It is critical that you keep your longboard clean, regardless of the type. Cleaning your longboard extends its life and makes it easier and more pleasurable to ride.
You can clean longboards with ease if you follow the right technique and cleaning equipment. Furthermore, if you’re selling your board, this simple step can help you get a better price.
This article will give a step-by-step guide on how to clean longboard.
How To Clean Longboard?
Mud or dirt layers in your longboard can also lower drag, making it more difficult to do any feats you wish.
As a result, using this method to clean your board can save you money while also ensuring that your board lasts longer and in good shape.
Here are the three simple way to clean your board as good as new:
Clean The Deck
A longboard deck is a flat surface on which skaters can step. Regular deck cleaning can help to keep grime at bay.
So, it will conserve scrubbing energy. Let’s dive into the steps of deck cleaning.
Detach Your Longboard Trucks
Before you begin washing the board, you need to remove your truck. Corrosion and rust can occur if water gets on the metal section of the board.
The trucks are huge and will get in the way, making cleaning the board more difficult.
First, flip your board over and unscrew the nut between your wheels with an adjustable wrench to detach your truck.
Then, lift your trucks off your board by swinging them until they loosen. Do the same on both the front and back wheels.
Brush The Grip Tape
Mix a pail of water with dish soap or a light detergent until it foams up. Then, dip a medium-hard nylon brush into the bucket and begin cleaning the tape’s surface.
When wiping the surface of your skateboard with modest semi-circular strokes, the dirt will start to fall off.
Rinse The Grip Tape
Soak a soap-free sponge in water for a few minutes. Transfer it to the duct tape on your skateboard once it’s soaked to remove any lingering grime or soap residue. After removing all of the soap, you can move on to the next step.
Use Water And A Sponge To Clean The Underside
Clean the underside of the board with simple water and a gentle sponge.
Longboards aren’t typically made for tricks, so the underside of the board should still be smooth.
When cleaning, make sure to get rid of any dirt or debris accumulated. In addition, you should avoid wetting the metal portions on the board’s underside.
Dry The Board With A Towel Naturally
Use a towel to dry the board. To remove any remaining moisture from the board, dab it with a cloth.
When doing this, use a cotton towel. If you rub paper towels or napkins against your duct tape, you’ll make a mess.
Allow The Board Dry Before Reattaching The Truck
After washing it properly, dry any remaining water with a clean towel and let it dry for at least 3 or 4 hours.
After it has dried, use the adjustable wrench to reassemble your vehicle.
Clean The Bearing
In addition to the deck or wheel, you should pay attention to the board’s bearings for a faster, smoother ride.
The following is a step-by-step cleaning procedure:
Remove Your Bearings
Each of your wheels has bearings, which are circular metal components. To get the bearings out of the wheel, you’ll have to take it fully off the axle.
Then, using the wheel-mounted over the hub end as a lever, pop the bearing out of the middle of your wheel.
It may take a few tries to remove the bearings fully from the wheel. Be careful as if you press too firmly, you risk damaging or breaking your bearings.
Remove The Bearing Shields
Normally, a plastic or metal shield will be placed over your bearings.
Take a flathead screwdriver or a pin and place it below the rubber bearing shields to remove them. Push the shield out of the bearing with the screwdriver.
Soak Your Bearings In Alcohol Or A Solvent
If you don’t have a particular bearing cleaner, you can soak your bearings with alcohol or isopropyl.
Fill a bottle or jar halfway with the solution and carefully close the lid. Shake the bottle for two minutes, or until all dirt from your bearings has been removed.
Using A Hair Dryer And Dry Your Bearings
After soaking and cleaning your bearings, take them out of the solvent and let them air dry for around 30 minutes.
Grease Your Bearings Again
When you skate, the right lubricant will keep your wheels spinning properly. Lubricate the skateboard bearings with a specific oil or grease.
Apply lubrication to the bearing with a dropper. After that, roll the bearing on its side to evenly distribute the grease.
Return The Bearing Shield To Its Original Position
Reinstall the metal or rubber bearings and attach them. Ensure it’s tight and free of any holes or dirt that might get into your bearing.
Replace Your Bearings In Your Wheels
After you’ve reassembled the bearing, it’s time to return it to your wheel. You should be able to reassemble the wheels on your longboard shaft from there.
You’ll find guides on clear bearings in this video:
Clean The Wheels
Longboard wheels are much easier to clean than bearings. You simply wash them in the same manner as you would dirty dishes.
The following are the essential actions you should take:
Remove The Wheel
To clean your longboard wheel, start by removing it from your board. Removing the wheels will allow you to clean them without difficulty thoroughly.
Wipe The Surface Or Wheel Core
After removing the wheel and bearings from the longboard, clean the wheel lightly with a small cloth or paper towel.
The cloth will assist in cleaning the wheel of dirt or bigger particles.
Soak The Wheel In Warm Water
Fill a bowl with warm water and soap after removing larger particles of dirt and debris. For 10 to 15 minutes, immerse the wheel in warm water.
Allowing your wheels to soak in water will aid in the removal of smaller pieces of dirt and debris that a towel will not be able to remove.
Scrub The Wheel With Soap
If your wheel is particularly filthy, you can go one step further and scrub it with an old toothbrush. Scrubbing the wheels with soapy water will remove even the worst filth and grime.
Dry The Wheel With A Towel
After washing and scrubbing your wheels, it’s time to dry them completely. You can wipe away the wetness on them using a dry cloth.
After cleaning and drying your wheel, reinstall it on your board.
FAQs
Is It OK To Get Your Longboard Wet?
The majority of longboards are extremely tough, sturdy, and water-resistant.
However, if you don’t take proper care of your board, water can damage parts like the deck, grip tape, and bearings, causing your board to deteriorate quickly.
Does Rain Mess Up Grip Tape?
We strongly advise against skating in the rain or when the weather is wet.
Rain can make bearings corrode and shrink, degrading from the inside out. The tape might lose its grip and begin to peel.
When a deck becomes wet or divided, it warps, loses its voice, and gains weight.
How Do You Clean A Griptape On A Longboard?
Begin by scrubbing the grip tape. After that, let the surface completely dry. Finally, use rubber to wipe it
How Often Should You Clean Your Longboard?
Every 50 hours, on average, you should clean your longboards. However, if your boards are dirty, you should clean them more frequently.
Can I Clean My Skateboard With Water?
Do not clean your board with water. Brush the dirt off the wheels, then immerse them in hot soapy water for a few minutes.
After that, carefully wash them with an old toothbrush and dry them entirely.
Conclusion
That’s how to clean longboard. After cleaning, you’ll have a longboard that looks brand new. Grab your board and go for a ride on your new, spotless board.
Make sure you keep it away from wet or dusty environments and regularly clean them because cleaning your board is never fun.
