I believe every longboard rider wants his/her skateboard or a longboard to look attractive, clean, and dust-free. The cleaning of a longboard, its grip tape, wheels, and bearings is something that is compulsory for both newbies and pro riders. That’s the reason why most of the beginners are demanding the procedure of how to clean grip tape.
Keeping the board parts clean is the rider’s duty, and when it comes to cleaning the grip tape, a little more consistency can help grip-tape work more efficiently than ever. In addition, when you keep cleaning the tape after every few rides, you’ll feel the increased traction caused by freshly cleared grip tape.
Grip Tape Cleaning Procedure
Like longboard wheels, bearings, and bushings, you need to clean the grip tape as well after some time. Riding your longboard continuously without cleaning its grip tape will result in peeling off the tape over it, or it does not stick to the deck anymore. There are two tips that you must follow, firstly, you need a good grip tape and secondly, you should clean it on weekly basis.
Things you need to clean dirty grip tape
If you plan to replace the previous grip tape with a newer one every time, you’ll have to spend a lot monthly. Instead, if you keep our suggested essentials in the bag, you’ll not only save bucks but also increase the longevity of the skateboard’s grip tape. So, first you need to have some essential items before you start cleaning your grip tape.
A grip tape gum, a wire brush, and a cloth made up of microfiber will help you remove dirt and increase traction inside your existing grip tape. There are three different practices that can do what we want to achieve. Each method is briefly explained here to help you get the best possible results.
1. Using Grip Tape Gum Cleaner
For last few months, we have been finding the best solutions on how to clean grip tape. During that time, we noticed that gum is the quickest and most adopted way of cleaning dirty cover. Find the most suitable gum from nearby hardware stores. This gum has the ability to remove every bit of dust from anything, including covers of longboards or skateboard grip tapes.
You need to keep rubbing the gum around the dust appearing on deck, and the gum will absorb it to result in a cleaned surface. Most importantly, this method keeps the same grip in your tape if you wish to go for a quick ride. In short, if you use grip tape gum to clean your longboard’s grip tape, it will save dollars for you with a quick cleaning procedure.
2. Using Water & Brush
Recently, many people complained about witnessing crust-type mud over the grip tape of their longboard and skateboard. If you are experiencing something like that, this method will help you clear everything in a quick way. Interestingly, your rides will go the same way like before.
Moreover, it would be best to have a brass-like brush or a hard toothbrush, water, and a towel. Dip the brush into a bucket of water, make it wet enough to clean stuff, rub the surface which contains mud with the help of a damp brush, and now use a towel for cleaning extracted debris. After removing debris, use grip gum to clean the tape completely.
3. Using Dryer & Towel
The last procedure of cleaning longboard’s grip tape is by using dryer and the towel. Most professional skate comrades have surely stepped on waxed surfaces to push the longboard. Removing wax from grip tape is quite challenging, and we recommend you to opt this method for proper cleaning of grip tape.
Firstly, you need a hair dryer that can generate the heat you are going to need later. The heat will be enough to melt the wax placed on the grip tape. As soon as the wax starts melting, use a towel to remove it from the standing surface.
Benefits of Longboard Grip Tape and Cleaning it
Cleaning your longboard’s grip tape does not only make your longboard attractive but helps in other ways as well. First of all, it makes your board and deck look fresh and improves your rides. Secondly, it prevents the continuous spending of money or newer grip tapes. Below are some of the most exciting advantages of renewing the grip tape that we noted during the research session.
Tips to Keep the Grip Tape Newer
1. Keep your deck away from the dirt and avoid riding it in wet conditions.
2. Always buy a waterproof grip tape.
3. Clean the tape using an old piece of cloth or towel every time you come back after the ride.
FAQs
Should you put grip tape on the longboard?
Putting the grip tape on a longboard is essential in various ways. Firstly, it helps in providing you the stability during rides. Secondly, it keeps the friction alive between your shoes and deck. Most importantly, you get complete control over your rides, including quick stopping, turns, etc.
How much do longboard grip tapes cost?
Grip tapes cost around $15-20 and are beneficial in various ways.
Are longboard grip tapes replaceable?
Yes, three different ways can help you replace the tape as many times as you want to. Also, it is highly recommended for both newbies and experienced skaters.
Conclusion
We insist all our skating fellows either have a new grip tape or clean the older one after some time as we have noticed some extraordinary advantages of replacing the tape to the deck. Bring more stability and control to your rides by cleaning the grip tape. Above, we have discussed how to clean grip tape with three more accessible methods. Please read all of them and select the one you think is easy to implement.
