Cleaning a surfboard can be a difficult task, but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, we will show how you how to clean your surfboard with just 5 simple steps.
We recommend that you start by removing the fins from the board and then remove all wax and sanding residue from the bottom of the board (the side without any logos).
You should also make sure to wash off any salt or other minerals on both sides of the board before storing it away for next season. If you follow these simple steps, your surfboard will last much longer!
Cleaning a surfboard: Practical Guide
Things you must have:
- Hairdryer
- Wax comb or something similar with sharp end
- Warm water
- Cloth & Towel
- Surfboard Cleaning spray
- Coconut oil
1. Put the board in sunlight to melt old surf wax
The first step to clean a surfboard is to remove all of the old wax. One way to do this is to put the board in direct sunlight and let the heat melt the wax. There should be enough heat to liquefy the wax and then you can use a wax comb or scraper to remove it all.
If there is not enough sunlight or it’s a rainy day, you can use a hairdryer on the highest temperature settings to heat up the wax and then scrape it off.
2. Make diagonal lines with wax comb
Next, you should remove the melted wax by making diagonal lines with wax combs. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be clogging up the board.
You can also make your own wax comb by first sanding the board down, then applying a flat layer of wax to it. Let the wax dry, then use a sharp object to carve out the desired shape of your comb. You would to have your own pickle wax remover!
3. Use warm water to remove wax
Wash off any remaining wax or dirty wax with warm water. Don’t scrub too hard, you could damage the board. You can use a soft cloth or sponge to help with this step. Once it’s clean, let it air dry in the sun. Avoid leaving your surfboard in direct sunlight for an extended period of time, as this can cause the foam to warp or dry out.
Don’t use dish soap or wax remover to clean your surfboard as it can damage the board and make future slide ability difficult. Avoid using a toothbrush, as this could also cause warping of the foam core under the fiberglass exterior.
4. Use a surfboard cleaner spray and apply coat
It’s important to clean your surfboard regularly using a surfboard cleaning spray to keep it looking and performing its best. After each use, rinse off any sand or dirt with fresh water.
Then, apply a coat of the surfboard cleaning spray to the entire board, making sure to pay special attention to the top and bottom of the deck, railings, and fins. Let the spray dry for about 30 minutes before using your board again.
The surfboard cleaning spray will help maintain the board’s integrity and prevent against deterioration from salt, sand, dirt, or dust.
5. Apply coconut oil all over the board
After you have completed all of the steps, it is important to apply a layer of coconut oil all over the surfboard. This will help to protect the wood and keep it looking new.
Coconut oil also has a nice, tropical smell! Apply it liberally and let it soak in. You can then give your surfboard a final wipe-down and you’re done!
Re-wax
Now that your surfboard is clean, you will want to apply a new basecoat and topcoat. Make sure the basecoat is completely dry before applying the top coat.
You can use a variety of top coats, but I recommend using coconut oil to protect the board and keep it looking new.
How Often Should You Clean Your Surfboard?
You want to keep your surfboard shining, right? If you find yourself asking “how often should I wax my board?” the answer is once every month or two.
That might sound like a lot if you’re not using any other type of maintenance steps, but when your board starts to look dull there are also some other factors in play besides just time.
If your toes start dragging on the ground when you walk, then it’s time for a wax job. It’s common that the foot pad will pick up small debris during sessions, thus creating dry spots that can lead to problems down the road.
Without anything to wipe down the surface of your surfboard after use, gradually dirt and dust will accumulate, which can make your wax less effective and compromise the performance of your board.
The good news is that a fresh coat of wax can go a long way in restoring its former glory, so if it’s been a while since you’ve given your board some TLC then now is as good a time as any! Just follow these simple steps:
Clean the surfboard surface with water and a cloth (or surfboard cleaners) to remove any loose debris or dirt.
Apply a thin coat of surfboard wax to the entire top deck of the board using a soft cloth or sponge. Be sure to apply evenly and avoid any thick buildups.
Allow the wax to dry for about 15 minutes before using your board.
Go surf and have fun!
Should I Clean a Damaged Surfboard?
No, you should not clean a damaged surfboard. A surfboard needs to be properly fixed first before it can be cleaned properly. If the surfboard is not fixed and you try to clean it, you may damage it even more.
If your surfboard only has minor damages, then these are the three actionable steps that you can take to clean it:
Step One: Remove any loose debris on the surface of the board with sticky bumps wax remover.
Step Two: Soak a cloth in warm water and wipe down the entire surface of the board.
Step Three: Apply a light coating of wax to the surface of the board (optional).
Closing Thoughts
If you’re a new surfer, the process of learning how to clean a surfboard can seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to be!
In this article, we’ve outlined three actionable steps that will help you get your board sparkling clean in no time. So what are you waiting for?
Get started today and enjoy surfing on a clean board all season long!