How to Clean a Surfboard

Wax provides the grip necessary for you to stay atop your surfboard and execute those excellent maneuvers seen in all the magazines. Unfortunately, old wax can give your board an unsightly appearance. In time, with multiple applications, wax begins to obscure some of the graphics that perhaps attracted you to your surfboard in the first place. Its sticky nature tends to attract sand and dirt as well, and eventually your surfboard looks less like a work of art and more like a doormat. Cleaning it periodically restores your surfboard's appearance and original luster.

Things You'll Need

  • Wax comb
  • Clean rag
  • Methylated spirits
  • Detergent
  • Water
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Allow the top side of your surfboard to bake in the sun for approximately 30 minutes to soften the wax for easier removal.

    • 2

      Squat on the ground and place your surfboard face up across your thighs. Your thighs will absorb the pressure you apply to scraping your surfboard clean of old wax.

    • 3

      Use the narrow, blade end of a surfing wax come to scrape the wax clean from your surfboard. Remove as much of the wax as possible. Place the old, crumpled wax in a garbage can or someplace where you won't be stepping on it.

    • 4

      Dampen a clean rag with methylated spirits. Wipe down the the surface, and particularly any remaining wax, with the rag.

    • 5

      Allow the the spirits a moment to melt the remaining wax atop your surfboard.

    • 6

      Apply a few drops of cleaning detergent to the surface of your surfboard.

    • 7

      Use a sponge coupled with cold or room temperature water to wipe down the board entirely. Be sure and remove all traces of the methylated spirits and cleaning detergent.

    • 8

      Wipe the the board dry with a soft towel.