How to Clean Skateboard Griptape?

Skateboards are your potential source of fun in many imaginable scenarios. There is no better feeling than opening up a new skateboard. It is such a rewarding feeling to peel off that sticker and then step on the sticky, sturdy deck. It is great to step up on the deck and navigate your way around the steady ground. However, it is sad to say that the sticky and sturdy-feeling lasts for barely an hour. We die to get rid of that sticky griptape residue as it keeps us from doing stunts smoothly and flipping around.

You can be out all day performing like a badass skating star, but guess what? The dirty deck is stealing your glam, making you look like a fool. The griptape is the ultimate culprit that collects all the mud and dirt. Now, your feet are not sticking properly to the deck, and it is ruining your charm. How to clean skateboard griptape? This hot and sizzling question needs an immediate answer as many people are unable to get their moves right due to the sticky griptape. We are here to take away your concerns by mentioning a step-by-step guide to clean the skateboard.

Supplies you need to clean the skateboard griptape

You must be wondering How to clean skateboard wheels! Here it is! To clean skateboard griptape as well as wheels, you do need some supplies to get that sticky residue off. There are some supplies that you already have at home. However, you will need to make a quick trip to the grocery store for things that are not available. There are a few ways to get rid of the griptape, but the method also depends on your skateboard. So, stay tuned till the end to find out which method works for you perfectly. Let’s have a look at the things you need to get rid of the annoying sticky griptape.

Removing an old griptape is a tedious task that requires a few supplies that can cost you up to $10 or more. The first thing you need to get your hands on is a piece of natural rubber, which helps take the tape’s sticky residue and refurbish the deck’s surface. A soft wire brush is also an essential thing as it will help you scrub off the tape’s residue gently without scratching the deck. A soft microfiber cloth is always a lifesaver as it helps in wiping down the deck after the deed is down and keeping dust at bay. There are multiple deck cleaning methods, and the things you need depend on the method you choose. Water, a blow dryer, and a sponge can also come in handy depending upon the mess you make.

What to expect when cleaning a skateboard’s griptape?

Cleaning the skateboard’s griptape is not the most straightforward task as you can make a big mess. To clean the griptape, a person has to make the griptape feel sticky again. Yes, you heard that right; it is essential to apply some water or some kind of liquid to make the tape feel sticky to remove it quickly.

When you are cleaning the griptape, it is crucial to be as gentle with the longboard as possible. Do not damage the griptape or the deck under any circumstances. When you handle your griptape gently without damaging it, you do not have to pay extra money to buy a new griptape for replacement. However, there are many cheaper options available online which you can look at if you damage the griptape. If you are looking to maintain your longboard’s newness, you better stick back your griptape professionally.

How to Clean Skateboard griptape at home?

A grip tape cleaner seems like a good option when you are in a hurry. However, not every griptape cleaner provides you with a spotless clean deck. People also use readily available grip gum to stick the griptape back on. However, it is crucial to be mindful and follow a few precise steps if you want to have a spotless clean deck. Do we have a few tips that will genuinely help you eliminate the skateboard griptape at home and a better answer to How to clean skateboard grip tape at home?

• Step 1: use rubber for the removal of surface curd

Rubber is one of the most used things when it comes to the removal of griptape and its annoying residue. An individual can quickly get their hands on a pure rubber piece as available in most local stationery shops. The better way to use a rubber piece is to rub it on the deck surface to eliminate dirt, dust, and sticky residue. It also helps eliminate any unwanted grip tape invaders that stick to the surface and are hard to take off under any circumstances.

 

• Step 2: use a soft wire brush

It is the worst nightmare of a skateboard owner to have scratches all over their deck when trying to remove the griptape residue. Well, believe it or not, there are many instances where people ruin their perfect deck because they use a window cleaning solution and toothbrush. If you are one of the people who use window cleaning solutions, then you must stop then. Instead, run to your local hardware store and get your hands on the soft wire brush. The brush not only removes the hard residue it also helps in protecting your skateboard against nasty scratches.

• Step 3: use a microfiber cloth

Microfiber cloth or muslin cloth is all the rage at the moment due to how gentle they are. You want to treat your skateboard or anything you own with care. Hence, a microfiber cloth is the right thing to use when you are wiping down your skateboard’s deck. A person can clean or wipe off the dirt from their longboard with a microfiber cloth as it helps in quickly getting rid of the residue on it. It is essential to have a clean longboard for better grip and performance.

How to clean a longboard with a semi-permeable griptape? 

Are you looking for an answer to how to clean the bottom of a skateboard? Worry not, as we’ve come up with all the steps. There are some longboards with semi-permeable griptape that can take all your strength to clean them. However, you do not have to sweat over it and use small tricks to remove the griptape easily. Let’s have a look at these little tricks.

Method 1: get rid of griptape with a blow dryer

It is beyond some people’s imagination that they can get rid of griptape using a blow dryer. However, you can do so if you follow some of our hidden tricks. So, let’s begin!

• Step 1: blow-dry your deck

The first step to getting rid of the skateboard’s deck tape is to blow dry your deck for at least 30 seconds to a minute. The steady heat of the blow dryer’s constant heat is excellent in melting the glue and making the deck sticky again.

When you feel like the griptape glue is melting, take this opportunity to peel the deck tape completely. It should come off quickly; otherwise, you can use something sharp to scrape off the excess griptape while the glue is still hot. This peeling process can be messy and all over the place, but it gets the job done.

• Step 2: scrape off the unwanted residue

There is some glue or sticky residue that remains behind even after you are done with cleaning the griptape. So, how to clean the skateboard griptape without a rubber? You can take any sharp object and start to scrape off the unwanted residue gently. While the griptape glue is still tacky, the residue will come off without any hassle.

• Step 3: final wipe down

The final wipe down is merely cleaning the deck and removing all dust and dirt collected during the griptape removal process. Use a microfiber or a muslin cloth as it is gentle for the skateboard and does not leave any streaks.

Method 2: warm water

• Step 1: Remove the wheels

To clean the longboard’s griptape with the warm water method, you need to unscrew the wheels with a screwdriver’s help. The wheel removal process is simple, yet it can take some time.

• Step 2: soaking the deck

After removing the wheels, a user must keep all the screws safely. Afterward, dip the deck in warm water, make sure the water temperature is not too hot. Soak the deck for at least 3 to 4 minutes before peeling the griptape. The griptape should come off very quickly after the soaking process.

• Step 3: residue removal

A person can use a soft wire brush or their fingernails to remove the skateboard’s residue. Lastly, use a muslin cloth to wipe off the sticky residue and dust.

Conclusion

How to clean skateboard griptape is the most asked question of any person who loves skateboarding. The answer to the question is simple, and a person must follow a few steps to achieve a clean slate. It is undoubtedly a tedious process and requires a lot of effort to keep the skateboard clean. However, you get the perfect grip and all your moves right when you remove the annoyingly sticky griptape.

Bonus Video

Clean Skateboard & Longboard Grip Tape

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