How to Clean Cross Country Skis
Dirt, wax from the skis of others, and other gunk can build up on your cross-country skis--mainly in the grip zone, which has crevices and ridges if unwaxed. Located in the center of your ski base under the binding, the grip zone, also called the "kick zone," grips the snow when you ski. The glide zone defines the rest of the ski base. Cross-country skis, or classical skis, have a glide zone at the front and the back of the ski. Keeping your cross-country skis clean after each outing ensures better performance and more enjoyable, faster cross-country skiing.
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Things You'll Need
- Mask
- Vinyl gloves
- Plastic scraper
- Wax remover
- Synthetic cloth
- Glider wax for temperatures over 32 degrees Fahrenheit
- Citrus cleaner
- Rubbing alcohol
- Clean, absorbent rags
- Scrub pads
Instructions
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Wax Remover Method
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1
Put on a mask and open all windows in the room where you plan to clean your cross-country skis. You need proper ventilation when using wax remover.
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2
Apply wax remover to your ski bases after putting on vinyl gloves.
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3
Scrape as much wax as possible off your ski bases using a plastic scraper. Repeat if needed.
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Wipe off the base using a synthetic cloth. Synthetic cloths, meaning cloth made of artificial materials including rayon, polyester and acrylic, will not leave lint on your base. Let the wax remover evaporate, which takes about five minutes.
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5
Throw out the soaked cloths containing wax remover as soon as possible. Although federal law allows you to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests you contact the environmental or waste agency in your area for instructions on household hazardous waste disposal. The EPA also supports you attending household hazardous waste collection programs rather than throw such waste in the trash.
Citrus Cleaner Method
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Apply a citrus-based cleaner to your cross-country ski base. This citrus solvent removes the grip wax from your skis. Citrus cleaners are less expensive than traditional wax removers and can be purchased in bulk. Citrus cleaners are also safe to use.
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Scrub your ski base with the citrus cleaner using a scrub pad or absorbent rags.
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Apply rubbing alcohol to your base using a clean rag, wiping across the length of your ski base. Allow your skis to sit for 20 minutes, so the alcohol can evaporate.
Hot Wax Method
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Heat the glider wax, using an electric waxing iron. Let the wax drip onto the ski base.
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Distribute the wax evenly across the base, using your waxing iron. Continue ironing for two to three minutes without stopping.
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Scrape the wax gently using a plastic scraper while the wax is hot. Let the wax cool, then repeat the hot waxing process two to three more times.
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12
Clean the base using wax remover, then wipe it off using a synthetic cloth.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase liquid wax remover in a scented gel or spray to clean your cross-country skis.
Keep the wax remover, which is flammable, away from all heat sources, including torches and waxing irons.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Powder Mountain 5 image by KETibbitts from Fotolia.com
