How to Whiten Skis

Skis are built to handle countless trips up and down your favorite slope. But after a heavy season of use, it's almost a certainty that your pair will be in poor cosmetic condition. Dried wax, caked-on dirt and powdery road salt can soil any pair of skis, especially white ones. Brighten up your pair before hitting the slopes in wintertime, or once the skiing season has officially ended.

Things You'll Need

  • Old newspapers
  • C-clamp vise
  • Thick plastic scraper
  • Latex gloves
  • Spray bottle
  • Citrus solvent
  • Soft cloth
  • Plastic bristled scrub brush (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread several sheets of old newspaper beneath your table or work surface to capture old wax shavings.

    • 2

      Secure the first ski to your work surface using a C-clamp vise. Unscrew the vise so that its opening is wide enough to fit the ski and the work surface, then screw it shut over both.

    • 3

      Place the edge of your thick plastic scraper tool at one end of the ski. Scrape the old wax, caked-on dirt and road salt off of the ski by applying firm pressure and pushing the tool forward. Continue until most of the residue is removed and the ski's surface is visible.

    • 4

      Open the clamp, remove the first ski and replace it with the second. Repeat Step 3 for the second ski.

    • 5

      Place both skis side by side on your work surface. Put on a pair of latex gloves. Fill a plastic spray bottle to capacity with citrus solvent.

    • 6

      Spray a generous amount of citrus solvent over both skis. Allow the solvent to degrade any remaining residue for 10 to 20 minutes before flipping both of the skis over. Apply a coat of solvent to the bottom and allow another 10 to 20 minutes to pass.

    • 7

      Wipe the solvent off both sides with a soft cloth. If any stubborn patches of dirt or wax remain on the skis, spray solvent onto a bristled scrub brush and rub the area vigorously.