they’re your trusted companions at the oche. But like any good partner in crime, they need a bit of TLC now and then. Grime, oil, chalk dust, and even waxy residue from your hands can build up over time, and before you know it, your darts start slipping instead of sticking.
The good news? Giving your darts a proper clean is simple, fast, and keeps them flying straight and true.
Why Clean Your Darts?
It’s not just about aesthetics (although, yes, shiny darts do look fantastic). Dirty darts can:
- Lose grip — making your throws less consistent
- Wear out faster — especially in the barrel grooves
- Harbour bacteria — from your hands, pockets, or worse... pub floors
A quick clean every now and again can extend their lifespan, protect any coatings or engravings, and restore the reliable grip you fell in love with.
What You'll Need
- A bowl of warm water
- Dish soap (or a bit of white vinegar or baking soda as an optional booster)
- A soft-bristled toothbrush or sponge
- Paper towels or a tea towel for drying
- Optional: Re-pointing tool or Swiss point key (if you're removing the points)
Preparation: Get Those Barrels Ready
Start by disassembling your darts — remove flights and stems. If your darts have removable steel tips (like Swiss points), now’s a good time to take them off. Tungsten barrels don’t rust, but steel points do — so if they’re staying in, keep them out of the water and dry them immediately afterward.
Pro Tip:
If your barrels have built-up wax or chalk grip, add a teaspoon of baking soda or white vinegar to the warm water. This can help break down residue without using harsh chemicals.
Important Note:
Never use metal or abrasive brushes. A toothbrush is ideal: strong enough to get into grooves, soft enough to protect your barrel’s surface. Painted or coated darts are especially sensitive.
Cleaning Process
- Fill your bowl with warm water and a bit of dish soap. Optional: add a small amount of vinegar or baking soda.
- Submerge the barrels (just the barrels!) for about 10–15 minutes.
- Remove and gently scrub each one with your toothbrush or sponge. Focus on the ring cuts and grooves where grime loves to hide.
- Rinse with clean, warm water.
- Repeat if needed — some dirt clings like a sore loser.
Optional Step: Ultrasonic Cleaning
If you’ve got an ultrasonic cleaner (often used for jewelry or glasses), it can provide a deep, hands-free clean. Just be cautious: painted or colour-coated darts may lose their finish. We still recommend hand cleaning for precision and safety.
Drying and Reassembly
Once your barrels are clean, it’s time to dry them immediately — don’t let water linger in the threads. Use paper towel or a soft cloth and get into all the nooks. If steel tips were removed, dry thoroughly before reattaching to prevent rust.
Bonus Shine (Optional)
If you want that "just out the box" gleam, lightly buff with a dab of toothpaste or metal polish on a microfiber cloth. Rinse off afterward and dry again. A drill and cloth combo can be used carefully for a light polish — just don’t overdo it.
Time to Throw Again
With clean, grippy barrels in your hand, you’ll feel the difference right away. More control, more confidence, fewer fumbles. Your darts will not only look better — they’ll fly better, too.
Too Much Effort?
If cleaning sounds like more of a chore than your last 501 checkout, we’ve got a tempting alternative: treat yourself to a fresh set of darts. Browse our full range of steel-tip and soft-tip darts here — and if you order before 1pm (Mon–Fri) and spend over £50, we’ll ship them out for next-day delivery (UK only).
Clean darts. Sharper throws. Better games. It’s what you and your gear deserve.