How To Clean In-Line Skates

Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is very important, and few exercises are as enjoyable as in-line skating.  Enthusiasts come from a variety of different age groups and participate in the sport for a number of different reasons.  Younger individuals, including children and teenagers, enjoy using in-line skates for recreational purposes.  However, many older people incorporate the use of rollerblading into their typical exercise routine.  In order to get the maximum use and longest life possible, it is imperative that an owner know how to properly clean in-line skates.

The first step is to gather all the items needed to clean the in-line skates.  Although not much is required, it is important to have everything available as needed.  Gather a soft cloth, degreaser, 3-in-1 oil, and a hex key.

After all the materials have been collected, wipe down your in-line skates using the cloth.  It is okay to use a damp cloth, but be very cautious not to get the inside padding wet as it can mildew very easily.  Remove each wheel using the hex key; place the wheels to the side.  Wash the bottom of each skate and dry with the cloth.

Using the degreaser, spray each of the bearings and dry them carefully.  Reattach the wheels to the in-line skates, and tighten with the hex key. Spinning the wheels will typically dry them enough, but a blow dryer or air compressor can be used if desired. Ensure that the degreaser has been rinsed completely, as it could cause the wheels to become dangerously slick.

Once the wheels have been fastened back onto each in-line skate, use a small amount of 3-in-1 oil to guarantee smooth operation.

Cosmetic cleaning is completely optional, but is not very difficult.  Plastic restore products can be used on the sides of in-line skates to reduce scratches and shine up the finish.  However, be very careful not to use any product that may run down into or come into contact with the wheels or their bearings in any way.

Although there are many different reasons to clean in-line skates, safety is the most important.  Even if an individual tries to avoid going down steep inclines, there is a strong possibility of excess dirt causing a major fall.  As enjoyable as skating can be, it can also be dangerous and all safety precautions should be taken.  Keeping your skates in exceptional condition is simply a critical component of ownership.