How to Clean Longboard Wheels

Longboarding, the original form of "sidewalk surfing," has experienced a surge of popularity in recent years among riders of all ages. While shortboard skateboards are used primarily for tricks and riding on ramps and skate parks, longboards are used to cruise around town and bomb giant hills. Proper maintenance of your longboard will extend its lifespan and will save you money. It is important to occasionally inspect and clean your wheels, a process that requires only common household items.

Things You'll Need

  • Skate tool
  • Dishwasher soap
  • Water
  • Bucket
  • Towel or rag
  • Tweezers
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Set down your longboard on a flat surface, such as a table, with the wheels facing up. Use a skate tool, an Allen wrench-like tool designed to assemble and dissemble skateboards, to remove the bolts on each of the wheels. Remove the bearings, using the axle of the trucks to pry them off gently.

    • 2

      Fill a bucket with warm water and two tablespoons of dishwasher soap. Place all four of the longboard wheels into the solution for five minutes.

    • 3

      Remove the wheels and wipe clean with a cloth rag or towel. Dry them as best that you can with a towel and allow the wheels to air dry until completely dry.

    • 4

      Inspect the wheels for any tiny rocks, debris, or gunk and remove by rubbing with a pair of tweezers. Replace the bearings using the axle and reattach the wheels using the skate tool. Make sure the wheels are reattached securely before using the longboard.