Absolutely, you can effectively clean these delicate components of your skateboard using common household items! It’s completely safe as long as you’re comfortable with disassembling and reassembling the bearings and are aware of which household items are suitable for the task.
Materials Needed:
- Household cleaner (isopropyl alcohol or citrus-based cleaner)
- Container (small plastic container or glass jar)
- Paper towels or clean cloth
- Needle or pin
- Skateboard tool or screwdriver
- Lubricant (skateboard bearing oil or light machine oil)
- Optional: old toothbrush or soft-bristle brush
Steps:
Prepare Your Work Area:
Choose a well-ventilated and clean area to work in. Lay down some paper towels or a cloth to catch any dirt or excess liquid.
Remove Bearings from Wheels:
Use your skateboard tool or wrench or any other screwdriver to remove the wheels from your skateboard. This will give you access to the bearings.
Remove Shields (if applicable):
Some skateboard bearings have removable shields on each side. These shields can be gently popped off using a needle or pin. If your bearings don’t have removable shields, skip this step.
Place Bearings in Container:
Place the removed bearings into a small container or glass jar. You can clean multiple bearings at once if they fit comfortably.
Add Cleaner:
Pour enough isopropyl alcohol or citrus-based cleaner into the container to fully submerge the bearings. The cleaner will help dissolve dirt, grime, and old lubricant.
Agitate Bearings:
Swirl the container gently to agitate the cleaner and help dislodge dirt and debris. You can also gently shake the container.
Brush Bearings (Optional):
If your bearings are particularly dirty, you can use an old toothbrush or a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the bearings while they’re submerged in the cleaner.
Rinse and Dry:
Remove the bearings from the cleaner and rinse them thoroughly under running water. Make sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. Pat the bearings dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
Inspect Bearings:
Check the bearings for any remaining dirt or debris. Use the needle or pin to remove any stubborn particles carefully.
Lubricate Bearings:
Apply a small amount of skateboard bearing oil or light machine oil to each bearing. Spin the bearings to distribute the oil evenly. Avoid over-lubricating, as excess oil can attract dirt.
Reassemble and Test:
Place the shields back onto the bearings (if applicable) and reassemble your skateboard. Attach the wheels and tighten them securely. Spin the wheels to ensure they rotate smoothly.
Final Check:
Give your skateboard a test ride to make sure the bearings are working well, and the wheels spin freely. If needed, repeat the cleaning process or lubrication to achieve the desired performance.
Conclusion:
By following the steps outlined and exercising caution during the disassembly and reassembly process, you can successfully clean your skateboard bearings using readily available materials.If you have any thoughts to share about this, I’d be glad to hear them.Your feedback is highly valued and appreciated.
