How to REALLY clean skates that stink like crap

[louierev07 31]

I bought a pair of skates off ebay to convert to rollerblades. (X:60's for 60 bucks)

They smell pretty terrible, and I would like to give them a really good cleaning.

In the past I have been cautious with my skates, because I dont want to damage them in any way by whatever cleaning method I used. I feel like I can be a little more adventurous with these since I got them for so cheap.

When I wash my other gear, Ive had the best results hand scrubbing with some type of dish washing detergent, and then putting them in the dishwasher for a "disinfect" cycle. They come out without even a trace of smell - literally they smell like clean dishes. I think the heat is enough to kill the bacteria, and everything else gets washed out while in there.

I would like to do something similar with the skates, but I dont think putting them in the dishwasher is an option. (or maybe it is?)

I know heat will kill the bacteria, but the skate will also break down in high heat, so i think thats out. I could try soaking them in water and bleach or something similar, and then rinsing and drying them out as fast as I can (I bought the rocket drying system not too long ago, so I could get them dry pretty quick.)

I know I could always spray them with something, and then keep doing it until the smell is gone, but I feel like thats more of a treatment than a "cure" for the stink.

Lemme know what you think I should try.

[jimmy 194]

If they are that bad, it's going to be tough to get rid of the odor, it's probably "burnt" in. The antibacterial sprays are good, they will kill the bacteria, that's the main goal. I say, spray them over and over again, better fill a bucket with water and pour a whole bottle of spray in there and let it sit a couple of days, then fan dry for 24 hrs. Trust me, I've been commercially sanitizing hockey equipment for 13 yrs, that's the best you are going to get.

[McDugan 89]

Agree with 'Jimmy' - I had a similar situation and 1/2 febreeze and rubbing alcohol sprayed very lliberally maybe every 2-3 days for a week or so did the trick for me.

[laserrobottime 149]

I use a product called odor balance (I think they changed the name to hex protect or something like that) overtime and it gets the funk out very well.

[louierev07 31]

If they are that bad, it's going to be tough to get rid of the odor, it's probably "burnt" in. The antibacterial sprays are good, they will kill the bacteria, that's the main goal. I say, spray them over and over again, better fill a bucket with water and pour a whole bottle of spray in there and let it sit a couple of days, then fan dry for 24 hrs. Trust me, I've been commercially sanitizing hockey equipment for 13 yrs, that's the best you are going to get.

Will soaking the entire skate for what long damage the boot at all? Like I said I can afford to be a little aggressive and take a chance with these since I only spent $60 on them.

And as far as putting them in the dishwasher - will that damage the boot as well? Im pretty confident that the dishwasher will do the best job as far as getting the smell out goes - but I just dont know if that will ruin the boot. If soaking them in water really doesnt kill the boot, then the only thing I would have to worry about is the really high temperatures in the dishwasher. Will glues unbond, and stuff break down in that kind of heat?

I could also try to simulate what the dishwasher does outside of the dishwasher, by scrubbing by hand, soaking, and then rinsing with extremely hot water a few times over. This way it would be a little more gentle on the boots.

If you think the dishwasher wont kill them Im thinking about popping them in tomorrow and seeing what happens.

Lemme know what you think!

[x-axis 44]

a couple tips on my end....remove everything first that you know you can replace easily such as laces, footbeds and possibly skate tongues depending on the condition....the general rule for me has been to let them air out outside but not in direct sunlight. then use a soft scrubber that can dab and absorb moisture....do this a number of times to the inside liner.

antibacterial sprays only cover up the smell temporarily.

i'm also too big of a a pussy to put my skates in the dishwasher. i'd rather hose them down outside minus the tongues and let them dry tongues out, tilted down toes facing up.

[louierev07 31]

a couple tips on my end....remove everything first that you know you can replace easily such as laces, footbeds and possibly skate tongues depending on the condition....the general rule for me has been to let them air out outside but not in direct sunlight. then use a soft scrubber that can dab and absorb moisture....do this a number of times to the inside liner.

antibacterial sprays only cover up the smell temporarily.

i'm also too big of a a pussy to put my skates in the dishwasher. i'd rather hose them down outside minus the tongues and let them dry tongues out, tilted down toes facing up.

you think I should give the dishwasher a shot? I mean - the only thing im worried about is the heat. After its done, I can get them almost completely dry in a few hours since I have the rocket sport dryer now.

I know I can get a pretty decent result without the dishwasher, but since I only paid 60 bucks for these, I feel like I can definitely get a better result in there. I just dont wanna do it if its pretty much guaranteed that they'll break.

[x-axis 44]

may be read up on the esporta machines first. they are used to wet wash hockey equipment professionally.

here is a link to a company I know that have them, there must be some in Connecticut. Here is their process.

http://www.supercleangear.com/cleaningProcess.html

An old out of business company presoaks their skates first, before washing...

[McDugan 89]

I would only use the dishwasher or any soaking method as an absolute last resort. Why not try the less risky methods first?

[louierev07 31]

I would only use the dishwasher or any soaking method as an absolute last resort. Why not try the less risky methods first?

Because Ive used other methods on other skates and equipment, and everything ive seen or used besides washing is more of a treatment than a cure for stink. My last skates I stunk up pretty bad, and after spraying continuously and leaving in the car a few times, they smell OK now, but it took a long time, and it doesnt smell completely better. The dishwasher kills and washes out everything.

may be read up on the esporta machines first. they are used to wet wash hockey equipment professionally.

here is a link to a company I know that have them, there must be some in Connecticut. Here is their process.

http://www.supercleangear.com/cleaningProcess.html

An old out of business company presoaks their skates first, before washing...

Thanks for the link. Actually just found a place in Hamden CT that has the esporta machine, so Im gonna try to call and see how much and at all today. If its reasonable, ill probably just do that.

I just really would like to try the dishwasher since I know it gives such a clean and good smelling result (and you can do it at home), but I dont know how a 160 degree cycle would affect the boot.

[louierev07 31]

Just dropped them off today, will have them back monday. Will report back on how well it works.

[jimmy 194]

The Esporta wash is OK, antibacterial soap, just like all the antibacterial sprays. But funk is funk and nothing gets rid of it, that smell comes back, perhaps not as bad but it never goes away. Gear does not need to be scrubbed, dishwasher is unnecessary. After you get it back from esporta, fan dry it for 24 hrs. The moisture from washing gets trapped between the layers, and it a haven for bacteria to grow. Dry the heck out of it.

[x-axis 44]

I had used an esporta machine on everything but my skates. For anyone wanting to do it and is curious, it does loosen up your gear making it feel wider and softer. I would never do it with my gloves ever again. Could be specific to the defunct company I had used but doubtful.

I am curious about skates though, certain things I am not brave enough to do because of the cost I put in.

[jimmy 194]

I had used an esporta machine on everything but my skates. For anyone wanting to do it and is curious, it does loosen up your gear making it feel wider and softer. I would never do it with my gloves ever again. Could be specific to the defunct company I had used but doubtful.

I am curious about skates though, certain things I am not brave enough to do because of the cost I put in.

You are correct, washing is never the best for equipment, it does break equipment down, but also the trapped water inside causes abrasion as well. Protective equipment is almost impossible to fully dry.

[x-axis 44]

You are correct, washing is never the best for equipment, it does break equipment down, but also the trapped water inside causes abrasion as well. Protective equipment is almost impossible to fully dry.

I never said washing is never the best. In many cases, it actually is when you purchase second hand or pro stock that is used. The care in which the cleaning company takes care of your equipment is far different from the way you would due to the volume they deal with and "knowing" how much you spent to purchase it.

Nothing get equipment as clean as washing it.

[AussieFlyersFan 0]

I was at my LHS the other day getting my skates sharpened and the guy recommended putting them in the freezer overnight to kill the smell. I'm yet to try it but maybe give that a go.