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Ice Skate Upkeep: 7 Easy Steps
Proper upkeep is essential for maintaining your ice skates in prime condition, ensuring they function optimally. By following these easy guidelines for caring for your ice skates' blades and boots, you will maximise your investment and improve your skating experience.
Utilise Hard Skate Guards When Leaving the Ice
It's important to use hard skate guards when you're not on the ice. This practice protects the blades from dulling or damage on hard surfaces such as concrete or gravel. These guards serve as a protective layer, safeguarding the fragile edges of your skate blades. Ensure you remove them before storing your skates to prevent moisture entrapment, which can result in rust.
Employ Blade Covers or Soakers While Transporting
Once you're done skating, switch the hard guards for soft blade covers, known as soakers. These fabric covers help absorb excess moisture and prevent the blades from striking against one another, which could cause nicks or scratches. Storing your skates in soakers also protects your bag from being damaged by sharp edges.
Dry Your Blades to Avoid Corrosion
Use a clean, dry cloth or an old T-shirt to immediately dry your skate blades after use. This action is vital in avoiding rust, keeping the blades sharp. If you're curious about rust removal from skate blades, regular wiping and drying can significantly reduce the risk, thus preventing the need for extensive skate repairs later on.
Ventilate the Soles and Liners Separately
Post-skating, remove the soles and allow them to air dry apart from the liners at room temperature. Refrain from using heaters or direct sunlight, as too much heat can warp the synthetic materials, altering the feel and fit of your skates. This step hinders mould and bacteria growth, preserving the freshness of your skates. If your skates come with removable liners, take them out to enhance ventilation even more.
Store Your Skates with Soakers On
Avoid using hard guards to store your skates. Instead, choose terrycloth soakers or other moisture-absorbing covers that keep the blades dry. Placing your skates in hard guards during storage can trap moisture, causing rust and corrosion. Make absolutely sure your skates are completely dry before you put them away.
Apply Acid-Free Oil for Long-Term Blade Storage
For prolonged storage, protect your skate blades with a thin coating of acid-free oil. This acts as a moisture and air barrier, preventing rust from forming. A few drops along each blade's length are sufficient.
Sharpen Your Ice Skates Often
Keeping your skates sharp is vital for optimal performance and safety on the ice. Blades that are not sharpened can complicate skating and increase injury risk. Depending on the frequency of your skating, consider sharpening every 15-20 hours of use. Sharp blades improve grip, facilitating smooth, precise movements. Consult a professional or follow a guide on sharpening ice skates for the best outcomes.
By adhering to these straightforward steps, you can enjoy your skates for many years while preserving their appearance and performance. For further ice skate advice, feel free to consult our ice skates buyer’s guide, where you will find information on sizing and various types of ice skates.
