How to Fix a Dented Ping Pong Ball: 3 Easy Methods

Every ping pong player has been there: you smash the ball, it bounces off the edge of the table, hits the floor, and comes back with a noticeable dent. Before you toss it in the trash, here’s the good news — most dented ping pong balls can be fixed in under 60 seconds.

The science is simple. Ping pong balls are made of thin celluloid or ABS plastic filled with gas. When the ball gets dented, the gas inside doesn’t escape — it’s just compressed in one spot. By applying heat, the gas expands, pushes the dent out from the inside, and the ball returns to its original shape.

Here are three proven methods, ranked from safest to quickest.

Method 1: Hot Water (Safest)

This is the most reliable method and the one we recommend for most players.

1. Boil water in a kettle or pot
2. Pour the hot water into a bowl or mug
3. Drop the dented ball into the hot water
4. Wait 30-60 seconds — watch the dent pop out
5. Remove the ball with a spoon and let it cool

The heat from the water gently expands the gas inside the ball, pushing the dent out evenly. This method works on 90% of dents.

Tips:

• Don’t leave the ball in boiling water for more than 2 minutes — prolonged heat can warp the ball
• Use water that’s just been boiled, not water that’s been sitting — you need maximum heat
• Roll the ball in the water so the dent faces upward for even heat distribution

Method 2: Hair Dryer (Most Controlled)

If you want more control over the heat application, a hair dryer works well.

1. Set your hair dryer to the highest heat setting
2. Hold the ball with the dent facing the dryer (use a towel or pliers — it gets hot)
3. Apply heat from about 2-3 inches away
4. Rotate slowly to heat the dented area evenly
5. Wait 20-30 seconds — the dent should pop out

Tips:

• Keep the dryer moving — don’t focus heat on one spot too long
• Hair dryers are excellent for small, shallow dents
• This method gives you more control than water since you can target the exact dented area

Method 3: Thumb and Hot Water Combo (For Stubborn Dents)

For deeper dents that won’t pop out with heat alone:

1. Submerge the ball in hot water for 15 seconds to soften the plastic
2. Remove it and immediately press your thumb firmly against the opposite side of the dent
3. The combination of softened plastic and internal pressure should pop the dent out
4. If needed, return to hot water and repeat

Tips:

• Use this method only for deep, stubborn dents that resist Method 1
• Be gentle — pressing too hard can create a dent on the other side
• Work quickly before the ball cools down

When You Can’t Fix It

Not every dented ball can be saved. Replace the ball if:

• The dent has a crack or split — no amount of heat will seal a broken ball
• The ball has been crushed or deformed beyond a simple dent
• The ball won’t hold its shape after multiple heating attempts
• The surface has scuff marks or is sticky — it’s worn out regardless

Modern ABS plastic balls (like the Butterfly A40+ or Nittaku Premium 40+) are more durable than the old celluloid balls but can still dent. The good news is that ABS balls respond even better to the hot water method.

How to Prevent Dents

• Store balls in a case — loose balls in a drawer get crushed
• Avoid stepping on them — the most common cause of severe dents
• Use quality balls — our best ping pong balls guide covers the most durable options
• Keep them away from heat sources — direct sunlight and heaters can deform balls even without impact

Dented balls may play slightly differently than perfect ones — their bounce trajectory can be unpredictable. For practice sessions, fixed balls work fine. For competitive play or serving practice, always use undamaged balls.