Gliding across the ice feels magical, but your performance and safety depends on one crucial factor: how well you take care of your skates.
Knowing how to maintain your ice skates can make a world of difference.
Properly maintained skates not only last longer but also provide better control, smoother movements, and reduce the risk of unexpected accidents on the ice.
In this guide, I’ll give you nine essential tips to keep your skates in top condition.
#1 Dry Them After Every Use
This is a really important step in taking care of your skates.
Your blades get wet during skating and can start rusting if you don’t dry them properly.
Take a clean, dry cloth and wipe off any snow or ice from the blades and boots as soon as you finish skating. Make sure to pay extra attention to the blade hollow and edges.
If you can take out the insoles, do that and let them dry separately – it keeps moisture from getting trapped inside.
Don’t try to speed up drying with radiators or hair dryers though, because that can damage the leather and harm your boots.
Also Read: 6 Basic Ice Skating Skills For Hockey
#2 Use Blade Covers
Your blades need protection when you’re not skating. Get yourself two types of covers:
- Soft guards for walking around the rink
- Hard guards for storing them
Soft guards are usually made of terrycloth or similar fabric and are perfect for short-term use.
Hard guards are usually made of plastic and provide more robust protection for storage.
Just remember not to store your skates with soft guards on because they can trap moisture and cause rust. Always dry your blades completely before putting on any type of cover.
Keep a spare set of guards handy in case one breaks or gets lost.
When putting guards on, make sure they fit properly and cover the entire blade, including the toe pick if you have figure skates.
#3 Sharpen Your Blades
Getting your blades sharpened regularly makes a big difference in how well you can control your skating.
The timing depends on how much you skate – if you’re a recreational skater, aim for every 30-40 hours of ice time. Competitive skaters usually need more frequent sharpening.
Make sure to find a qualified technician who knows about different skating styles and can give you the right hollow depth for your skating.
Pay attention to how your skates feel on the ice – if you notice decreased control, especially during stops or turns, it’s probably time for a sharpening.
New skates typically need sharpening before their first use, even if they seem sharp.
#4 Store Your Skates Properly
Good storage keeps your skates in great condition.
Find a spot with room temperature and good air flow, and keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.
Put hard guards on the blades and keep them in a breathable skate bag. Don’t use plastic bags or sealed containers – they trap moisture and can lead to rust and mildew.
Try putting moisture-absorbing products in your skate bag to keep everything nice and dry.
Store your skates upright if possible, as this helps air circulation.
Oh and avoid storing them in garages or basements where temperature and humidity can fluctuate dramatically. During off-season storage, check on your skates periodically to ensure no rust or mold is developing.
Also Read: What Equipment Do You Need To Play Hockey?
#5 Avoid Walking On Hard Surfaces
Hard surfaces really aren’t good for your blades – they can quickly dull the edges.
Always put your blade guards on before walking off the ice, and try to do as little walking as possible in your skates.
It’s best to put your skates on close to the rink and take them off before walking around.
When you need to walk, try to step on rubber mats or carpeted areas whenever possible. Even with guards on, avoid walking on concrete, asphalt, or metal surfaces more than necessary.
Consider bringing a portable rubber mat or sitting to put on and remove your skates if your rink doesn’t have adequate rubber matting.
#6 Clean The Inside Of The Boots
Keeping the inside of your boots clean helps prevent odors and keeps them hygienic.
After each skating session, take a clean, slightly damp cloth and wipe down the inside, then let them dry completely.
For a deeper clean, use mild soap, but make sure to dry them thoroughly afterward. .
Remove the insoles regularly to clean underneath them, and consider having a spare set of insoles to rotate between uses.
Boot deodorizers and moisture-wicking products can help keep everything fresh and dry.
If your boots start developing persistent odors, try using activated charcoal deodorizers designed specifically for sports equipment.
#7 Use Anti-Rust Spray
Anti-rust spray gives your blades extra protection against corrosion.
After drying your blades thoroughly, put on a light coat of anti-rust spray, but be careful not to get any on the boots. Clean off any extra spray with a cloth.
This protection is especially helpful if you live somewhere humid or don’t use your skates for long periods.
Apply the spray after every few skating sessions for the best protection.
Make sure to use a product specifically designed for ice skates, as some general anti-rust products might be too harsh.
Also Read: Best Way To Lace Hockey Skates
#8 Check For Loose Screws Regularly
Look at all the screws and rivets on your skates regularly, especially the ones that hold the blade to the boot. Loose hardware can affect how well you skate and could cause accidents.
Use the right tools to tighten loose screws, but don’t make them too tight – that could strip the threads or damage the boot.
If you find any missing or damaged hardware, get it fixed by a professional right away.
Keep a small screwdriver in your skate bag for minor adjustments. Check the mounting screws before each skating session, particularly if you’re planning jumps or spins.
Watch for signs of wear around the screw holes, as this could indicate a need for professional repair.
#9 Replace Worn-Out Laces
Good laces are more important than you might think.
Worn or frayed laces can break while you’re skating and affect your stability.
Check your laces regularly for signs of wear, and get new ones when you see fraying or weakness. Make sure to get the right length and type for your skates.
Waxed laces work really well – they stay tied better and last longer than regular ones.
Keep a spare set of laces in your skate bag for emergencies.
Replace both laces at the same time to maintain even tension across your boots. And consider marking your laces at your preferred tightness points to maintain consistency in how you tie them.
Bottom Line
Taking good care of your skates keeps you safe and helps you perform better.
These nine maintenance tips will help your skates last longer and work their best every time you go skating. Make these a part of your regular skating routine, and your skates will last longer and serve you better.
Remember – regular maintenance prevents problems before they start, which saves you money on repairs and replacement skates.
FAQs
How Often Should I Sharpen My Ice Skates?
It depends on how much you skate, but as a general rule, every 15-20 hours of skating is a good time to get them sharpened. If you feel like you’re sliding too much on the ice or having trouble turning, it’s a sign they need sharpening sooner.
How Do I Prevent My Ice Skates From Rusting?
Dry them off after every use. Wipe down the blades with a towel, and use blade guards when you’re walking off the ice. At home, store your skates in a dry, cool place and take the guards off so moisture doesn’t get trapped.
What’s The Best Way To Store Ice Skates Between Skating Sessions?
Avoid leaving them in your skate bag for too long!
After each use, let them air out so they don’t smell or rust. Use a soft cloth blade cover (not the hard guards) and keep them in a cool, dry place until your next skate.
