How to Clean Skateboard Bearings? Try Out Multiple Methods

Like most skateboarders, you probably love the feeling of cruising on your board. But your skateboard bearings can get dirty with regular use, slowing you down. Nothing is more frustrating than a slow or squeaky ride. Fear not, and I’m here to help you out.

This article will show you how to clean skateboard bearings at home with some household items you already have. Whether you prefer using isopropyl alcohol, WD-40, acetone, lemon, or even no lube, I’ve all covered for you. Keep reading to find out how to keep your bearings clean and your board rolling smoothly.

Before we start cleaning, we need to prepare our bearings.

• Gather all the necessary materials, including a skate tool, a clean towel or rag, a bowl, and your cleaning solution of choice.
• Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area because some solvents can be harsh.
• Once you’re ready, remove the bearings from the skateboard. You can use the skate tool to unscrew the bolts that hold the wheels in place.
• Gently pop out the bearings with a screwdriver or the skate tool, careful not to damage them. Once you’ve got all the bearings out, it’s time to clean.

Isopropyl alcohol is a fantastic choice for cleaning your skateboard bearings. It’s readily available at most drugstores, affordable, and does a great job dissolving dirt and grime.

• Start by pouring the isopropyl alcohol into a bowl to cover the bearings.
• You can add a few bearings but keep the bowl cool.
• Give the bowl a gentle swirl to ensure the bearings are coated with the alcohol.
• Let them soak for about 5 minutes, then use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to scrub away any dirt and grime.
• Rinse the bearings with water and let them dry completely before reassembling them.

After the cleaning, your bearings should be as good as new.

While lubrication is essential for keeping your bearings running smoothly, sometimes you should clean your bearings without adding lube afterwards. This is especially true if you switch to a different type of lubricant. Here’s how to clean skateboard bearings without lube:

• To clean your bearings without lube, you can use the same process as with isopropyl alcohol. Just skip the part where you apply lubricant.
• When you’re done cleaning and drying your bearings, they may not spin as freely as before, but that’s okay.

You can always add lubricant later if needed. Cleaning your bearings regularly will help them last longer and perform better in the long run.

WD-40 is a popular choice for cleaning skateboard bearings because it not only cleans but also lubricates them. Follow the instructions below to learn how to clean skateboard bearings with WD40:

• Spray a small amount of WD-40 into a bowl and add the bearings.
• Swirl them around for a few minutes to let the WD-40 penetrate dirt and grime.
• Then use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining debris.
• Once you’re done, rinse the bearings thoroughly and dry them.
• Be sure to let them air out and dry thoroughly before reassembling them.

While WD-40 is an excellent cleaner and lubricant, it’s not a substitute for proper skateboard-bearing lubricant.

Acetone is another powerful solvent that can be used to clean skateboard bearings. It’s excellent at dissolving grease and other tough grime. So, how to clean skateboard bearings with acetone?

• Pour some acetone into a bowl and soak the bearings for several minutes.
• Then, use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to scrub any remaining dirt.
• Rinse the bearings thoroughly with water and dry them completely before reassembling them.

However, be aware that acetone is highly flammable, and you should take extra care when using it. Also, avoid using acetone with rubber or plastic parts on bearings, as it can cause damage.

Lemon is an all-natural alternative to harsh chemicals for cleaning skateboard bearings. And you must know how to clean skateboard bearings with lemon.

• Cut a lemon in half and squeeze some juice into a bowl.
• Add the bearings and let them soak for a few minutes.
• Then, use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and grime.
• Lemon not only cleans the bearings but also leaves them smelling fresh.
• Rinse the bearings thoroughly with water and dry them completely before reassembling them.

While lemon is a gentle cleaner, it may be less effective than other methods for removing tough grime.

Cleaning skateboard bearings with metal shields requires extra care to avoid damaging the shields. Here’s how to clean skateboard bearings with metal shields.

• Start by removing the shields using a pin or needle.
• Then, use one of the earlier methods to clean the bearings themselves.

After Cleaning:

• Dry the bearings thoroughly before replacing the shields.
• When returning the shields, ensure they are aligned correctly and press them in gently.
• Be careful not to damage the shields or the bearings during this process.

Keeping the shields clean and well-maintained is essential for the proper functioning and longevity of the bearings.