Skates used on the street quickly pick up sand, dust and grime. Dirty bearings hum and drag, wheels wear unevenly, and frame bolts rust and work loose, which spoils the ride and can cause a fall.
Inline skates and classic quads need the same care: wheels, bearings, frame and bolts, brake and boot. Most of it takes half an hour, and WD-40 Multi-Use handles the cleaning and metal protection.
What you will need
- WD-40 Multi-Use
- WD-40 Smart Straw for hard-to-reach spots
- an Allen key or skate tool
- microfibre cloths and an old toothbrush
- warm soapy water and some alcohol for the seals
- a paper clip or fine pick, shoe deodoriser
Important: Never leave WD-40 on the wheel running surface or the brake pad: wipe them completely dry after treatment or you will lose grip. Keep water away from the bearings, as it causes rust.
Step 1
Inspect your skates
Before every session, or at least once a month, check the wheels, brake and bolts. Wheels with worn edges or stepped wear need replacing, and loose bolts must be tightened.
You cannot see dirt in the bearings, but you can hear it: an unusual hum, grinding, or a wheel that stops quickly when spun by hand.
Step 2
Clean the wheels
Remove the wheels with an Allen key and take out the bearings so they stay dry. Soak the wheels in warm soapy water, scrub them with a brush and dry them.
If you would rather not remove the bearings, wipe the wheels with a cloth moistened with WD-40 Multi-Use, which lifts greasy road grime well, then wipe them dry.
Step 3
Clean the bearings and remove rust
After skating in the rain or through puddles, bearings can start to rust. Carefully prise off the rubber seals with a paper clip or fine pick.
Spray the bearing with WD-40 Multi-Use and spin it with a finger so it flushes out dirt and displaces moisture, then wipe it. Clean the seals with a cloth and a little alcohol, or with WD-40 if they are very dirty. Dry them and refit.
Step 4
Look after the frame, bolts and brake
Frames can be plastic, composite or aluminium. Entry-level ones are usually fixed and just need wiping. Remove a detachable aluminium frame, rinse it, scrub the threads and corners with a toothbrush, lift stubborn marks with WD-40 and dry it. A thin coat of WD-40 Multi-Use protects aluminium from corrosion.
When refitting, swap the most and least worn wheels so they wear evenly. Tighten the bolts first and only then treat the heads using the WD-40 Smart Straw. Check brake pad wear and replace it with the correct part number.
Step 5
Clean the boots
Clean leather skates with a leather cleaner and protect them with a conditioner. Synthetic leather and fabric just need warm soapy water. Take the laces out and wash them separately.
For odours, use a shoe deodoriser or a spray bottle of white vinegar. Dry the boots at room temperature, away from radiators.
Step 6
Store your skates properly
Keep skates in a dry place at a stable temperature. Before winter storage, stuff the boots with paper: it absorbs moisture, prevents mould and keeps their shape. An unheated garage or balcony is not suitable, as the metal will rust quickly.
Tip: Caught in the rain? Wipe your skates at home and spray the frame, bolts and bearings with
WD-40 Multi-Use: it displaces water before rust can start.
What next
Check your skates before every ride and give them a full clean once a month or after wet weather. Bikes and scooters follow similar rules, and WD-40 Multi-Use and WD-40 Smart Straw come in handy there too.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».