How To Clean Skateboard Wheels?

Skateboarding is more than just a sport or a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. And like any other lifestyle, it requires maintenance. One crucial aspect of skateboard maintenance is keeping your wheels clean. Dirty wheels can slow you down, reduce your control, and even damage your bearings. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean skateboard wheels and keep your ride fresh and fast.

Cleaning skateboard wheels is a simple process that can be done with a few common household items. However, it’s essential to know how to do it correctly to avoid damaging your wheels or bearings. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to clean your skateboard wheels safely and effectively.

What You’ll Need to Get Started:

Before you start cleaning your skateboard wheels, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. A clean cloth or rag
2. A bowl or container
3. Mild dish soap or skateboard wheel cleaner
4. A toothbrush or soft-bristled brush
5. Skate tool or wrench (to remove wheels)
6. Water (preferably warm)

Make sure you have all these items before you start cleaning your skateboard wheels. This will make the process easier and more efficient.

When Should I Clean My Skateboard Wheels?

Knowing when to clean your skateboard wheels is important in keeping them in good condition. Generally, you should clean your wheels whenever they start to feel sticky or slow down your ride. If you notice that your board is not rolling as smoothly as it used to, it’s time to clean the wheels. There are various types of skateboards available in the market so the wheel sizes may vary.

Additionally, if you’ve been riding on rough surfaces or through dirt and mud, your wheels may be more prone to collecting dirt and debris. In this case, it’s best to clean your wheels after every ride to prevent damage to your bearings and ensure a smooth ride.

Regular cleaning of your skateboard wheels is an important part of skateboard maintenance and can help extend the life of your board.

Steps to Clean Skateboard Wheels

Step 1: Secure the Work Space

Before you start cleaning your skateboard wheels, it’s important to secure your workspace. Here are some steps you can take to ensure a safe and efficient cleaning process:

1. Find a clean and flat surface to work on, such as a table or bench.
2. Lay down a clean cloth or rag to protect the surface from scratches or damage.
3. Make sure the area is well-ventilated, as the cleaning products can be strong-smelling.
4. Wear gloves to protect your hands from any chemicals or dirt that may be on the wheels.

By securing your workspace, you can focus on the task at hand and clean your skateboard wheels effectively.

Step 2: Remove the Wheels & Bearings

The next step in cleaning your skateboard wheels is to remove them from the board. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use a skate tool or a wrench to unscrew the bolts that hold the wheels in place.
2. Once the bolts are loose, remove them and place them in a safe place where they won’t get lost.
3. Gently pull the wheel off the truck. If it’s difficult to remove, use the skate tool to pry it off.
4. Repeat this process for all four wheels.

After you’ve removed the wheels, it’s a good idea to remove the bearings as well. This will make it easier to clean the wheels thoroughly. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use the skate tool to remove the nut and washer from the truck axle.
2. Remove the bearings by gently pulling them out of the wheel hub.
3. Repeat this process for all eight bearings.

Once you’ve removed the wheels and bearings, you’re ready to start cleaning.

Step 3: Soak the Wheels in Soapy Water

The next step in cleaning your skateboard wheels is to soak them in soapy water. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Fill a bowl or container with warm water.
2. Add a small amount of mild dish soap or skateboard wheel cleaner to the water. Be careful not to add too much, as this can damage the wheels.
3. Place the wheels in the soapy water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes. This will loosen any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the wheels.

While the wheels are soaking, you can clean the bearings separately using the same method. Simply place them in a separate bowl of soapy water and let them soak for the same amount of time.

After the wheels and bearings have soaked, it’s time to clean them more thoroughly.

Step 4: Wire Brush Away the Gunk

The next step in cleaning your skateboard wheels is to wire brush away any gunk that has accumulated on them. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Remove the wheels from the soapy water and place them on a clean cloth or rag.
2. Use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the wheels and remove any dirt or debris.
3. For more stubborn grime, use a wire brush to scrub away the gunk. Be careful not to damage the wheels by scrubbing too hard.
4. Repeat this process for all four wheels.

After you’ve wire brushed the wheels, it’s time to clean the bearings. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Remove the bearings from the soapy water and place them on a clean cloth or rag.
2. Use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the bearings and remove any dirt or debris.
3. For more stubborn grime, use a wire brush to scrub away the gunk. Be careful not to damage the bearings by scrubbing too hard.
4. Repeat this process for all eight bearings.

Once you’ve wire brushed the wheels and bearings, it’s time to rinse them off.

Step 5: Time to Dry Your Skateboard Wheels

The next step in cleaning your skateboard wheels is to dry them off thoroughly. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use a clean cloth or rag to wipe off any excess water from the wheels and bearings.
2. Place the wheels and bearings on a clean, dry towel or cloth.
3. Let them air dry for at least 2-3 hours, or until they are completely dry.

It’s important to make sure that the wheels and bearings are completely dry before you put them back on your skateboard. Any leftover moisture can cause the wheels to slip or the bearings to rust.

While you’re waiting for the wheels and bearings to dry, you can clean the rest of your skateboard. Use a damp cloth or rag to wipe down the deck, trucks, and other parts of the board. This will remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the surface.

Once everything is dry, it’s time to put your skateboard back together.

Step 6: Reassemble Your Wheels & Board

The final step in cleaning your skateboard wheels is to reassemble everything. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Take each wheel and place a bearing back into it. Use a bearing spacer if necessary.
2. Press the bearings firmly into the wheel until they are seated properly.
3. Place the wheel back onto the axle of your skateboard truck. Make sure the wheel is flush against the truck and the axle nut is screwed on tightly.
4. Repeat this process for all four wheels.
5. Once all the wheels are back on, give each one a spin to make sure they are turning smoothly.
6. Finally, reattach the trucks to the deck and you’re ready to ride!

By following these steps, you can ensure that your skateboard wheels are clean and free from dirt and debris. Regularly cleaning your wheels can help prolong their lifespan and ensure a smooth ride every time.

Verdict

Cleaning your skateboard wheels is an important part of skateboard maintenance. Dirty wheels can make your board slower, less responsive, and even dangerous to ride. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily clean your wheels and ensure a smooth ride every time.

Remember to clean your wheels regularly, especially if you ride in dirty or wet conditions. It’s also important to use the right tools and cleaning products to avoid damaging your wheels or bearings. If you’re not comfortable cleaning your wheels yourself, consider taking your board to a professional skateboard shop for maintenance.