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Proper upkeep is essential for keeping your ice skates in prime condition and ensuring they perform optimally. By following these straightforward steps to care for ice skate blades and boots, you maximise the value of your purchase and improve your skating experience.
Wear Hard Guards When Walking Off the Ice
Ensure you always wear hard skate guards when stepping off the ice. This prevents the blades from dulling or incurring damage on tough surfaces like concrete or gravel. These guards serve as a protective shield for your skate blades' sensitive edges. Remember to remove them before storing your skates, as trapped moisture can cause rust.
Transport Skates Using Blade Covers or Soakers
After skating, replace your hard guards with soft blade covers—commonly known as soakers. These fabric covers absorb excess moisture and prevent your skate blades from bumping into each other, averting nicks or scratches. Transporting your skates in soakers also protects your bag from being torn by sharp edges.
Dry Your Blades to Avoid Rust
Immediately after use, wipe your skate blades with a clean, dry cloth or an old T-shirt. This vital step prevents rust, ensuring your blades remain sharp. If you're unsure how to get rid of rust on skate blades, regular drying can significantly reduce rust risk, saving you from more involved ice skate repairs later.
Ventilate Soles and Liners Separately
Post skating, remove the soles and dry them separately from the liners at room temperature. Avoid heaters or direct sunlight since excessive heat might warp synthetic materials, changing the fit and feel of your skates. This step curtails mould and bacteria growth, keeping your skates fresh. If your skates have removable liners, take them out to boost ventilation further.
Store Skates with Soakers
Don’t store your skates with hard blade guards. Instead, use terrycloth soakers or other moisture-absorbing covers to dry the blades. Storing skates in hard guards can trap moisture, resulting in rust and corrosion. Ensure your skates are fully dry before storing them.
Use Acid-Free Oil for Long-Term Storage
If you won’t be using your skates for an extended period, safeguard your blades by applying a light coating of acid-free oil. This forms a barrier against moisture and air, preventing rust from forming. Just a few drops along each blade suffice.
Ensure Regular Sharpening of Your Ice Skates
Consistent sharpening is imperative for maintaining ultimate control and performance on the ice. Dull blades can hinder skating and escalate injury risk. Depending on how frequently you skate, consider sharpening every 15-20 hours of use. Sharp blades improve grip, allowing fluid, precise motion. Consult a professional or reference a guide on ice skate sharpening for optimal results.
Adhering to these straightforward steps will allow you to enjoy your skates for many years while preserving their performance and look. For additional tips on ice skates, please peruse our buyer's guide, where you can learn about sizing and the various types of ice skates available.
