How to wash ice skates can be a daunting task for many people, especially when it’s your first time. Nonetheless, it’s a straightforward exercise that shouldn’t be a brainer, nor should it take much of your time.
If you don’t clean your ice skates often, they can accumulate harmful bacteria, become smelly and unsafe for use. But that’s what you want to avoid because it can make you uncomfortable when in the company of other ice skaters.
Cleaning ice skates is procedural. It starts with cleaning the outside then proceeding to the inside. In this post, I walk you through the step-by-step procedure on how to wash ice skates. You’ll also discover more tips on how to keep your ice skates in perfect condition.
So, without much ado, let’s get to it!
How to Clean the Outside of Your Ice Skates
To start us off, we’ll start by cleaning the outside of the skates. Below is how to go about this first phase of how to clean your ice skates.
1. Remove the laces and insoles
Start by removing the laces and insoles off your ice skates. Then, have enough hot water ready in a basin. Add about 10 ml to 20 ml of laundry detergent, then stir the water. You can always add a generous amount of laundry detergent, depending on how dirty the laces are.
Next, put the laces in the basin and let them submerge completely into the soapy water for half an hour. You can also soak them longer than this, especially when they’re too dirty. Lastly, use some clean water to rinse the laces. Then, allow them to dry as you clean other parts of the ice skate.
2. Wipe the Blades Clean
Grab a small piece of clothing and use it to wipe clean the blades. This helps to clear any moisture on the blades that can cause rusting. But what if there’s already some rust on the blades? How should you go about it? You could be wondering. This is also straightforward, and you don’t need to stress over it!
Buy some WD-40, then spray a generous amount of it on the ice skate blades. Next, use a scouring pad to scrub the rust as soon as WD-40 dissolves rust. Keep spraying and scrubbing until all rust is gone. Lastly, use your blade protectors to cover the blades when they’re completely clean, dry, and rust-free.
3. Use water to clean the Exterior
At this stage, you’re halfway through and what’s left is also pretty straightforward. First, pour some water into a basin, then add a generous amount of liquid dish detergent. Next, use a sponge to stir the water and liquid soap, allowing them to mix and lather.
Wring out excess water, then use the sponge to wipe clean your skate exterior. Start by cleaning one side to perfection or near perfection before switching to the other pair. During this time, you want to aim for all dirt and dust on the exterior surface.
That said, a melamine foam sponge comes to the rescue when dealing with tough and stubborn stains on the skates exterior. So, you want to get some in case you run into this problem.
4. Dry the Skates with a Clean Towel
Grab a clean towel and use it to dry the skates’ exterior surfaces. The towel should soak all water on the surface, including ones that are hidden. Remember, the water can damage the leather or the blades and sometimes both. So, you want to be thorough when wiping the skates dry.
How to Clean the Inside of Your Ice Skates
This is the last phase when cleaning your ice skates. We had already removed the insoles in the first step. Next, we want to clean them, including the interiors, to make them clean, odor-free, and safe for use. The good news is, there’s not one but several ways to go about it. So, let’s get to it!
Different ways to clean the inside of Your Ice Skates
- Use Vinegar: Vinegar leaves your insoles and skate interiors clean and bacteria-free. Start by adding a generous amount of Vinegar to the washcloth or clean towel. Then, use the washcloth to clean the insole top side until it’s clean to your satisfaction. Switch to the bottom side and do the same. Lastly, use the washcloth to clean the interiors, removing all dirt and clearing any odor. Finally, allow the skates to air dry completely.
- Use some baking soda, then mix it with some water to create a solution.
- Use commercial sports deodorizer spray.
- Use some soap and water.
P.S: The steps remain the same regardless of which method you’re using. Try each of these methods every time you clean your ice skates for a wholesome new experience. This also helps to keep the skates fresh, clean, and comfortable to wear. It’ll also help restore your confidence, especially when skating in the company of other skaters at the ice skating rinks.
How to Store Your Ice Skates after Cleaning
Cleaning your ice skates is one thing and storing them is another. So after cleaning them, you want to ensure they’re stored in a dry and safe place away from moisture. If you’re wondering how to go about it, I’ll show you how in a few. So let’s get to it!
- Use blade protectors like ice skating soakers to absorb any moisture left on the blades or skate surface.
- Put the skates in a skate bag, then store the bag in a dry place.
Other Tips to Take care of Your Ice Skating Shoes
Ice skating shoes can be pretty costly. That’s why you want to take care of what you’ve got, especially when you’re not ready to spend money on another pair. So, apart from cleaning the inside and outside of the ice skates, what else can you do to take good care of your skates? You could be asking.
- Always check the mounts, bolts, and screws because you never know when they need tightening or are worn out and need repair or replacement.
- Always air dry your ice skates at room temperature to protect the leather.
- Use ice skate silicone to keep the leather in good condition.
- Always allow proper air circulation into the skates after every session to prevent stuffiness and bad odor. Therefore, you should always loosen the skates laces and leave the tongue in an upright position.
How to Wash Ice Skates | Final thoughts
How to wash ice skates can be a hassle to some beginners and intermediate skaters. However, if you stick to this simple-to-follow guide, nothing should be able to stop you. Washing your skates regularly is the right thing to do when ice skating is your passion.
It’s important to wash your ice skates at least once a week or as the need arises. Cleaning with the right materials helps maintain the ice skates healthy, sweet-smelling, and fun to skate in. I hope you found this guide helpful.
