Maintenance of Roller Skates: Caring Tips for Longevity

As an avid skater myself, taking good care of my wheels and equipment is a top priority so I can keep gliding smoothly for years to come. So whether you use your skates recreationally or rely on them for cardio fitness routines, here is my guide to proper Maintenance of Roller Skates for maximum longevity and performance.

Maintenance of Roller Skates Basics: Cleaning Your Skates 

The first step to roller skate maintenance is keeping them clean – free of dirt, debris and grime that can quickly deteriorate wheels and bearings. Here are my go-to cleaning tips:

• Remove laces and pads: Take out shoelaces and removable padding to better access all surfaces. Having these parts out of the way helps you clean the boot more thoroughly.

   

• Use skate soaps sparingly: Some gentle skate soaps can remove dirt and residue, but only use them sparingly as excess moisture can break down adhesives over time. I lightly scrub stains and wipe skates down with only a damp cloth.

   

• Spot clean tough stains: For stubborn stains on suede or leather boots, use a suede eraser, brush or old toothbrush with light skate soap or detergent to lift residue. Take care not to excessively scrub or soak leather parts that can tear when wet.

   

• Dry thoroughly: After wiping skates down, I stuff them with newspaper or paper towels to absorb excess moisture and speed up drying time. Let them air dry completely before skating to prevent mold or deterioration.

Shield Your Wheels from Damage

Your skate wheels take quite a pounding with each stride and spin. From small rocks to sidewalk cracks, debris and rough surfaces can quickly chip and reduce wheel tread, slow you down, impact performance and require premature replacement. Some ways to shield wheels include:

• Rotate regularly: Rotating wheels around the axle bolt every few sessions helps distribute wear evenly so they continue gripping and spinning smoothly. I rotate after every 4-5 outdoor skates.

   

• Carry a small brush: Packing a cutip brush is useful for quickly brushing small pebbles or glass shards out of wheels before they become embedded and cause damage. My backpack brush has been a wheel saver!

   

• Consider protective shields: For outdoor skating especially, many advanced skaters install plastic or rubber hub shield guards around their wheels to deflect rocks and stray grit. While adding weight, shields let you skate more terrain worry-free.

   

• Avoid excess moisture: While cleaning skates is important, avoid soaking wheels in water or letting them sit wet for long. Water can corrode axles and loosen or damage delicate wheel components over time.  

Lubricating and Replacing Bearings   

Your skate bearings are essential components that allow wheels to efficiently spin around axle bolts. But dirt, moisture and years of use can gradually slow bearings down, reducing performance. Here’s how to keep them fast:

• Clean regularly: Using skate bearing cleaner fluid and a paper towel, periodically spin and wipe each bearing to lift grease and buildup. Dirty bearings reduce swiftness dramatically.

   

• Lubricate after cleaning: Once wiped down, put a couple fresh drops of skate lubricant into each bearing, spin the wheel for distribution and wipe any excess. This reduces friction and noise while protecting against corrosion.

   

• Monitor sound and spin: If wheels start sounding gritty or don’t maintain free, long spins, the bearings likely need a deeper clean or replacement. Gradual increased resistance is another sign bearings are wearing out.

   

• Consider ceramic upgrades: While pricier, I’m a big fan of upgrading to pro-grade ceramic bearings which maintain momentum longer and require less cleaning than standard metal bearings. They are smoother, faster and more resistant to weathering.

Inspect Boots and Hardware  

The plates, trucks, cushions and other non-wheel components of skates also need periodic inspection and occasional upgrading to keep you rolling fluidly. Here’s where to look:

• Plates/trucks: These connect boots to wheels and take a lot of grinding from lateral motion and turns. Inspect closely for cracks or loosening screws and replace damaged parts immediately. Loose trucks severely impact control and balance.

   

• Toe stops: The rubber stops on skate toes wear down surprisingly fast with outdoor use on rough asphalt, eventually becoming ineffective. Keep multiple replacement toe stops on hand for easy swapping when treads flatten.

   

• Insoles: These compress with pressure and miles over time. Replace insoles twice a year or when cushioning feels compressed or unevenly worn through. Proper shock absorption prevents foot, knee or hip pain.

   

• Laces: Check lace condition every few months, replacing any with tears or damage. Fraying laces can snap mid-skate and lead to trips or falls. I’ve face-planted from busted laces getting wrapped in wheels – not fun!

Proper Storage Extends Skate Life  

How you store skates between sessions has a big impact on equipment lifespan too. Ideal skate storage helps prevent mold, maintains structural integrity and keeps gear secure. My best tips:  

• Remove laces/pads: As with cleaning, taking out removable items allows boots to fully air out to prevent mold or bad odors from sweaty linings.

   

• Keep skates dry: Before storage, use paper towels or newspaper to absorb interior moisture. I also use boot deodorizing balls or moisture absorber packs in my skates.

   

• Store upright with support: Let skates fully air dry, then store upright with tongues pulled out to retain shape. I keep mine stuffed with paper inside sturdy skate bags.

   

• Avoid temperature extremes: Don’t store skates long-term in hot attics or freezing garages which can degrade materials. Room temperature spaces are ideal.

Performing consistent roller skate maintenance like cleaning, inspecting, replacing worn parts and proper storage may take a bit of extra time up front. But keeping your skates in peak condition ensures you get the most mileage possible out of your investment while letting you focus on perfecting skills and having fun once the wheels hit the rails or trail.

And taking good care of your gear ensures you’ll be ready to suit up in comfortable, supportive skates whenever the urge to get moving strikes for an uplifting outdoor workout. So grab your bearing lube and replacement laces, then go log some happy miles knowing your trusty skates have plenty of smooth journeys ahead!

As always, let me know if you have any other roller skate care questions. Whether you want recommendations on upgrade parts, customization tips or boot repair tricks, I’m here to help you keep your skates performing beautifully for seasons of fun fitness and recreation ahead!