How to Clean Roller Skate Wheels? – 5 Simple Steps

Roller skate wheels can get dirty very quickly, especially if used often. If you have ever had to clean roller skate wheels, you know it can be tedious and time-consuming.

Fortunately, there is an easy way to clean them with just some patience and common household supplies. Keep reading for the step-by-step guide on how to clean roller skate wheels.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Roller Skate Wheels Quickly & Easily

What to prepare

Your roller skate cleaning kit should include:

Step 1: Take apart your skates’ components

In order to clean skate wheels properly, you must start by detaching them with a wrench or pair of pliers. Simply unscrew the nuts and slide the wheels off. Once they are removed from the axles, set them aside.

Next, remove the bearings from the wheels. You will need to use a bearing remover for this. You can easily get one at a skate shop.

Step 2: Make a cleaning solution and give your skate wheels their first clean

Make a soapy water mixture in a basin or bucket. Stir the mixture with your hands to foam it up. Then, drop the wheels in. Let them “bathe” for a couple of minutes to loosen up the dust buildup. You should be able to see the grime and dirt separating from them.

However, if your skate wheels have cores that are made of metal, do not soak them. Dampen a towel with the cleaning solution and use it to wipe them down instead.

Step 3: Give your skate wheels another clean

Fish out your skate wheels if they were submerged in the previous step and wipe them. You need to use a fresh towel. Take the time to do this thoroughly, making sure you reach all the nooks and crannies.

Enlist the help of a clean and soft toothbrush if you encounter extra stubborn gunk. You can scrub more effectively this way.

Step 4: Dry the skate wheels

When you are done cleaning skate wheels, dry them with a new towel or some tissues.

Then, lay down a piece of tissue and set the wheels on top of it to air dry. If you skip this step, moisture will remain in the wheels and bearings, leading to other problems like rust.

Step 5: Clean the skate wheels’ bearings

Now, clean roller skate bearings. Give them a thorough wipe with just a towel or tissues. As these parts are made of metal, you should not soak them in any soapy water.

To complete, reassemble the components. Start with putting the bearings back in all the wheels. Then, slide the wheels on the axles and secure them by re-screwing the nuts.

Check that the nuts are loose enough for wheel mobility without sacrificing stability. A good approach to test them is by giving them a spin with your fingers. If they rattle, they need to be further tightened.

Optional Step: Lubricate the Now-Clean Skate Wheels

An additional step that you can take is lubricating your skate wheels. This can prevent wear and tear, as well as reduce friction. You should use a silicone-based lubricant. Apply a thin and even coat with a brush or rag.

The trick is to rotate the wheels after application. This helps spread the lubricant. Afterward, get rid of any excess with a clean rag.

Another Option You Can Consider

If you do not want to clean your roller skate wheels manually, you can consider availing yourself of a roller skate wheel cleaner machine. It will do all the hard work for you.

One example is the “Wheel Washer” from S.E. Skate Georgia. You just have to step on the pedal, which spins a brush to clean your wheels. It comes with a concentrated citrus-based cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Other things to keep in mind

• Check for wear & tear

While cleaning your roller skates at home, you should inspect them carefully for wear and tear, such as cracks in the wheels. It is incredibly important that you catch these sooner than later.

If you see any damage and deterioration signs, opt for replacements right away.

• Store your skates properly

Part of rollerblade maintenance is proper storage. After cleaning them, you must stow them away somewhere dry and cool. Be sure not to leave them anywhere with a lot of moisture, which can lead to rusting. Also, avoid dusty places.

How to clean rollerblade wheels without removing them?

You can scrub them with a sponge and isopropyl alcohol. It might be easier to use a toothbrush and Q tips for the parts that are hard to reach. This can take slightly more time and effort than the cleaning method above, but you will not have to go through the hassle of disassembling your skates.

How to clean rollerblade wheels without removing the bearings?

You can do this with the help of the WD-40 Multi-Use product. Simply spritz your skate wheels, use a microfiber cloth to wipe them clean, then give them time to dry. This cleaning product can also be used for cleaning the rubber seals on your skates.

Can you clean roller skate wheels with alcohol?

You certainly can. You should use isopropyl alcohol. It is best to use those with high concentrations, like 91 to 99 percent.

How often should you clean roller skate wheels?

We recommend cleaning them each time you skate. Regardless of whether you are skating inside or outside, your skates are bound to pick up some dirt, dust, and debris when you skate.

Thus, it is a good idea to wipe them down and prevent them from accumulating filth.

Also read: Can you use skateboard wheels on roller skates?

Conclusion

So, you have learned how to clean roller skate wheels. After a skating session, make sure to apply what you have read! Do not forget to carefully examine the state of your wheels and store them properly, as well.

Do you have any other tips and tricks for cleaning roller skate wheels? Share them with us in the comments down below. We (and other skaters) would love to hear from you. Do not hesitate to reach out!