How to Clean Skate Wheels

How to Clean Skate Wheels
Photo Credit inline skate. image by Saskia Massink from Fotolia.com

Ideally, if you skate both indoors and out, you should have two separate pairs of roller skates. Indoor roller rinks prefer their customers to use skates that have wheels free of dirt, grime and outdoor debris, to keep the rink clean and prevent injuries. If you do happen to use your indoor skates outdoors, you are going to need to clean them before going to an indoor rink.

Light Cleaning

Step 1

Fill a small bucket with warm water. Add a squirt of dish washing soap.

Step 2

Wipe each skate wheel with the soapy water, using a clean cloth. Remove all dirt and debris.

Step 3

Check the skate wheels ask you clean, looking for embedded objects, such as small stones. Remove any embedded objects with your fingertips or a pair of pliers.

Step 4

Empty the soapy water from the bucket, and refill with clear water. Rinse your skate wheels with the clear water, using a second clean cloth.

Step 5

Dry each wheel using a third clean cloth. Repeat the process whenever necessary.

Deep Cleaning

Step 1

Remove the wheels for a deeper cleaning. Use an Allen wrench to turn the axle bolt of each skate wheel counterclockwise.

Step 2

Remove each of the axle bolts and each wheel. Soak the wheels in a solution of warm water and dishwashing soap until the dirt releases from the wheels. Use a scrub brush to remove stubborn dirt and debris.

Step 3

Dry the wheels thoroughly, and reattach them. Tighten the axle bolts clockwise with the Allen wrench to secure the wheels.

Tips and Warnings

  • Be sure to dry any metal areas that become wet during cleaning, thoroughly. Any metal parts of your skates that remain wet after cleaning can potentially rust.
  • Never use abrasive cleaning chemicals, alcohol-based cleaners or soaps to clean your skate wheels. Ordinary dishwashing soap is all that is necessary.

Things You'll Need

  • Small bucket
  • Warm water
  • Dish soap
  • Clean cloths
  • Allen wrench
  • Scrub brush

References

Article reviewed by Glenn Singer Last updated on: Jul 21, 2010

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