Do you love skateboarding but hate the mess and dirt it caught? The problem with skateboards is that it gets super messy, gritty, and caked on with dirt so quickly. Keeping your board clean isn’t exactly easy, but it’s not as difficult as you might think either. You just need the right tips to make sure your skateboard lasts for a long time.
Check Out in detail: How Long Do Skateboards Last?
If you love skateboarding and practice it regularly, then investing in cleaning and maintenance products is essential. With the right cleaning habits, you can prevent annoying discoloration from UV light exposure, prevent rust from forming on your hardware, and remove dirt and sweat residue to keep your board looking fresher longer.
Whether you use your board consistently or only occasionally, we have got some expert tips on how to clean a skateboard deck quickly and easily.
Effective Tips: How To Clean A Skateboard Deck
Cleaning a skateboard can seem tricky at first glance. As they are usually made out of maple or other hardwood. Skateboard decks require special treatment because they have so many small holes drilled into them for the laces or hardware fasteners.
It can be a difficult job for you if you don’t know where to start. However, with the tips on how to clean the bottom of a skateboard, you will do it in no time. You can clean your skateboard deck with two different approaches.
- Use the wire brush Method as a skateboard deck cleaner
- Find the common materials at home to clean your skateboard deck.
Use The Wire Brush Method As A Skateboard Deck Cleaner
The wire brush method is the easiest and simplest way to clean your skateboard deck. It costs less and gives desired results. You probably going to need these two items:
- Soft wire brush
- Grip Gum
Step 1: Purchase A Soft Wire Brush
Purchase wire brushes from any local grocery market. Just make sure the wire brush you buy, its bristles are sturdy and soft. If it has sharp bristles, it will tear the grip tape. Sizing the wire brush is crucial as the big one may spoil the grip tape. So, it is suggested that you use a small brush to achieve the best results.
Step 2: Brush The Grip Tape
After purchasing a soft and small wire brush now it’s time for you to use it. Keep reading if you don’t know how to clean the top of a skateboard. Simply start brushing the grip tape. Go section by section from the end of the deck all the way through the other side.
This way deeper dirt will appear on top of the deck and you can easily sweep the dirt with your hands. Always brush gently, using force to remove the stains on your grip tape will tear it down.
Step 3: Use Grip Gum To Remove Excess Dirt
Grip gums are meant explicitly for skateboards. Buy it from any local skateboard shop. grip gum is ideal to remove the excess dirt that appears on top of the skateboard after using a wire brush.
To remove the excess dirt, just rub the Grip gum on the grip tape and when done, brush it away. Do these steps carefully and accurately and as a result, your board will look brand new.
How To Clean A Skateboard Deck By Using Common Home Materials
If you aren’t in the mood to spend any money then use common home materials to clean your skateboard deck. You need the following items:
- Toothbrush
- Water
- Soap
- Bowl
- Dry cloth
- Grip gum
Step 1: Gather The Things In One Place
In the first step, Just get a toothbrush ( one with firm bristles), a bowl, soap, some water for mixing, and dry cloth from your house and gather them in one place. It will be easy to find.
Step 2: Create The Soap Mixture In A Bowl
Fill the mid-sized bowl with tap water and add soap to it. Mix them well and create a soap-water cleaning mixture. Then submerge your skateboard deck in the water. keep in mind that overdoing will ruin your skateboard’s ability to snap. It will make your board soggy and wrap forever. So, don’t over-submerge.
Step 3: Use The Brush For Scrubbing
Start brushing your skateboard from the end of the board and gradually go to another side. Move section by section and leave no part behind. Look for the messier parts that are covered in the dirt. Put your best foot forward and don’t rush.
If your brush gets dirty, dip it in the cleaning solution. Don’t let the water directly make contact with your skateboard. It will make it soggy. Don’t use force, it will strip the grip tape.
Step 4: Use Dry Cloths To Dry The Skateboard
When you are done removing the dirt after brushing and cleaning then start drying the skateboard with dry cloths. Use a microfiber cloth. It gives better results. Place the cloth on your dirt, it will absorb the moisture. Fold the cloth and press it again. Repeat the process until your skateboard deck is completely dry.
Check the wooden area at the bottom. If it’s wet, then use the same process and dry it. Avoid using paper towels. They break when you use them and create more mess.
Step 5: Drying Time
To make it dry completely, place your skateboard in the open area for at least 2 to 3 hours. Don’t try to ride it immediately after you are done washing it. As the skateboard is still wet and can cause injury. Let it dry first completely and then ride. It will be safe this way.
Read More About: How To Choose The Right Deck
Conclusion
Cleaning your skateboard is necessary and easy. But if you don’t know how to clean a skateboard deck then it’s a bit challenging. However, With the right supplies, anyone can do it. You can clean it with two different approaches i.e wire brush method or by using home materials. Just be sure to follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll have a clean deck in no time.
