Skateboard Pads: How to Keep Them Fresh

Our customers ask us for advice on how to keep their skateboard pads, both skate knee pads and skate elbow pads, (relatively) fresh and clean. 

Here’s some tips for keeping the stink out of your skate pads:

1. Don’t leave your skateboard pads in a bag in the corner.  After your ride, take them out and let them air dry.
2. If your skateboard knee pads really smell, wash them in warm soapy water.  Use a mild soap, and be sure to rinse all the soap out before air drying the pads.
3. For those needing a more…. aggressive approach, try mixing a small amount of vinegar in warm water, and soaking the skate pads in the vinegar water.  Then, air dry.
4. One technique to prevent sweat accumulation in your skateboard knee and elbow pads is cutting the foot off of a pair of tube socks, and then wearing what’s left of the sock as an “inner liner” underneath your knee pads.  At the end of your skate/practice session, throw the socks in the wash.
5. Finally, make sure you DON’T put your pads in a washing machine and/or dryer.  The detergents and heat will damage the padding and velcro straps, reducing the useful life of your skate pads.

Do you have any other ideas that work well for you?  Reply and let other readers know.

JimB