How to Thoroughly Clean Your Skateboard and Keep It in Tip Top Shape

Cleaning your skateboard is important to maintain both the function and appearance of the board. Dirt, grime, and even salt can build up on your deck, trucks, and wheels, making it difficult to ride and affecting the look of your setup.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean every part of your skateboard, from the deck to the bearings, to keep it looking and riding great.

Skateboard decks are generally made of either wood or plastic. Most commonly, you’ll find decks made of 7-ply maple wood, which is durable and gives good pop. However, there are also decks made of plastic, which are lighter weight and cheaper, but wear down faster. You can tell what kind of deck you have by looking at the bottom – if it’s smooth, it’s probably plastic, and if it’s got a wood grain texture, it’s probably wooden.

To clean your skateboard deck:

1. Start by removing any dirt and grime with a soft brush or cloth. For tougher stains, you can use a mild soap and water solution.
2. Once the deck is clean, you can apply a layer of wax to protect it from dirt and moisture. You can find skateboard wax at most skate shops, or online.
3. Rub the wax onto the deck in circular motions until the entire surface is covered.
4. Let the wax dry for a few minutes before buffing it off with a soft cloth.

Skateboard trucks are the metal axles that attach to the bottom of your deck and hold your wheels in place.

To clean them:

1. Start by removing any dirt and grime with a soft brush or cloth. For tougher stains, you can use a mild soap and water solution.
2. Once the trucks are clean, you can apply a layer of oil to protect them from rust. You can find truck oil at most skate shops, or online.
3. Rub the oil onto the trucks in circular motions until the entire surface is covered.
4. Let the oil dry for a few minutes before buffing it off with a soft cloth.

Skateboard bearings are small metal pieces that attach to the wheels and allow them to spin. Over time, they can become dirty and affected by moisture, which can cause them to rust and affect your skating.

To clean them:

1. Remove the bearings from your wheels and soak them in a cleaner designed for removing rust (you can find this at most skate shops).
2. Let the bearings soak for the directed amount of time, then remove them and rinse them off with water.
3. Dry the bearings completely before putting them back in your wheels.
4. Once the bearings are dry, you can apply a layer of oil to protect them from rust. You can find bearing oil at most skate shops, or online.
5. Rub the oil onto the bearings in circular motions until the entire surface is covered.
6. Let the oil dry for a few minutes before buffing it off with a soft cloth.

Skateboard wheels are made of hard plastic and can last a long time if they’re well-maintained. However, over time they can become dirty and scuffed, affecting your riding.

FAQs:

1. How often should I clean my skateboard?

It’s a good idea to clean your skateboard decals at least once a month, or more frequently if you ride it often.

2. Can I use regular cleaning products on my skateboard?

No – you should only use mild soap and water, or cleaners specifically designed for skateboards. Regular cleaning products can damage the deck, trucks, and bearings.

3. How can I prevent my skateboard from getting dirty?

Waxing your deck will help protect it from dirt and moisture, and keeping your bearings oiled will help prevent them from rusting.

Conclusion:

Keeping your skateboard clean is important for maintaining its appearance and performance. Start by removing any dirt and grime with a soft brush or cloth, then wax the deck and oil the bearings to protect them from rust. Skateboards require some maintenance, but it’s worth it to keep your board riding smooth.