How to Clean Skateboard Bearings Properly & Maintain Them

Nothing kills your skate flow like crunchy bearings. One day your wheels spin forever; the next, they feel like they’re stuffed with gravel. If your board’s slowing down, here’s how to clean your skateboard bearings fast:

Pop them out of the wheels, soak them in rubbing alcohol or bearing cleaner, and let them dry completely. Add a couple of drops of bearing lube, spin them to spread the oil, then put everything back together. It’s simple and it’ll make your board feel brand new.

I learned the value of clean bearings after a soggy night session left my wheels screaming the next day. Since then, keeping them fresh has become part of my routine. As a professional skateboarder, I’ll show you exactly how to clean and maintain your skateboard bearings so you can keep that buttery ride. Let’s dive in and save your setup from the dreaded bearing grind.

What are Skateboard Bearings?

Skateboard bearings are the small rings inside each wheel that enable it to spin quickly and smoothly. Before we jump into cleaning techniques, let’s first understand what skateboard bearings are. Bearings are small, round metal devices that allow the wheels of your skateboard to rotate smoothly. They reduce friction and help you glide without effort.

Inside the wheel: Every wheel hides two bearings hugged by a spacer. They cradle the axle on rows of steel or ceramic balls. Less friction means longer rolls and fewer pushes. Your flow depends on them.

Material options: Most riders use chrome steel because it is tough and affordable. I like it for rough street spots. Ceramic feels lighter and stays cool under heat. So it survives long downhill runs. It also shrugs off rust when you bomb puddles after rain. The price is higher but the spin feels endless.

The deal with ABEC numbers: Boxes shout ABEC 5 or ABEC 7. The scale measures factory precision, not skate magic. A higher number can help, yet grease, cage design, and build quality matter more. I have rolled smoothly on unrated bearings and felt drag on flashy numbers. Trust the real-world feel, not the label alone.

Clean bearings keep speed stable, allowing you to carve after carve. Dirty ones grind and stall mid-trick. Know the parts now so the cleaning steps that follow make sense and feel easy. Love your bearings and the street will reward you with that perfect buttery glide.

How to Clean Skateboard Bearings: Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning your bearings regularly is easy and helps them last longer. Follow these simple steps to keep your wheels spinning like new.

How to Clean Skateboard Bearings properly

Step 1: Remove the Bearings

Start by taking the wheels off your trucks. Use a skate tool or a regular wrench. Hold the board steady and spin off the axle nuts. Now, carefully remove the bearings from the wheels. You can do this with a bearing remover tool, but if you don’t have one, the axle itself works. Gently wedge the edge of the bearing over the axle and lever it out with a slight pull. Don’t force it or you’ll risk damaging the shield or bending the housing.

It takes a bit of finesse, but once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes second nature.

Step 2: Pop Off the Shields

Bearings come with thin shields that block dirt and dust. To clean them right, those shields need to come off. Use a pin, paperclip, or small blade and gently pry them open from the edge. Take your time. You don’t want to bend the shields because putting them back on properly is important for long-term protection. I’ve ruined a couple early on by rushing this step. Lesson learned. Set the shields aside on a clean paper towel so you don’t lose them.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning the Bearings

This is where the real magic happens. Drop your bearings into a small container. If you have a bearing cleaning kit, perfect. If not, use a jar or plastic bottle with a screw-on lid. Fill it with a cleaning solution like isopropyl alcohol (91 percent or higher), acetone, or even citrus-based cleaner if you’re avoiding harsh chemicals.

best way to clean skateboard bearings

Give the container a good shake. Let the bearings soak for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This loosens up the grease, dirt, and any tiny bits of grit inside. If they’re especially grimy, soak them longer or repeat the process.

When I clean mine, I usually listen to a podcast or a couple of skate edits on YouTube while they soak. It makes it more fun and less like a chore.

Step 4: Dry the Bearings Completely

After cleaning, you need to dry every bit of moisture. You can air dry them if you’re not in a rush, or use a microfiber cloth and a blow dryer on low heat. I like to set mine on a clean towel and flip them every few minutes to make sure no liquid stays inside. Never put them back in the wet. That’s how rust starts, and rusted bearings are toast.

Step 5: Lubricate Like a Pro

Now comes the most important part: lubrication. Use a proper skateboard bearing lubricant. Don’t reach for WD-40; it’s not designed for this and can damage the bearing over time. Just one or two drops per bearing is enough. Spin them to distribute the oil evenly inside.

I once over-lubed and ended up attracting more dust than usual. It’s tempting to go heavy, but trust me, less is more here.

Step 6: Put Everything Back Together

Pop the shields back on gently. Then press the bearings back into your wheels. Slide the wheels onto your axles and tighten the nuts. Make sure the wheels spin freely without wiggling too much. Give your board a quick roll test. Feel that difference? That smooth glide? That’s what clean bearings do.

Keeping your bearings clean doesn’t just extend their life, it boosts your whole ride. Whether you’re bombing hills, grinding ledges, or just cruising the street, clean bearings give you that edge. It’s one of those small habits that make you feel more connected to your setup.

I clean mine about once every couple of months, or anytime they start sounding crunchy. If you skate daily, weekly cleaning might be worth it. Your board will thank you, and so will your push.

What is the Best Way to Clean Skateboard Bearings?

The most effective way to clean your bearings is with a proper bearing cleaning kit. These kits hold each bearing in place while the cleaning solution flushes through every part—no shaking, no guesswork. I switched to one after cracking a shield, trying the jar method, and the difference was huge. My wheels spun longer and sounded quieter right away.

Use high-grade isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher) or acetone. These dissolve grime without damaging the metal. Avoid bleach or strong degreasers. I made that mistake once in a late-night garage experiment and ended up with squeaky bearings that barely rolled.

Once cleaned, dry them completely. Air drying works, or you can use a soft towel and a blow dryer on low heat. Then, add just a drop or two of skate-specific lubricant per bearing. Don’t overdo it; too much oil attracts dust.

How to Fix Rusted Skateboard Bearings

If your bearings are rusted, don’t toss them just yet. Start by soaking them in a rust remover or a mix of white vinegar and water (50/50) for at least two hours. Swirl the container every so often to loosen up the rust.

For stubborn orange spots, use extra-fine sandpaper (1000 grit works best). Go easy. The goal is to remove surface rust, not scratch the bearing race. After that, rinse them in clean alcohol, dry them fully, and re-lube like in a regular cleaning.

If they still feel rough or make noise after all that, it’s probably time to replace them. Bearings are cheaper than a bad landing.

How to Clean Skateboard Bearings Without Taking Them Apart

When I’m short on time like between skate clips or after a dusty park session, I do a quick flush. It won’t replace a full clean, but it keeps things smooth until you can go deep.

How to Clean Skateboard Bearings Without Taking Them Apart

Start by holding your board sideways and spraying a skate-safe cleaner into the space between the wheel and axle. Spin the wheel for 10 seconds to let the grime flush out. Wipe off any gunk that drips out, then add a drop of bearing lube. Spin again until things run smoothly.

This quick method clears light dust and moisture, but not packed-in dirt or rust. If your wheel still feels rough after this, it’s time for a full clean.

When I Choose Each Method

Quick flush on weekdays before filming lines. Full tear‑down on a rainy weekend when I can spread parts on the workbench. Alternating the two keeps my setup feeling new without stealing skate time.

How to Maintain Skateboard Bearings for Better Performance

The best way to keep your skateboard bearings fast is to clean them often, oil them lightly, and shield them from moisture. Proper maintenance can help extend the life of your skateboard bearings. Here are some essential tips:

Clean on a schedule: Dirt is the silent speed killer. Strip your bearings once a month or whenever you hear the faint grind. Use high‑grade alcohol or a proper cleaning kit. Spin out every grain. Your wheels should sing, not growl. I learned this after a dusty ditch session left my board crawling home. A quick clean brought the glide back.

Lubricate the right way: Fresh lube cuts friction and blocks rust. Two drops per bearing is enough. I once drowned mine in oil and watched dust stick like sugar on a donut. Light is right. Spin each bearing until it feels like glass. The board will roll farther on every push.

Protect between sessions: Water and humidity breed rust. Never leave your board in a damp garage or the trunk overnight. Slip it into a soft bag and store it somewhere dry. If rain catches you, pat the wheels dry when you get home and give each bearing a few spins to fling out hidden moisture. This habit saved my setup after a surprise shower at the park.

Know when to swap them: A cracked or pitted race will not heal. If a bearing still feels rough after a deep clean and lube, retire it. I keep a spare set in my backpack so a blown bearing never ends a session early. New bearings cost less than the frustration of a sticky wheel mid‑line.

Give your bearings regular love, and every carve will feel smoother, every push easier. Treat them as the heart of your board and they will pay you back with endless speed and quiet confidence on every ride.

Conclusion

Clean bearings keep every session fast and fun. A quick rinse, a drop of oil, and a watchful eye add miles to their life. Make it a habit. Wipe them down after dusty runs. Dry them if you roll through puddles. Swap them out when they feel rough or sound like gravel. Your board will thank you with longer glides and quieter landings. Show your bearings a little love and they will keep you rolling smoothly on every push.

What should I use to clean skateboard bearings?

Use 91% rubbing alcohol or acetone. A bearing cleaning kit makes the job easier. Avoid bleach or strong degreasers. They can damage the metal and shorten the life of your bearings.

Best way to clean skateboard bearings?

Use a proper bearing cleaning kit with isopropyl alcohol. It holds the bearings steady and flushes deep inside. Always dry them completely and re-lubricate before riding again.

Can I clean skateboard bearings with WD-40?

No. WD-40 can leave residue that attracts dust and slows your bearings down. Stick with alcohol or a cleaner made for bearings to keep your setup rolling smoothly.

How often should I clean skateboard bearings?

Clean them every few sessions, especially if you skate in dust, rain, or rough spots. If your wheels start sounding gritty or slow, it’s time for a clean-up. Regular care keeps your board fast.