Mastering to control a longboard takes a lot of skill and practice. Longboarding is a super fun way to pass your free time. Now before starting to ride a longboard, you need to select a perfect longboard for you, then you learn how to ride and after a time you become perfect at it.
Well, if you reached that level then Congratulations! But your job isn’t finished yet. You just got another responsibility to fulfill and that is to ensure a long lifetime for your longboard. And how do you do that? Simple, you take good care of it by keeping it clean.
Experts say to clean your longboard after every 50 hours of riding. Now if you are a longboard owner and you decide to clean your longboard then this read is for you. Here, I will discuss briefly how you can keep your longboard clean and tidy.
As for the time when you are not using it, make sure to keep it indoor in a cool and shaded place.
Let’s begin.
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How To Clean a Longboard
First Things First
There are two variations available: Longboard skateboards and Longboard surfboards. In the case of cleaning, the type doesn’t matter because it applies for both.
Before starting to clean, you must know which parts you need to clean in this process. Basically, the cleaning process is for the deck area, the surface, the bearings, and the wheels.
Gathering the Supplies
Now you need to collect some things for this cleaning process. It’s not much, just some tools and cleaning supplies. Like
- Socket wrench
- Mineral spirits or Kerosene
- Nylon brush
- Dish soap or detergent
- Clean water
- Sponge
- Towel
After gathering them we can proceed with the cleaning part.
The Deck is Our Starting Point
At first, we will focus on the deck of your longboard. The deck can be in trouble if it is exposed to water or too much sun exposure. The water will make it weak and it can even break or crack. So, dry it off immediately if it is soaked.
On the other hand, if the board is exposed in the sun for a long time then the deck can become fragile. So you will have to make sure to keep the deck away from them.
Now to clean the deck. First, remove the truck from both sides of the board. Use the socket wrench for that. Mix soap or detergent in water. Then, use a nylon brush to clean off the deck’s surface with the soapy water. To clean the area of the grip tape side use circular motion with the brush.
Now use the sponge and clean water to wash out the soap from the deck. Perform the same procedure for the surface area also.
After cleaning it properly dry off the remaining water with a clean towel and then leave it to dry off for at least 3 or 4 hours.
Bearings are Worth Cleaning
You know you need to take special care of the bearings because they make sure you have a smooth and fast ride. If it starts making any squeaking noise and it doesn’t run smoothly then there is some problem.
To clean the bearings, you will have to detach them from the wheels. Then, remove the rubber shield which will be inside the bearings. Take them out using a flathead screwdriver or a pin. Be extra careful not to damage the shield.
Now dip the bearings in the Mineral spirits or kerosene in a pot. Shake the pot for a couple of minutes. It will remove dirt or grease if there is any. It will also ensure that the bearings don’t become rusty.
Completely dry them off after the process. You can use a hairdryer to do it.
Checking The Wheels
Experts suggest to rotate the wheels of a longboard in every few weeks to make sure that they handle the pressure equally. The wheels are likely to deteriorate faster on one side than the other. If your wheels show signs of wear or tear then you should replace them as soon as possible to avoid any accidents.
Well, now you know how to keep your dearest ride clean and shiny. Check them once in a while to make sure there isn’t anything to worry about.
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