How to Clean Plastic Quad Skates Properly
- Pablo
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
A Complete Guide for Bauer X-LS, X-LP, NS, NSX, Supreme Turbo 33 and Ventro Pro Skates
One of the biggest advantages of plastic hockey-style roller skates is their durability. Models such as the Bauer X-LS, Bauer X-LP, Bauer NS, Bauer NSX, Supreme Turbo 33 Classic and Ventro Pro skates are tough, lightweight and ideal for recreational skating.
However, like any skate, they can quickly become dirty, smelly and uncomfortable if not maintained properly.
The good news is that keeping them clean is surprisingly easy. In this guide we'll show you the exact process we use to freshen up used skates before they leave the Pabloskates workshop.
Why Do Plastic Skates Start To Smell?
The smell isn't usually caused by dirt.
It's caused by moisture.
Every skating session produces sweat which gets trapped inside the liner and padding. Over time this creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow, leading to unpleasant odours.
If left untreated you may notice:
Musty smells
Black spots on liners
Discoloured padding
Persistent dampness
Increased wear to the boot lining
Fortunately, all of these problems can be reduced with regular cleaning.
Step 1: Remove Bobbles with a Fabric Shaver
If your skates have seen plenty of use, the liner material will often become bobbled and rough.
A fabric shaver is one of the easiest ways to make old skates look almost new again.
Simply run the fabric shaver over:
Ankle padding
Tongues
Liner material
Heel areas
The shaver removes loose fibres and bobbles without damaging the material underneath.
This instantly improves the appearance of older skates and can make them feel more comfortable too.
Step 2: Apply Anti-Fungal Spray
After removing loose fibres, it's time to tackle the microorganisms responsible for odours.
A good anti-fungal spray helps eliminate:
Fungus
Mould spores
Bacteria
Pay particular attention to:
Toe box areas
Ankle padding
Tongues
Heel pockets
Allow the spray to soak into the liner before moving on to the next stage.
This step is especially important if you regularly skate outdoors or store your skates in a damp environment.
Step 3: White Vinegar Wash
This is our favourite trick for bringing tired skates back to life.
Mix a solution of:
50% white vinegar
50% warm water
Lightly spray or wipe the inside lining of the skate.
White vinegar helps:
Neutralise odours
Kill bacteria
Break down sweat residue
Remove lingering smells
Don't soak the boot.
A light application is all that's needed.
Once applied, leave the skates somewhere warm and well ventilated to dry naturally.
Avoid using direct heat sources such as radiators, tumble dryers or hair dryers as excessive heat can damage glues and padding.
Step 4: Finish with a Skate Deodoriser
Once the skates are completely dry, finish the process with a dedicated skate deodoriser.
A deodoriser helps:
Keep skates smelling fresh
Reduce future odours
Absorb moisture between sessions
Many skaters apply deodoriser after every skate session as part of their regular maintenance routine.
It's a small habit that can dramatically extend the life of your skates.
Preventing Odours in the Future
The easiest way to keep your skates fresh is prevention.
After every skate session:
Loosen the laces fully
Pull the tongue forward
Allow the skates to air dry
Never leave them in a sealed bag
Store them somewhere dry
Even ten minutes of airflow can make a huge difference.
Suitable for Most Plastic Roller Skates
This cleaning process works well on:
Bauer X-LS
Bauer X-LP
Bauer NS
Bauer NSX
Supreme Turbo 33 Classic
Ventro Pro
Most plastic hockey-style roller skates
Regular cleaning not only improves hygiene but can also extend the life of the liners and padding, keeping your skates looking and feeling their best for years to come.
Need Help Restoring Your Skates?
At Pabloskates we regularly refurbish and restore used roller skates and hockey skates. Whether your skates need a deep clean, new wheels, fresh bearings or a complete rebuild, we're always happy to help.
If you're unsure about the condition of your skates, send us a few photos and we'll point you in the right direction.
Comments