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Maintaining Ice Skates: 7 Easy Steps
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your ice skates stay in prime condition, maximising their performance. By adhering to these straightforward steps for taking care of your ice skate blades and boots, you'll optimise your investment and enrich your skating experience.
Utilise Hard Skate Guards Whilst Off the Ice
Ensure you are using hard skate guards whenever you're off the ice. This helps prevent your blades from becoming blunt or damaged on hard surfaces such as concrete or gravel. These guards serve as a protective shield, safeguarding the delicate edges of your skate blades. Always remember to remove them before storing your skates, as moisture might get trapped inside, causing rust.
Employ Blade Covers or Soakers During Transit
Post-skating, swap the hard guards for soft blade covers, often referred to as soakers. These soft fabric covers absorb excess moisture and prevent your skate blades from knocking against each other, which could cause nicks or scratches. Travelling with your skates in soakers also shields your bag from being torn by the sharp edges.
Dry Your Blades to Avert Rust
Use a clean, dry cloth or an old T-shirt to dry your skate blades immediately after use. This step is vital to deter rusty blades, aiding in maintaining their sharpness. If you're curious about rust removal from skate blades, regular wiping and drying can reduce the chance of rust formation, saving you from more extensive skate repairs later on.
Let the Soles and Liners Dry Separately
Post-skating, extract the soles and allow them to dry away from the liners at room temperature. Avoid using heaters or direct sunlight, as excessive heat can warp the synthetic materials, altering the fit and feel of your skates. This prevents mould and bacteria build-up, keeping your skates fresh. If your skates feature removable liners, remove them to aid ventilation further.
Store Your Skates With Soakers
Avoid keeping your skates with hard ice skate blade guards. Instead, opt for terrycloth soakers or other moisture-absorbing skate covers to maintain dryness. Storing with hard guards can trap moisture, leading to rust and corrosion. Ensure your skates are completely dry before storing them away.
Apply Acid-Free Oil for Long-Term Protection
If you won't be using your skates for an extended duration, safeguard your blades by applying a thin layer of acid-free oil. This will form a barrier against moisture and air, preventing rust formation on your blades. A few drops along the blade length will suffice.
Regular Sharpening of Your Ice Skates
Regular sharpening is essential for maintaining optimum control and performance on the ice. Dull blades may impede skating ease and increase injury risk. Depending on usage frequency, consider sharpening them every 15-20 hours of use. Sharp blades enhance grip, enabling smooth, precise movements. Consult a professional or follow a guide on sharpening skates for the best outcomes.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your skates for many years, maintaining their performance and appearance. For additional insights on ice skates, please peruse our ice skates buyer's guide, where you'll find information on sizing and the different kinds of ice skates.
