How to Clean and Maintain a Longboard

Longboarding can be fun and healthy… but it comes with a price. To keep up with the experience and comfort, the longboard user needs to ensure its maintenance. Not only that, but it will also ensure that their longboard will remain usable for a long time. A well-maintained longboard will go a long way and save you money.

A longboard has many components that require care and cleaning in different ways, using different materials. Let’s have a look at these components are various ways of keeping them in motion. Let’s get started!

Periodic Maintenance goes a long way

A longboard consists of multiple components such as the Deck, bearings and bolts, and Wheels. Typically, when a buyer purchases a new longboard, maintenance is not required for a few weeks, depending on the usage and quality of the board’s components. However, after some time, it is advisable to perform periodic cleaning activity to ensure the board’s longevity and durability. The materials and tools required for it might cost you some extra bucks, but it will be worth the expenditure. If you are on a budget, you can use some common tools and chemicals that are either available at home or cost-effective.

How to clean the deck of the Longboard?

The longboard deck is the most exposed area and is susceptible to heat, water, and dirt damage, making it less powerful and eventually at risk of cracking and breaking. If your deck is soaked during riding and cruising, always ensure that it is fully dry afterward. Keep your board indoor and preferably under a cover bag to protect it from harmful elements. Below is the method to keep your deck clean and in optimal condition:

• Unscrew and carefully remove the trucks from the back of your longboard.
• Make a mixture of warm water and soap. Take a nylon or stiff bristle brush, dip it in a soapy solution and scrub it gently in a circular motion around the grip tape to remove any accumulated dirt.
• You can also use a medium-hard toothbrush instead of a nylon brush.
• Now, take some clean water and soak a soap-free sponge in it. When saturated, move it to the grip tape on your longboard to clean residual soap.
• If your board becomes damp, dry it instantly as a waterlogged board can cause bending and cracking.
• Now flip the board, and clean the bottom side with warm water and a clean sponge. Longboards are not usually built for tricks, so the bottom of your board might still be a bit smoother.
• Remove all the dirt and debris from the board, but avoid wetting the metal parts underneath.
• Using a cotton towel, dry the whole board so that there is no moisture left on it.

Finally, place your longboard in a dry place for three hours and leave to dry out completely. When it’s dry, just use an adjustable wrench to put your trucks back in their spot.

How to clean the bearings of the Longboard?

Bearings are small round pieces of metal found inside each wheel. The consistency and efficiency of your longboard bearings are essential for a comfortable ride. Like a longboard deck, bearings can quickly rust or grab debris if you’re using it in an area with dirt and dust. Thus, it is always good to clean them thoroughly after rainy days or riding on dusty roads.

• To remove the bearing, first unscrew the wheel carefully from its axle. And after that position the wheel over the edge of the axle and then use it as a leverage to pull the bearing out of the wheel.
  There is going to be a plastic or metal cover that normally sits over the bearings. Carefully remove this bearing cover with the help of a flathead screwdriver. To pull the cover out of the bearing, push the screwdriver downwards.
• Now, soak the bearings in a solvent or solution that will extract dirt and grease from them, such as acetone. You can also place your bearings in a jar full of acetone solution and shake it for a few minutes until all the dirt is separated from the bearings.
• Take the clean bearings out of the solution and lay them on a dry paper towel. Now, dry them using a hairdryer at its maximum setting until all the moisture has disappeared.
• Don’t forget to re-grease your longboard bearing to increase their longevity. Use lubricating oil that is specifically formulated to help grease bearings of a longboard.
• Position the bearing back in place and clip it on. Please ensure that the bearing is secure so that there are no gaps for dirt and dust to reach your bearing.
• Lastly, mount the wheels back to the longboard and you’re good to go.

How to clean the wheels of the Longboard?

It’s so painful to watch the perfect new wheels of your longboard get all messy and nasty. This is not a concern for most surfers, it’s indeed part of sport to have dirty longboard wheels and it indicates they are skating. However, it’s good to give them a thorough cleaning frequently to make them look shiny and new.

• Flip over your board and remove the wheels carefully by using a skate tool.
• And after that position the wheel over the edge of the axle and then use it as a leverage to pull the bearing out of the wheel. Remove all the bearings and keep them safely.
• Wipe clean any accumulated dirt or rocks stuck in the wheel with the help of a washcloth.
• You can use Mr. Clean magic eraser, however if you wouldn’t want to purchase one, there’s also an option you always have at home. In a full-sized tub, add some dishwashing liquid and then top with warm water.
• Place the wheels into the tub and allow them to soak for 10-15 minutes or so.
• Take out the wheels and exfoliate them with the soapy mixture and a brush/sponge. To really get into the nooks and crannies, a toothbrush is always preferred.
• Pat dry your wheels with a paper towel or cotton cloth.
• Now put all the bearings back into the wheels properly. Force down the wheel until the bearings are firmly seated.
• Lastly, place your new sparkling wheels back on the longboard.

Final Word

And there you have it! We have briefly explained how to clean longboards to keep extending your longboard’s life to the maximum possible limit while enjoying a pleasing longboarding experience. And by doing so, you would be able to participate in extreme sports in challenging terrain such as muddy and rocky. Most of the tools and products required are either normally available at home or are easy and cost-effective to purchase. Periodic maintenance will save you the cost of replacing your boards and also keep the look and feel intact for the longboard.